GENESIS

This self-titled 1983 album shows a dramatic shift in the Genesis sound, partly due to production and partly due to using more digital synths and electronic drums. The songwriting is more on par with the pop rock material Genesis had been experimenting with on the three previous albums. Thus, Genesis turns into a kind of radio-friendly rock band with prog tendencies.

Genesis still has its moments, although they are appearing to be rarer with each new release. Mama must be the darkest song the band had ever made under Phil Collins. It is one of the few songs where a drum machine really fits well and doesn't ruin the song (Duchess from Duke is another). Home by the Sea is a two part suite, although not complicated, shows a nod to their progressive roots. However, I find the electronic drums on part two to be nerve-wracking after repeated listens. Many of us who remember the 1980s probably thought electronic drums sounded kind of cool back then as they sounded like nothing ever heard before. Unfortunately for many us who remember them, music that used them has not aged well at all. And there's a lot of them on this album.

I used to really like this album when I was younger, but today it sounds more dated than the Genesis of the pre-Collins era. Two stars. For collectors/fans only.