INVISIBLE TOUCH

Invisible Touch was the pinnacle of Genesis' commercial success, largely due to five smash singles in the United States, an incredible feat for a formerly obscure progressive band from the UK. A large measure of this success is due to the soaring popularity of Phil Collins' solo career in the states, and critics of latter day Genesis will say that Invisible Touch was basically a Collins solo record. Those critics, however, are ignoring the fact that the album is a collaborative effort, with each member's songwriting skills shining brightly. Each of the five singles are brilliant, as is Domino, the lone track on this album that harks back to their prog roots. Is Invisible Touch a prog album? Not really, but that doesn't mean that it is not worth listening to. Invisible Touch is a thoroughly enjoyable listen for those prog fans who don't take themselves or their music too seriously. For many of us younger prog fans, hearing these songs on the radio or in our dad's car were our first taste of "prog" music, and for that I am forever grateful. Do I think that Invisible Touch is one of Genesis' best albums? Not really. However, there is no denying that Invisible Touch is a good album, albeit non-essential for any prog rock collection. That's worth three out of five stars according to this site's rating system. Many progheads will debate endlessly as to whether Invisible Touch (or any of the post-Genesis albums) are legitimate prog albums, but they're missing the point. Prog or not, Invisible Touch is a light-hearted, enjoyable listen every time.