GENESIS

By now everyone should have figured out that this is not a prog album. Genesis, from ATTW3 forward, always threw the prog fans a song or two per album that at least had a proggish feel but that is about it. Not that these albums are bad, they just are not progressive. So I'm not going to review it on its almost nonexistant progreesive merits.

The first side, with Mama, Thats All, Home by the Sea and Second Home by the Sea is excellent. Mama has Genesis in dark, sinister mode to it created by drum machine and keyboards. Collins vocal delivery fits the song perfectly. This song could be considered a cousin to PC's in the Air Tonight.

That's All is a pop song that anyone who has ever been in a relationship can relate to. A catchy song that sticks with you.

Home by the Sea / Second Home by The Sea is where good lyrics, fine keyboards and some fine drumming converge. Second Home is a powerful instrumental that all will enjoy unless the 80's drum sound gets you.

Side Two, unfortunately is weak. Illegal Alien is offensive, pop crap. Taking It All Too Hard is a servicable ballad, no more, no less. Just a Job to Do is seviceable pop/rock. Silver Rainbow has a good drum pattern played by Collins but the lyrics will win no prizes. The last song, It's Gonna Get Better, I like quite a lot. The bass(keyboards?) is very good and there is also a keys based atmosphere that will catch the ear.

When I made a tape of this back in the day, I had the entire side 1 and It's Gonna Get Better.

The 3 best tracks (Mama and the 2 HBtS) are even better live.

If I was just giving marks for side 1, it would be a 4 or 4.5. If I was just giving marks for side 2, it would be a 2.

That makes this album a strong 3.