FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION

'From Genesis to Revelation' is technically Genesis' debut album, though many fans, including myself, consider 'Trespass' to be the first proper album from the band, and for good reason. This album doesn't indicate the musical direction that the band would go on subsequent albums. It's important to consider that this album was released in March 1969, which was before 'In the Court of the Crimson King' was released. Progressive rock didn't exist yet, but there was proto-prog that anticipated the movement. 'From Genesis to Revelation' sounds like a 60s pop or rock album and does not capture the challenging and progressive music that the band would go on to create. Peter Gabriel's vocals are the main element of Genesis' music that has remained consistent with all of the albums that he was present on, for the most part. Most of the songs feature an orchestra arrangement. Unfortunately, the production and songwriting are poor.

The album opens with "Where the Sour Turns to Sweet." Sounds of piano and finger snaps accompany Peter Gabriel's vocals. Then an acoustic guitar and orchestra augment the overall sound. "In the Beginning" starts with a strange noise the leads into a bassline with acoustic guitar, piano, and vocals. I like the hook of the song: "You're in the hands of destiny." "Fireside Song," "Am I Very Wrong?" "Window," and "In Limbo" are, in my opinion, the weakest songs on the album. All of these songs are extremely tedious and lackluster. "The Serpent" starts with the guitar riff from "Twilight Alehouse," and is a more rocky song with a good guitar riff supported by a mimicking bassline. Jonathan Silver's drumming is interesting on this track. "In the Wilderness" is my favorite song on the album. I love the melody and orchestra which adds supports. The minor chord progression during the concluding section is haunting. "The Conqueror" starts with the same melody that ended "In the Wilderness." This song has a soul flavor to it and contains a bluesy guitar solo at the end. "In Hiding" starts with a nice waltz rhythm. This song is led by piano and the orchestra adorns the vocals. "One Day" has a nice chord progression and celebratory chorus. "Silent Sun" is a simple, Bee-Gees-style pop song. The album ends with "A Place to Call My Own" which is a short piano ballad. The ending of the song is beautiful and I wish it was prolonged.

In conclusion, 'From Genesis to Revelation' sounds more like a collection of demos than a proper studio album. Nevertheless, there are some interesting moments which elevate the album slightly from one stars to two.