Top 10 Greatest Genesis Songs

Genesis got together in 1967 whilst still at school (Charterhouse) and consisted of Tony Banks (keyboards), Mike Rutherford (bass/guitar), Phil Collins (drums/vocals), Pater Gabriel (vocals) and Steve Hackett (guitar). Genesis changed their musical style at different points during their musical career and their songs are influenced by folk, progressive rock and pop. Peter Gabriel added certain flamboyance to the band but left in 1975. Genesis’ enjoyed huge international success both before and after his departure and their name will be forever engraved upon the history of music. Their top 10 tracks are:

10. The Musical Box

The Musical Box is from the 1971 album ‘Nursery Cryme’ with lyrics by Gabriel and inspired by a Victorian fairy tale. Genesis fans say this song is the perfect Genesis at their best instrumentally and it’s a favourite of both the band and the crowds. The dynamics of the track incorporate different styles from hard to soft and fast to slow and the counterpoint Gabriel-Collins vocal duethelps to make this a truly unique and remarkable song.

9. Invisible Touch

This is the title track from Genesis’ album of the same name (Invisible Touch). Collins wrote the lyrics which speak of intangible and unrequited love. It’s the band’s most successful single, reaching No. 1 in America. Both Collins and Rutherford have this among their favourites as it’s upbeat and apparently fun to perform.

8. Land of Confusion

Rutherford’s bass riff stands out in Land of Confusion, which is from their Invisible Touch album. It’s a philosophical song about the modern world with lyrics by Rutherford and backing music by the other band members. The track reached No.14 in the UK, No.4 in America and was popular in Holland too.

7. Turn It On Again

From the 1980 ‘Duke’ album, this reached No.8 in the UK and was very popular with its energetic beat and clever Rutherford lyrics, depicting a man consumed by his television and believing the characters to be his friends,. The song has a rhythmic complexity driven by Collins’ drumming, which gives it a richness and individuality that’s unique and compelling.

6. Watcher of the Skies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bETFh4eRdM8

From the ‘Foxtrot’ album, this uses a Mellotron for its distinct sound. It’s an incredible song with changes of rhythm and clever sci-fi inspired lyrics written by Tony Banks and Rutherford, apparently based on watching an empty Earth from the skies. The song’s musical and lyrical complexity showcases Genesis’ skills as a band and the live version really comes into its own.

5. Abacab

Abacab comes from the album of the same name, released in August 1981. Written by Banks, Collins and Rutherford, this was a top 10 UK hit and took its title from the song structure of an earlier version where different parts of the song were labelled with letters of the alphabet. Collins delivers unique vocals and the instrumental is outstanding with memorable keyboards and a strong rhythm that mesmerises the listener.

4. Follow You Follow Me

This is from the 1978 album ‘And Then There Were Three’, with love-song style Rutherford lyrics. It enjoyed great success in both the UK and US. The instrumental has some distinct and interesting features, the lyrics are heartfelt and the melody is beautiful in its simplicity with a chorus that stays in the mind, inspiring repeat plays.

3. In Too Deep

In Too Deep is a slow and simple love song with a touch of tragedy in its theme. It’s from Genesis’ 1986 ‘Invisible Touch’ album and the lyrics were written by Collins as the soundtrack for a film called Mona Lisa. The song won an award at the 1988 BMI Film and TV Awards and deserves recognition for its stunning blend of keyboard, lyrics, and vocals that has you almost in tears time after time.

2. Mama

Mama was the first track on the 1983 Album called Genesis. Composed by Mike Rutherford, it has a striking drum introduction and the melody is backed by synths with intense and haunting vocals by Collins. Mama reached No.4 in the UK charts and did well in Europe too. A powerful and emotional track, many think the 1987 live version was even better than the studio recording.

1. Supper’s Ready

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx6S32thDNw

This track appeared on the 1972 album ‘Foxtrot’ with Collins on drums, Hackett on guitar and Gabriel on vocals. It’s considered a masterpiece, often compared to Bohemian Rhapsody in its magnitude, and is possibly one of the most underrated songs ever. At 22 minutes duration, it’s mentally challenging and requires a certain intellect to fully appreciate its sheer brilliance.