DUKE

Duke was a bold move for Genesis. It's a transitional album that works very well after repeated listens. It stands out on its own for sure. None of their other records sound like this one. The opening song 'Behind The Lines' sounds very fresh and uplifting and it flows into one of my favourites 'Duchess' with its really pleasant washes of keyboards and the band's first use of a drum machine. 'Guide Vocal' is a short, much softer moment and you may already notice the variety because none of the songs sound anything alike. With 'Man Of Our Times', you can tell the group have come from a progressive rock background, especially with the thumping drums and melodic keyboards, but the 80's hits making years also beckon. 'Misunderstanding' "Alone Tongiht" and "Please Don't Ask" fully display the band's astute new pop side. They may be pop songs but they are certainly very good ones. Very sweet, emotional and melodic. I've always loved "Heathaze" and "Turn It On Again" - these are great group compositions and the vocals are very strong. Listen to the beautiful opening part of 'Cul-De-Sac'. The rest of the song is really great too and the playing is tight. 'Dukes Travels' brings the prog mood back towards the end with some really nice keyboard touches. Duke really has an interesting fusion of ideas. Don't forget that this was released in 1980, not a steady time for prog music at all. As it stands, this album is excellent. 4 solid stars.