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Genesis - Abacab CD (album) cover

ABACAB

Genesis

 

Symphonic Prog

2.61 | 1462 ratings

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Shakespeare
2 stars Genesis is dead. But Genesis is not dead, rather it has been massacred, had its internal organs all rearanged and given a new face. That's one, creepy Hannibal-like way of looking at things.

Okay, so Genesis has now completely changed their sound, much to the dislike of many a fan. Though you could argue that the transformation took place a year ago with Duke, or maybe even so far as to say that the transformation happened back in '78. Whichever album you deem the turning point, it is undoubtable now, in '81, that Genesis as we once knew them are gone and will not return. Take a moment for that fact to sink in, and then we'll continue.

The title track is as close to the late Genesis the newborn Genesis will ever be. Mike Rutherford does a nice job handling the guitars as well as bass. Tony is still as great as ever, but Phil's drumming has been watered-down - possibly as a result of taking over the role of vocalist and drummer. But no, that can't be, since his drumming was still top-notch back in '76 when The Gabe first left them. For whatever reason, his skin-smacking skills have diminished.

After the nice opening song, things start to go a little downhill. The songs seem to be 1) Commercial and poppy 2) Cheesy and takhi 3) Boring and repedative. Though I often enjoy the introduction of "Keep it Dark" (for about three or four seconds), and "Dodo / Lurker" is a fantastic Pop/Prog song, the rest of the album is too worthy of the tag "emotional pop".

Well, as a pop album this is quite decent. But as a prog album, and especially since this band has so many loyal prog loving followers, this album disapoints. Goodbye Genesis, hello Genesis.

Shakespeare | 2/5 |

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