I actually had the same exact reaction when I first heard Genesis. I bought Foxtrot, I sort of liked Watcher of the Skies, didn't much like Time Table or Get 'em Out, really liked Can-Utility and Horizons, and wasn't sure what to make of Supper's Ready.
I admit it, it was the way Gabriel sang, it turned me off. It was too weird, like he was purposely trying to sing funny (which he was). The album sat on my shelf for quite awhile before I gave it another chance.
Then I heard The Musical Box, and I understood completely. I think you kind of have to hear that song first to understand what Genesis was all about. Now they're my favorite band, and Foxtrot is probably my favorite album from them. Listen to Nursery Cryme or Live first. Don't start with Foxtrot or Selling England (which are both better albums, but only if you understand Genesis a little more).
It also helps if you read the lyrics. One of the things that makes Gabriel-era Genesis so great is the intelligent, and often twisted lyrics he wrote for them.
Edited by Gianthogweed