TURN IT ON AGAIN - THE HITS

This was the first Genesis album I attained, and I must say, I like it. Though it does disappoint me to find that Peter Gabriel was only featured on two songs, "I Know What I Like" and "The Carpet Crawlers 1999," I really don't blame Genesis for this decision. The album is greatly run on pop songs, but those are the gems that got the band famous. Personally, it wouldn't be a greatest hits album if it didn't contain the greatest hits, right?

Some notable songs I'd like to point out are "Mama," "Follow You Follow Me," and "The Carpet Crawlers 1999." The inclusion of the first song was surprising; the rhythm is based off of a distorted drum loop, heavy synth, and Phil Collins laugh (I can imagine the latter to be a turn off for many listeners, but it does the exact opposite for me). The song builds throughout, leading to a climactic guitar solo at the end. A very different song, but it's not necessarily a bad thing.

"Follow You Follow Me" was a major hit after Steve Hackett's departure from the band in 1977. This was one of the major turning points in the band's music, where they allowed the inclusion of pop in their music. The song contains an echoing, flanging guitar riff, soft vocals by Collins, and an unforgettable keyboard solo that keeps me listening to this song. For Genesis' breakthrough into the pop realm, I'd say it's a dang good hit.

Now, "The Carpet Crawlers 1999" is something very interesting. It's a remake of a song featured on Gabriel's last album with Genesis, "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway." The compilation version is significantly different; the tempo is slower, and Collins and Gabriel share the lead vocals. Comparing it to the earlier version, personally, I like the remake more. It just seems to flow smoother, and the vocals are extremely well-executed. However, it completely depends on the listener's preference.

I give this album three stars not only because it contains famous songs such as "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight," "Invisible Touch," "Land of Confusion," and "Turn It On Again," but because it well represents high points in the Collins era. However, I would not give it a higher rating because it poorly represents the Gabriel era, which, arguably, contains the more progressive hits. If you're looking for Gabriel's hits, this is not the album for you. Though, for those looking for more mainstream music from Genesis, this is a good starting point.