...AND THEN THERE WERE THREE...

Genesis continues to slowly morph into a different kind of band with "And Then There Were Three". Gone are Steve Hackett and the epics with long instrumental passages. Contrary to many opinions, Genesis does not turn into a pop band here. This is the third and last album of the Tony Banks era where he dominates the songwriting and walls of keyboards are the dominating sound. They still have their hands on prog with many of the songs but they are shorter and more concise. Sadly, many listened to the hit Follow You, Follow Me and did not bother with the rest of the album. There is nothing wrong with that song or the rest of the album either. Undertow, is beautiful and nostalgic when contemplating the last days of your life. It is in the same vein as Wind and Wutherings Afterglow, and it's a gem. The Lady Lies is another Banks song that really works . It's another story song that Genesis has always done well. You can include several other tracks (Snowbound and Down and Out which also has a very interesting playing from Messrs Rutherford and Collins). Many Too Many has a super melody. Really, there is not a bad song here although the production is a bit muddy at times.

This is my introduction to Genesis. It's an excellent album, but not quite a 5.

4 stars.