INVISIBLE TOUCH

Genesis released 'Invisible Touch' in 1986 and with it they reached new artistic and commercial heights. The album is their thirteenth studio release, and is arguably the pinnacle of their 80s work - jam packed with fantastic songs, presenting this very intelligent and colorful pop music, with gracious instrumental work from all three members of the band, as well as the impactful and particularly strong vocals of the ingenious artist Phil Collins, and we could not stress the word 'artists' enough, as he also provides some of his most mature and thoughtful lyrics that just fit more than perfectly the lovely music and the zeitgeist of the mid-80s.

An important achievement for Genesis, and truly one of their finest works, where it seems that all the elements the band has been developing over the previous years of the decade are well-organized and chiseled in a most impressive manner; Probably not as trailblazing as their early 70s output, 'Invisible Touch' is no less essential, and no criticism and negligence could prevent it from being a really enjoyable piece of music. Not only this, but this album produced five very strong singles, some of which are beloved by millions and are still played with decent regularity on the radio.

Kicking things off is the really impressive title track, one of the biggest hits the band ever produced, and one of the most memorable songs of the 80s, a sing-along number about a girl with which the narrator is falling in love. This one is followed by the gloomy but no less romantic 9-minute 'Tonight, Tonight, Tonight', another very successful single and a real high of the album. 'Land of Confusion' and 'In Too Deep' conclude side one, which can be easily called flawless; Needless to say, these songs are also quite gorgeous and were two very well-received singles, too.

Side two is definitely weaker than side one, with 'Anything She Does' opening it, a power pop number that is not as impactful as the title track on 'Invisible Touch' but has the potential to have been a single; 'Domino' is a two-part nearly 11-minute composition that impresses thoroughly, with the first part being darker and maybe more intriguing, while the second part of the song (named 'The Last Domino') is the more uplifting one. 'Throwing It All Away' is also good and was a single that is probably forgotten by now, and 'The Brazilian' is a fantastic way to conclude the album, a powerhouse instrumental and a band composition, on which Tony Banks shines with some pretty fabulous keyboard sounds.

With not much to add, it has to be said that 'Invisible Touch' is deservedly beloved and undeservedly criticized; It is a powerful statement for the band, and a great presentation of their skills as songwriters of catchy, yet smart pop rock songs. Phil Collins impresses as a band leader, and his vocals are quite inspired. The songs are tremendously good, the band is at the top of their game, and the album makes up for a severely enjoyable listen, an excellent collection!