Music Reviews - G

Genesis - Trespass

★★★★

Although they have their de jure debut, From Genesis to Revelation, this is where Genesis truly began in the eyes of many, mine included. The band definitely hasn't hit their groove quite yet, and the production can be kind of muddy, especially on the original mix. However, even if it potentially pales in comparison to their litany of later masterworks, do not ignore Trespass. It is a sincere and beautiful album, blessed with Anthony Phillip's gentle touch in the acoustic guitar parts. Peter Gabriel's voice was beautiful from the start, and John Mayhew is a rock solid drummer (no Phil Collins, yeah, but no one can beat Phil). The album's got a slow and serene mood to it, interlaced with occasional moments of action (present on White Mountain and especially The Knife, the fan favorite track). Trespass never feels like it's wasting your time, though, since its slow pace gives way to melodic and deep passages that shine even through the rough production. I reiterate that this album should not be ignored! It is a sign of great things to come, and is great in its own right.

Genesis - Nursery Cryme

★★★★★

With Nursery Cryme, Genesis finally settled into a stable and iconic lineup. Their music only got better from there, starting out with the stupendous Musical Box, an epic going almost proto-metal in places through Steve Hackett's weighted guitar sound and Gabriel's powerful singing. They haven't shed an ounce of their more graceful side too, evident within the harmonies of Seven Stones. The Fountain of Salamacis was a track I initially disliked, before one day, I was struck by the incredible synergy between Rutherford and Collins in the middle section. The miniature tracks like For Absent Friends are pleasant as well and fit into the album's sound quite nicely. This is Genesis' first masterwork, just one out of many, and it forever holds a special place in my heart for making me love the band.

All album cover images are either from Wikipedia or Progarchives.