...AND THEN THERE WERE THREE...

Once again Genesis find themselves having to survive the loss of a key member (Steve Hackett), and taking it all in their stride. Some fans hated this album and saw it as the beginning of the end. I would disagree. There was clearly a conscious effort to write shorter songs on ATTWT, while trying to avoid losing the power and melody that was typical to the genesis sound. Writing songs as individuals rather than as a group, is also very much in evidence. Possibly a reaction to Steve going. Although it should be said, Mike Rutherfords bold decision to play lead guitar pays off impressively. There are some absolute classics on this album, starting with the opener 'Down and out' one of my favourite Genesis songs of all time. In 5/4 time, in chugs along with aheavy down beat before building to an uplifting and memourable chorus. The track also features some of Tony Banks' best work on the album, both interms of chords and soloing. 'Burning Rope' is another all time Genesis classic IMO as are 'Deep in the Motherlode' and 'Say its alright, Joe' AND 'The lady lies' All full of Genesis melancholy and melodrama. The album as a whole is rich in melody and mood, but is more accessable than 'Wind & Wuthering'. IMO it's just as good an album, but for different reasons. Its also more tunefull, but less commercial than 'Duke' its successor. With the exception of 'Scenes from a nights dream' and 'Follow you follow me' there is not a weak track on ATTWT. For all those who snubbed this album first time around I highly reccomend you give it another go. Listern to it LOUD and without prejudice and you may find that all things that made Genesis great before were still there, in force, but in a more concise, and tastefully modernised package.