FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION

"That is the sound of the new-born world and a light from the curious sky. It has begun! You're in the hands of DES-STI-INY!" And it's not so much a matter of the lyrics as it is a matter of the voice.

I know that this album is not a favorite of lots of people. Maybe it's because it does not sound prog the way, say, "Trespass" does. In other words, it does not sound prog at all. But it does. You have a string and brass orchestra and the occasional use of modulation (which is, actually, so 60's pop.) Okay, maybe the strings don't sound quite like Robert Kirby's strings on "Five Leaves Left" (because of the music itself) or the Mellotron (which is not very necessary), but still this is very nice. Also, the album is a concept album about the creation of earth and man (come to think of that.) In addition to that, Peter Gabriel's melodic pop sensibilities are present, so it would be nearly impossible for an average prog-rock listener not to sing along with that guy. Plus, there are plenty of emotional sequences ('Am I Very Wrong'), some of which are just deeply moving ('Fireside Song', 'In Hiding' (yeah, go ahead, sue me.)) There is something very British about some of the melodies ('In Hiding', 'Am I Very Wrong.') Maybe it's because some of those songs sound really folky.

I forgot to mention one more thing: just like about any other Genesis record, this one will take time to be fully appreciated. I think that is the reason so many prog listeners give up on it, along with the fact that it sounds a lot like Motownesque psych-pop-rock. As for me, I'm just cool with that. I think their take on that mix of old genres sounds truly decent. Just give it more time, as much time as you need, and you will probably get a real kick out of it. Who would know that I would soon forget about the silliness of the lyrics of 'The Serpent' ("Man is wonderful, very wonderful; look at him. Beware the future!") and finally enjoy Peter's vocal melodies and the way they are sung. "Selling England by the Pound" took me about two or two-and-a-half years to be appreciated. Ditto for "Nursery Cryme." But that's all because I ran out of hope for these. This album took only a month. Insane, huh?

You might ask me: "Why in the world did you give 'The Silent Sun', a song that sounds so basic, so simplistic, so derivative, four stars? Are you insane?" For all I know, I'm not insane enough to deny the fact that this is a very catchy song, adequately built, that is, without any excesses. But does the band underpay on it? Maybe a little. But still, this is a good song. I like Gabriel's melodies, and I see no reason why I should not sing the chorus along with the band. I think it's really nice. I'm trying to write a good-enough song, but I think I haven't written one yet, one quite like this one.

As for the tracks that did not work for me, I don't really want to discuss them. Hear them for yourselves and make your own conclusions about them.

'Where the Sour Turns to Sweet' - ****

'In the Beginning' - ****

'Fireside Song' - **** (was a five once)

'The Serpent' - ****

'Am I Very Wrong?' - ****

'In the Wilderness' - ****

'The Conqueror' - **

'In Hiding' - **** (also could have been a five)

'One Day' - ****

'Window' - *

'In Limbo' - ****

'The Silent Sun' - ****

'A Place To Call My Own' - ***

Bonus tracks:

'The Silent Sun' - ****

'That's Me' - *

'A Winter's Tale' - *

'One-Eyed Hound' - **