Genesis Albums Ranked
Genesis is an English rock band formed at Charterhouse School, Godalming, Surrey, in 1967. The most commercially successful and longest-lasting line-up consisted of keyboardist Tony Banks, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford and drummer/singer Phil Collins. Other former members were original lead singer Peter Gabriel, and guitarists Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett. The band moved from folk music to progressive rock in the 1970s, before moving towards pop at the end of the decade. They have sold 21.5 million copies of their albums in the United States, with worldwide sales of between 100 million and 150 million. Formed by five Charterhouse pupils including Banks, Rutherford, Gabriel, and Phillips, Genesis was named by former pupil Jonathan King, who arranged for them to record several unsuccessful singles and their debut album From Genesis to Revelation in 1968. After splitting with King, the group began to tour professionally, signed with Charisma Records, and recorded Trespass (1970) in the progressive rock style. Following the departure of Phillips, Genesis recruited Collins and Hackett and recorded Nursery Cryme (1971). Their live shows also began to be centered on Gabriel’s theatrical costumes and performances. They were first successful in mainland Europe, before entering the UK charts with Foxtrot (1972). In 1973, they released Selling England by the Pound (1973), which featured their first UK top 30 single “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)”. The concept album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway followed in 1974 and was promoted with a transatlantic tour featuring an elaborate stage show. Following the Lamb tour, Gabriel left Genesis in August 1975 to begin a solo career. Their discography includes fifteen studio and six live albums, six of which topped the UK chart. They have won numerous awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award for Best Concept Music Video with “Land of Confusion”, and inspired a number of tribute bands recreating Genesis show from various stages of the band’s career. In 2010, Genesis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Here are all Genesis albums ranked
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10. Genesis (1983)
“Although I must admit I am more of a fan of the Peter Gabriel era, I decided that for years of listening to Genesis that I would venture more into the Collins era and listen to what everybody else raves about when it comes to the latter Genesis years. I loved this album, and still continuously listen to it! Mama is a great opening to this album, followed by That’s All, into my favorite track Home by the Sea! Every time I listen to it, it reminds me of a prisoner trying to escape the walls of Alcatraz. Paints a picture in my head every time I hear it! The rest of the album is amazing as well, but those 3 songs alone are worth the purchase!”
9. And Then There Were Three (1978)
“This album gets a lot of flak from Genesis fans, and not just the Phil Collins hating faction. While A Trick of the Tail seems to get a lot of praise from all corners, Wind and Wuthering and this album both seem to be surprisingly met with either indifference or outright hatred. And Then There Were Three understandably represents to some the moment when the band really turned its back on its storied prog-rock past, as it is the first Genesis album released after Steve Hackett left (the band had already lost Peter Gabriel 2 albums back). It also has the band’s first bona fide pop hit in “Follow You Follow Me”, which certainly doesn’t endear it to prog purists.”
8. Trespass (1970)
“I love this album to bits. Trespass was my first encounter with Genesis. For Anthony Phillips fans this is the only Genesis album where we can get a sense of ‘what might have been’.. had Phillips kept on board with the band. The atmospheric and pastoral tones of Trespass are absolutely wonderful along with Gabriel’s poignant vocals makes Trespass a very strong album. very strong.”
7. Duke (1980)
Duke is a masterpiece of songwriting and musicianship, featuring The Story of Albert and hit singles written in 12/8 (Misunderstanding) and multiple time signatures (Turn It On Again). The trio individually and collectively contributed a winning collection in Duke, which transitioned the band from its prog rock roots into the mainstream (Misunderstanding even made it to AM radio).”
6. Wind & Wuthering (1976)
“Wind & Wuthering if you haven’t yet run across it. It is an example of what was right about progressive rock. No ten minute solos, tight ensemble playing with nary a note unnecessary and every part of the performance essential rather than a chance to highlight a band member. The other thing to remember was that this iteration of Genesis wrote most of their material as a band. In interviews band members spoke of having to bring their best material. They did, and it shows. This is an essential album for anyone remotely interested in Genesis and Symphonic Progressive Rock.”
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5. Nursery Cryme (1971)
“Released in 1971, Nursery Cryme is Genesis’s third album and it represented a big leap forward for the band. Phil Collins and Steve Hackett had become new band members. For older fans, this is the classic line-up. All the songs were composed and arranged by Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, and Mike Rutherford. Many prog fans regard the album as a classic of the genre. The readers at “Prog Rock Archives” rank it as the 12th greatest prog album of all time. Geddy Lee of Rush rated it as one of his ten favorite albums. The idiots at Rolling Stone gave it two stars in their Album Guide in 1979.”
4. A Trick Of The Tail (1976)
“Catchy melodic phrasing and outstanding song writing are present throughout “trick of the tail.” That said, if you are more familiar with Genesis of the 80’s than the progressive music of the 70’s this compilation will require an investment of your time. Odd time signatures, and arrangements outside the typical FM Pop format will require a listening investment from audiences raised on corporate music. An investment that is well worth your time.”
3. The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (1974)
“The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is the quintessential progressive rock album by Genesis, the legendary rock band that has been through many lineup changes throughout the years. Their sound has also changed through that time and fans have their favorites. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is definitely my favorite, closely followed by “Selling England by the Pound”. The sound on these discs (this is a 2 disc set) is amazing. It’s beautifully re-mastered and the best I have ever heard this album sound. From start to finish, this is an excellent concept album each song is deliciously written and performed. They don’t make albums like these anymore. I will also say that I also like Genesis 80’s albums, which sound different but still very enjoyable. “Genesis” and “Invisible Touch” are other favorites of mine although fans may disagree about the progressiveness of these albums.”
2. Foxtrot (1972)
“Foxtrot is where Genesis really clicked. While earlier albums, Trespass and Nursery Cryme, featured exhilarating moments in the shape of The Knife and the Musical Box respectively, neither stand up to Foxtrot as complete works.”
1. Selling England By The Pound (1973)
“A very intricate, subtly thematic album. You can hear these guys were working well with each other and not struggling to write.Steve Hackett ventures out of the blues based guitar into his own uncharted territory – reinventing electric guitar. Tony Banks’ keyboard parts are complex, yet entertaining. Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins vocals interplay perfectly. The punchy, melodic bass of Mike Rutherford and the intricate drums of Collins are at their peak {and what I feel was missing from the “I can’t Dance” era}.”
