GENESIS

The floodgates for Genesis pop had been opened, and we get one of their strongest pop era albums, not that this means it is essential, by any means. I could very well say that it is a bare album, even for pop, and the best moments are of lush complexity, which pop up way too often.

Mama is a fine opener, I suppose. The dark and simplistic synth pumping almost dance feel is supplemented with Collins' fine vocals. That blank laughing at the middle, though. That's all is radio clear pop rock, with a clear hook feel, and a somewhat nice beat. Another disappointment, in the grand scheme, but the music is at least tolerable. Kind of catchy, even. I prefer this over Mama, mainly because it doesn't have banal laughing, the lyrics take a blow, though.

Moving on from a somewhat disappointing beginning, we have the main reason for this record's existence. Home By The Sea is easily the album's high water mark. Dark and post punk atmosphere, poetic lyrics and impassioned vocals, with more progressive leanings. It is haunting, and makes every other song on the album seem unnecessary and weak. Just listen to the album up to here, and go listen to Selling England...

To be fair, there are still some average and moderately mediocre melodies and sounds to be found in the rest. Second Home By The Sea is epic keyboard pop. Illegal Alien sucks. Sorry, this song is boring and uneventful, not to mention the main theme is about as solid as a bag of mush. Still, it doesn't sound absolutely terrible.

Taking It All Too Hard is more restrained "adult contemporary" style pop, and feels the same as almost every other track to be found, here. It doesn't offend, but look elsewhere for amazement. Just A Job To Do sounds even more forced and radio processed than Illegal Alien, not to mention it is generic as ever. I've heard this same sound too many times, and that wonky keyboard run makes me gag. One of the worst pieces, although somewhat redeemed by Phil's fine vocal delivery.

Silver Rainbow tries to be a bit darker, but it doesn't come off so well. The composition is lackluster, and the lyrics could be far better. Weak and generic pop rock with a thick and danceable beat. I kind of like it, though. True, most everything here could easily be enjoyed in the right context, but none of it really grabs you or gives you any sort of emotional sway, save for a certain track or two. It's Gonna Get Better is another pop ballad, and only redeemed by having a cohesive atmosphere, and Collin's fine singing, that high register is a bit weak, though.

In all, the songs are high quality pop, and the atmospheres present, while not that deep, are somewhat enjoyable. Oh, and Home By The Sea is superb. Still proof that Genesis, no matter what genre they were hopping into (or limping) they were doing it with at least the feel of hard work, which is why I have decided to give this album three stars. High quality pop, with a couple throwaway songs, and a couple positive highlights.

Best Song - Home By The Sea

Worst Song - Illegal Alien

*** Weak Stars

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