ABACAB

I consider this CD the band's first 'through-and-through' pop album, a point in time when COLLINS made no qualms about it and decided once and for all to make GENESIS his back-up band. Gone are the long, inspired symphonic compositions of yore. While still containing traces of the group's progressive past, the album is primarily filled with streamlined melodies and a few catchy tunes that managed to make the top 40's at the time. However, the overwhelming PHILLY influence sadly relegates a group of virtuoso musicians to a backing group and as a result, no one really cares to hear those ditties twenty odd years later. Even TONY BANKS' gem "Me and Sarah Jane" sounds contrived within this context. Don't get me wrong: "Abacab" was a fine pop album. However, when you know what the boys are capable of, it's enough to make you want to pull your progger's hair off. Aieeeee!!! (rushing out of the room, ears covered with both hands).