WE CAN'T DANCE

The last (?) album of the "then they were three " era. I put a questionmark since they announced a few months ago (October 2006) a "reunion" tour for 2007 (to which I will not attend). They have not said that future studio work was impossible, so let's see. The pity about this tour is that they even did not contact Steve for it (this would have been completely different of course). This is at least a news posted on his website. This is pretty sad since he mentioned that he could have been interested in the project. Maybe next time (if there is a next time). Peter was contacted as well, but he could not make it for personal reasons. So, there is still hope for a true reunion. I know that it sounds quite nostalgic, but what a good moment this could be !

I must admit that the opener is a good song. In line with their work since 81 but above par. It will be the first single of the album. "No Son Of Mine" will do better in the UK (Nr. 6) than inthe US (Nr. 13). "Jesus" will be the fourth one, not doing very well (actually it is quite weak, even for this Genesis). Nr. 20 in the UK and Nr. 23 in the USA. With "Driving The Last Spike" the climax is reached (although it is not to be compared to songs of the early years of course). This is a nice piece of music : very much in the "Domino" vein. Good work and the highlight of this album. The title track is the second hit-single from this album. But I really can't stand it (it will reach Nr. 7 both in the UK and US charts). "Never a Time" is a short and nice little ballad, a bit too mellow. "Dreaming..." is another typical attempt to an "epic" : but this song is boring and repetitive. Classic drum playing from Phil during those times. "Tell Me Why" is a light, poppy song like they have written quite a few since 1981. The melody is catchy though. One of my fave of this album. It is their fifth single from this work (only reaching Nr. 40 in the UK). "Live Forever" is a funky tune with some keyboard solo à la "Home By The Sea". Not my cup of tea. "Hold on My Heart" is their third "hit-single". The mood reminds me a bit of "Carpet Crawlers" and I like to listen to it from time to time. It will not get higher than Nr. 16 in the UK and Nr. 12 in the US. "Way Of The World" is quite similar to "Tell Me Why". It will be released as the B-side of "Hold On My Heart". "Since I Lost You" is just another mellow ballad. The closing number "Fading Lights" is the longest track (by seven seconds) of this work. Like in "Home", the keyboard solo lacks in emotion and sensitivity. Dull, dull, dull. This album is as poppy as "Invisible Touch". Still, it will be the first one since "Duke" that will fail to reach the Nr. 1 spot in the UK (still peaking at the second one). In the US, the album will reach Nr. 4. As I mentioned in the intro of this review, no one knows (per December 2006) if this will be the last album of this line-up. Wait and see. Two stars.