...AND THEN THERE WERE THREE...

This is a significant record for a couple of reasons. First and most importantly it's the first record after the departure of Steve Hackett (as the title of the album implies). This also would be the last studio album that GENESIS would use mellotron on. Tony Banks would use the beloved mellotron on the song "Many Too Many". My favourite two tracks are "Snowbound" and "Undertow". The keyboard playing of Tony Banks is probably what stands out the most on this album for me and of course Phil's vocals.There is something about the overall sound of this record that takes me to a good place. Hard to explain really, but this is a special album for me. It's interesting too that the single "Follow You Follow Me" doesn't sound like it belongs here, it's different from all the rest but I still like it.

My least favourite track is the opener "Down And Out". I swear I thought this recording was defective the first time I heard it, the way it seems so chopped up in places. "Undertow" hits the spot for me. It's a Banks composition. Fragile vocals and keys. Sounds like mellotron too here. A full sound before a minute.The chorus just breaks me. Themes are repeated. Beautiful track. "Ballad Of Big" has a nice intro. it kicks in at 40 seconds. Once again a great chorus and song. "Snowbound" is a Rutherford song. It opens with fragile vocals in a mellow soundscpae.the chorus melts me. "Hey there's a snowman...".

"Burning Rope" is a great Banks tune with some nice drumming to open. I like the synths too. Vocals after a minute. Nice guitar after 4 minutes. "Deep In The Motherlode" is a feel good song for me, just listen... "Many Too many" opens with piano as mellotron comes in, then reserved vocals followed by drums. A fuller sound on the chorus. I like this one a lot. "Scenes From A Night's Dream" has some energy and harmonies too. "Say it's Alright Joe" is mellow with fragile vocals. It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes. Nice. The contrasts continue. "Lady Lies" has a releaxing beat with organ as Phil sings. Lots of synths after 3 minutes. "Follow You Follow Me" is obviously a shot at a hit song. I like it anyway.

This album takes me to a good place everytime.