FOXTROT

'Foxtrot' is for Genesis the accomplishment of the perfect album! Released in 1972, during the best years of progressive rock, and being their third studio outlet, this record expands further on their self-made pastorally-driven emotive way of composing epic songs, and painting blissful sonic pictures around the often-undecipherable lyrics of Peter Gabriel. 'Foxtrot' has, among other things, stood the test of time, which is quite often the best indication that a certain record is really good; A classic for a reason, and a classic in every sense of the word, sounding as blisteringly brilliant as ever, resonating with the listener long after the experience with it has finished. It is one of these albums that give you the sensation of fulfillment and satiety, so that you do not want to listen to anything else after it; sort of like everything else is unworthy to follow up such a remarkable achievement of the 70s rock history.

The second Genesis album with the 'most classic', some would say, lineup of the band, of course, consisting of Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Steven Hackett, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford. The five-piece deliver a collection of six untouchable compositions, all absolute classics, certainly glorious and lavish, as a 70s prog rock recording should be. Really, you can hardly find a better, more perfectly accomplished and compiled album than 1972's 'Foxtrot'. Starting with the haunting beauty of 'Watcher of the Skies', one of the truly divine achievements of the band, the listener will also go to the not so obvious but no less brilliant 'Time Table', with its cathartic and melancholic tone. After that, another staple in the Genesis catalogue - 'Get 'Em Out by Friday', a satirical and critical social comment, observing the relocation of people from London to the town of Harlow, followed by another sonic cataclysm, the astonishing and inspiring 'Can-Utility and the Coastliners', and, of course, the little Steve Hackett moment 'Horizons', a wonderful instrumental, whose presence on the album is easily justifiable. And coming to the end of it all with the 23-minute grandeur of Genesis' career-apex 'Supper's Ready'; a song that has by itself inspired thousands of bands and artists, a composition that no one dares to replicate, an epic that insists the listener sit and listen, transporting him to the mad world of Peter Gabriel, with all of its flavors.

We all know that 'Foxtrot' hardly needs any introduction or recommendation - it is a record that I predict will never be forgotten, as it will eternally fascinate; an album that is absolutely mandatory, but also one that needs to be given some time, as the listener will have to have their ears and heart wide open, ready to be taken on a different kind of musical journey, but one that is most rewarding and unforgettable; A classic of all classics!

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