A TRICK OF THE TAIL

I hesitate to write a review, as so much has already been said. But I give this album 5 stars to firmly plant TOTT among the best of the post Gabriel-era offerings. This is a wall-to-wall listen, with no weak spots unless you perceive the lack of Peter to be a weakness...and I do not.

The lighter feel of the lyrics makes way for a rich, sculpted sound that, had they been willing to pursue it, could have propelled the progressive Genesis as far into the 80s as they travelled via pop. But hey...who knows. Their embracing of pop is a path I'm sure the boys would travel again if all were to do over. And speaking as one who came to love Genesis through the eponymous 1983 smash, I could easily be tagged as a Phil fan or pop Genesis fan. But I worked my way back through the discography to immerse myself in this band, so maybe the pop pathway has a great deal of merit when seen as a pedestal for their progressive roots. I love the early albums with a fierce passion. I love Peter Gabriel in all his solo glory. But of all recordings connected to Genesis and its members, this one stands out as my favorite.

Phil-haters, you should hear this album through Genesis-lover ears, and love it. It was written for you.