I've been going on a Gabriel era Genesis listening spree, and this is the second Genesis review I have done.
Background:
This is the third album with, what many would call, the classic Genesis line-up. The lineup is Peter Gabriel, vocals, flute; Steve Hackett, guitars; Tony Banks, keys; Phil Collins, drums, vocals; and Mike Rutherford, bass. It was released in 1973.
1. Dance with the Moonlit Knight (8:03)
The album opens with Gabriel singing a capalla, "Can you tell me where my country lies...," which just blows me away. Then come in the guitars and synth. This song definitely has a medieval feel, and is filled with puns and British references. Then the chorus comes in full blown, followed by a rocking instrumental section with interesting phrasing/timing. The song ends with a very dream-like feel; guitar and synth. 9/10
2. I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) (4:09)
This song was a single, and is very strong. The song has strange lyrics and awesome percussion. The chorus is supported well with synthesizers. 7/10
3. Firth of Fifth (9:37)
One of the strongest songs one the album. It has a beautiful piano intro, and it eventually builds up to the verse. Gabriel's mythologically/Judeo-Christian based lyrics give the song a character unlike many songs I've ever heard. After a few verses, the theme from the intro comes back in synth. Hackett's tone on the solo is phenomenal. It makes me want to cry almost. 9.5/10
4. More Fool Me (3:12)
This track features Phil Collins on vocals and Mike Rutherford on acoustic guitar. This is a pleasant song that has more than once been stuck in my head. This is the weakest song on the album, but it is good nonetheless. 6.5/10
5. Battle of Epping Forest (11:44)
This song begins with a marching drum and Gabriel on flute. The verse is very catchy, probably because it is in 7/8. Some of the guitar and keyboards sound right good. After a few verses the song decends into an acoustic section. This is probably my favourite part of the song. The strange thing is that in the sleeve the lyrics to this part are under the title "After the Ordeal." Afterwards it ends with the themes that began the song. The only problem with this song is that it goes on a little long near the end. 8/10
6. After the Ordeal (4:15)
This instrumental is just amazing. The first 2 minutes or so are just guitar and piano. Near the end the rest of the band, including Gabriel on flute come in. This is one of the best instrumentals I've ever heard. 8/10
7. Cinema Show (11:09)
Best song on the album. It begins with acoustic guiat and vocals, and eventually the rest of the band comes in. It's about a man and a woman, named Romeo and Juliet. The guitar on the first part of the song complements the vocals perfectly, intertwining itself with them. The second part of the song is an instrumental driven by the drums and synth. It sounds alot like a movie theme, hence the song's title. Just amazing. 10/10
8. Aisle of Plenty (1:32)
This song uses the same themes from the first song, and is basically used to sum up the album. On its own, this song is not that much, but because it is connected to the first it carries alot more wait. 7/10
Overall, this is definitely one of my top 20 albums, if not top 10. This is Genesis near, if not at, their best.
Rating: 9/10
