THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY

This is probably the essential Genesis album to own, if you are only going to own one Genesis album. The band must have known about Peter Gabriel's impending departure after this album, as they appear to be playing with a fire that they never showed on their previous recordings. The songwriting is mostly sharp, and even Tony Banks plays some actually interesting solos.

Standout tracks are the title song, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, In The Cage, and Lillywhite Lilith. All three of these songs are among my favorites from this band. Unfortunately, the album starts to drag shortly into the second disk (or third LP side, if you have the vinyl version). The airy sound effects, and lighter songs are something of a letdown after the spectacular first half.

3.5 stars, rounded up.