Review Summary: the last really good Genesis album
As is often commented, when Peter Gabriel left Genesis, the people wondered if the band could make it without him. This is the first album after his departure, and it's very good. "Dance on a Volcano" and "Squonk" are among my favorite Genesis tunes, and all the somgs are good. It continues in a general way with the musical style of the previous albums. Sadly they couldn't sustain it. I would consider "Trick of the Tail" to be the last Genesis album worth owning.
It needs to be said that the beginings of the decline are evident on this album. Phil Collins is a decent enough singer, but he doesn't have nearly the range or expressiveness of Peter Gabriel (not to mention the lyrics). Listen to "Robbery, Assault, and Battery", which is a story song involving various characters, in the tradition of "Battle of Epping Forrest" and "Get `Em Out By Friday". A comparison with the older songs will show how much more effective Gabriel was. Also, previous albums were reaching for new heights, while this is the first album where Genesis is treading water.
Still this is a very enjoyable album. Fans of the Gabriel era Genesis should check this one out. Newcomers to the classic Genesis should check out their 4 best albums first:
Nursery Cryme
Foxtrot
Selling England By The Pound
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
After that get this one and also "Trespass", their second album. Then get "Live" and "Archives Vol 1". Stop there.
