The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway Songs Ranked

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is the sixth studio album by the English progressive rock band Genesis. It was released as a double album on 18 November 1974 by Charisma Records and is their last to feature original frontman Peter Gabriel. It peaked at No. 10 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 41 on the Billboard 200 in the US. The album received a mixed critical reaction at first, but it gained acclaim in subsequent years and has a cult following. The songs “Counting Out Time” and “The Carpet Crawlers” were released as singles in the UK in 1974 and 1975, respectively; both failed to chart. A single of “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” was released in the US. Genesis promoted the album with their 1974–75 tour across North America and Europe, playing the album in its entirety. The album reached Gold certification in the UK and the US. The album was remastered in 1994 and 2007, the latter as part of the Genesis 1970–1975 box set which contains a 5.1 surround sound mix and bonus material. Here are all of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway songs ranked.

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15. Fly On a Windshield

“Starting off as a slower acoustic number, Tony Bank’s Mellotron work and Hackett’s acoustic guitar fit well together. ‘And I’m hovering like a fly, waiting for the windshield on the freeway.’ And then, BOOM! Heavy Genesis. The second half of this song is one of my favorite Genesis moments. I really like how Steve Hackett weaves his guitar through the onslaught of Mellotron”

14. Cuckoo Cocoon

“With Rael trying to make sense of where he is, the music hints at the safety he feels. I love the music of this song, especially Peter Gabriel’s flute work. Simple, effective, and balances perfectly with the piano and acoustic guitar. I also like the vocal arrangement as well. Peter and Phil achieve a really nice blend here.”

13. The Waiting Room

“The Waiting Room- aka ‘Evil Jam’, this song is the result of Genesis wanting to get more spontaneous for the writing of this album. The band often felt that their initial jams for the writing sessions had the most energy. When they tried to duplicate the intensity in the studio, they often fell short in their estimation. This song is the sound of the band improvising, and was often a highlight of the live show. I believe they managed to conjure up a thunderstorm while recording this.”

12. The Light Dies Down on Broadway

“One of the things that contributed to the tension in the band was Gabriel’s insistence on writing all the lyrics for this album. He felt he was the superior writer to the others, and since the Lamb was his baby, he wanted to write all the lyrics. Due to album deadlines, which had already seen the band having to switch recording locations, Banks and Rutherford penned the lyrics for this song to get the thing done.”

11. Anyway

“This song is very underrated. It’s not my absolute favorite from the album, but the lyrics are great, and the awesome instrumental section between the verses is fantastic, even though it’s fairly short. I feel like this song would get so much more love if it were like 10 minutes long with a really extended piece of amazing instrumental in between.”

See more: Genesis Albums Ranked

10. The Chamber of 32 Doors

“A great closer for the first LP. Gabriel delivers a commanding vocal performance that emphasizes Rael’s anxiety and desperation in trying to find the right way out. Hackett scores again with some simple yet effective lead guitar work.”

9. It

“A synth sweep starts off this brisk album closer. Hackett and Banks double the main melodic figures throughout this song, while Phil propels this song along with some rock solid drumming. What is this song about? Whatever you want it to be.”

8. Counting Out Time

“Erogenous zones, I love you. Without you what would a poor boy do?” Not exactly the most radio-friendly tag line for a chorus, but it worked for Trent Reznor 20 years later in a more vulgar form on the song Closer. Gabriel is responsible for this number, as Rael recalls his attempts of trying to get laid. Steve Hackett performed the solo with an early guitar synth.”

7. The Colony of Slippermen

“The ambience and experimental nature of the second disc continues in the opening minute of Slippermen, setting the scene for what is definitely the most bizarre scene of this album. Banks’ jerky keyboard rhythm is balanced by Phil and Mike’s slinky groove, which gives a great musical representation of the ugliness of the Slippermen.”

See more: Genesis Songs Ranked

5. Back in N.Y.C.

“The relentless synth riff and overall abrasive nature of the music fits well with Gabriel’s lyric of Rael trying to sell us on how tough he is. Gabriel’s vocal performance is one of his best with Genesis, and it helps heighten the toughness of this track. Kevin Gilbert does a brilliant cover of this on the Magna Carta Genesis tribute album. Definitely worth checking out.”

4. The Lamia

“Banks’ signature is all over this song. From the prominent keyboard footprint, to the somewhat romantic nature of the music, this smacks of Banks. Lyrically, it reminds me a little bit of the scene in Bram Stoker’s Dracula where John Harker meets the three vampiresses (Monica Bellucci topless!!) and they begin to taste his flesh. Hackett tops this great song off with a tasteful and meaningful guitar solo, interspersed with some Gabriel flute work.”

3. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

“Tony Banks’ keyboards swirl in as the band drops into Manhattan for the beginning of Gabriel’s story. The song sets the scene perfectly, especially in Gabriel’s lyrics, in which he conjures up several vivid images of ‘early morning Manhattan.’ Rutherford and Collins establish a good groove, giving the song a funky vibe that indicates this won’t be a typical Genesis album.”

2. The Carpet Crawlers

“I’m personally not a big fan of this song. I know a lot of people like it, and some love it, but for me, it’s one of the weaker songs on the album. I like the 99 remake a little more.”

1. In the Cage

“This song has always worked well live, and I can understand why they were keen on keeping this in the live sets for so long. Tony Banks gives a great keyboard performance throughout, really taking the lead on the song. I also like the slight acceleration before the last verse. I think it perfectly underscores the drama in this song. Gabriel’s lyrics are great here as well. This is one of my favorite Genesis songs.”