GENESIS

1983's GENESIS is one of Genesis's weaker releases, and is in contention to be their worst album. It is plagued by uneven material. About half is good, while the rest is radio ready pop dribble, worse than their usual pop forays. It is clear, since 1981's ABACAB Collins' was taking a larger role in the song writing, as many of these songs are indistinguishable from the drummer's solo work. Oddly, this is guitarist Mike Rutherford's favorite album, showing not only Collins was to blame for this mush. One of this album's problems is it is given a shiny pop sheen by by producer David Hentschel (..Police, etc.), and this greatly weakens the better compositions, by watering them down for radio.

The album opens strongly with Mama, a very dark, haunting track, which mainly features Collins' drum machines, in a similar fashion to those he used on Peter Gabriel's SECURITY album. His maniacal vocals and laugh are also quite entertaining. This is a very good track, and at this point, it is the best fans could hope for from Genesis. Many consider Mama to be a bit repetitive, which it is, but this adds to the slowly building effect. The album goes downhill quickly from there. That's All is pure pop, and sounds nothing like Genesis. It was a major hit in both the UK and US. I detest the track but will admit it is catchy. Next we "take a trip into the other world" as Collins says on the live versions of the tracks Home by the Sea/Second Home by the Sea. Home by the Sea is pleasant Prog-pop with very good lyrics and mediocre music. It is executed well though. Second Home by the Sea is the scraps Genesis is throwing to their old fans, in the form of an instrumental. It simply isn't very exciting though. It sounds like a watered down version of Duke's Travels/Duke's End off of DUKE. So ends side one. Side two is much worse, featuring four bland pop numbers and one good pop number. Illegal Alien, along with Who Dunnit? From ABACAB is one of Genesis's dumbest songs. Many find its attempt at humor about illegal immigrants offensive. Taking it All To Hard is Collins' solo pop, with Genesis as studio musicians. This is the point when Genesis began crediting everyone for composition, so it is difficult to tell who wrote what, but this is pure Collins' rubbish. Just a Job to Do is also unremarkable pop, but was a moderate hit in England. Silver Rainbow is the only good track on this side, and ends much too soon. It is very dark, with heavy drums and oppressive music. The chorus is excellent, despite some annoying synthesizers. The album ends (thankfully) with It's Gonna Get Better, - more boring pop. Note: this album doesn't 'get better' with repeated listening, don't even try. This song comes off much better live, and can be found on the GENESIS ARCHIVE (Vol. II 1976-1992).

This is a boring album, and marks Genesis's complete break with progressive rock, and is their most commercial album. To be fair, this album is undeniably catchy (in an insidious way), and was the best pop of the 1980's. GENESIS is also their first platinum album, and was a #1 album in the UK and reached # 9 in the US. Genesis's creative bankruptcy is apparent in the lack of a real title for this album, calling it the eponymous GENESIS. Due to the exceptionally inconsistent material, this album earns 2.5 stars. This album is only recommended to Genesis completionists and fans of Phil Collins' solo work. (4 Stars as a 1980's pop album, 2 stars as a prog album).