...AND THEN THERE WERE THREE...

1978 was a weird year for Prog in my opinion. Yes has Tormato(stinker), ELP had Love Beach(mega stinker), King Crimson had been gone for 4 years, Floyd was making The Wall aka Death of the Concept album and Genesis became a trio. Steve Hackett was tired of the oppression he felt he had in the band and wanted to become a man of his own so, he said Bye bye so ALL CHANGE!(see what I did there) in the Genesis camp. The very appropriately named And Then There Were Three was released. The album was a success and they had a major hit with Follow You, Follow Me but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Down and Out: What a powerful opener! Those synths and the way Phil explodes on the drums captures my attention every time. Reminds you of the past. Wow!

Undertow: More softer and piano based. Tony would continue the song on his solo album, this on is quite good but forgettable

Ballad of Big: Shows their obsession with Cowboys, I don't get it either, but is a quite good Prog Pop number.

Snowbound: What a creepy song. It's about being encased in ice and the kids turning you into a snowman, that's so wicked and the music reflects with a cold, icy, scary atmosphere the only way a synthesizer can.

Burning Rope: Almost became One for the Vine II but I'm glad didn't. It does remind you of the past Genesis and has Mike doing his best Steve impression on guitar, quite well too, but I'm glad he became totally different on the guitar than Steve. Maybe my favorite song on the album with a great atmosphere and interplay from Tony and Mike.

Deep in the Motherlode: A concert favorite but not mine, kinda just eh

Many Too Many: The other hit, they had two from this album, go figure. The 80s ballad in '78, I like it and does kinda signal Phil's solo career, which I'm a fan off so that's cool with me.

Scenes from A Night's Dream: Phil's first lyric contribution and is discussing Little Nemo who was a character from the comic strips in the New York Herald. It's more of a comedic track and is harmless.

Say It's Alright Joe: Feels like a campfire tune and isn't bad but nothing special.

The Lady Lies: I didn't like it at first, but it grew on me and that's a great sign! The lyric is interesting but enjoyable.

Follow You, Follow Me: The main hit single, most people hate this song for the "familiarity breeds contempt" reason but since I wasn't alive until 1994, I have fresh ears and it's a great pop song. I don't think Pop songs are evil, I think, when done well, are just as good as any 20 min epic Prog tune. The main thing on this song is Mikes guitar riff. The way he plays it just captures me every time. I'm gonna play this song at my Wedding, without question.

Overall, I think is album is a mixed bag but some songs will grow than others. 3 Stars. Highlights: Down and Out, Ballad of Big, Burning Rope, Many Too Many, The Lady Lies and Follow You, Follow Me