Inside Genesis: 1975-1980

The mid-to-late 1970s was a period of significant change for the esteemed progressive rock band Genesis. Over the course of five years, the group underwent a tumultuous but pivotal transformation, shedding their early experimental style and evolving into a more pop-oriented entity. This pivotal era, documented in the music-rich review "Inside Genesis: 1975-1980," is marked by the departure of founding lead singer Peter Gabriel and the eventual rise of drummer Phil Collins as the band's new frontman. As the decade began, Genesis had already established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the emerging progressive rock scene. The band's eclectic blend of folk, classical, and hard rock elements had attracted a devoted cult following, culminating in the 1974 album "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway." However, the group's experimental nature and Gabriel's increasing focus on conceptual storytelling had begun to take its toll on the other band members. Tensions had been simmering beneath the surface, leading to a parting of the ways between Gabriel and the rest of the band in April 1975. Gabriel's departure marked a turning point for Genesis. The band's remaining members – Tony Banks (keyboards), Mike Rutherford (bass, guitar), Steve Hackett (guitar), and Phil Collins (drums, vocals) – were faced with the daunting task of finding a new lead singer. Initially, the group considered several candidates, including ex-Egg drummer Clive Moll and Australian musician Steve Oates. However, it was Collins who ultimately emerged as the most suitable candidate, his distinctive voice and affable stage presence making him an ideal fit for the role. The transition from Gabriel to Collins was not without its challenges. Fans and critics alike were initially skeptical of Collins' new responsibilities as lead vocalist, and the band's early attempts to find their footing in the post-Gabriel era yielded some uneven results. Nonetheless, Collins' vocal talents and dedication to the band soon won over even the most ardent Gabriel supporters. His earthy, blues-inflected delivery added a new layer of depth to Genesis' sound, while his knack for crafting catchy, radio-friendly hooks helped to propel the band towards commercial success. One of the first fruits of this new era was the album "A Trick of the Tail," released in March 1976. Featuring Collins on lead vocals, the record marked a welcome return to form for the band, showcasing their ability to craft well-crafted, accessible rock songs without sacrificing their trademark complexity. Tracks like "Ripples" and the title track itself demonstrated Collins' newfound confidence as a vocalist, while Tony Banks' inventive keyboard work and Steve Hackett's soaring guitar solos added to the album's textured soundscapes. Over the course of the next two years, Genesis continued to hone their new sound, releasing the albums "Wind & Wuthering" (1976) and "...And Then There Were Three..." (1978). The latter record in particular marked a significant turning point for the band, as they began to shed some of their more experimental tendencies in favor of a more streamlined, pop-oriented approach. The album's lead single, "Follow You, Follow Me," became a surprise hit, showcasing Collins' burgeoning ability to craft hook-laden melodies and memorable vocal hooks. As the mid-to-late 1970s drew to a close, Genesis found themselves on the precipice of mainstream success. Their 1979 album "...Duke" was a critical and commercial triumph, featuring Collins on lead vocals throughout and marking a welcome return to form for the band. With their newfound chemistry and commitment to a more accessible sound, Genesis was poised to take the world by storm, cementing their position as one of the most beloved and enduring rock bands of the era. Bonus tracks featuring Steve Hackett, included in the "Inside Genesis: 1975-1980" review, offer a poignant reminder of the band's early experimental sound and Hackett's innovative guitar work. Tracks like "In the Quiet Earth" and "Please Don't Touch" – recorded in the late 1970s, but not officially released until much later – demonstrate Hackett's unique ability to craft intricate, atmospheric soundscapes and his growing fascination with Eastern influences. In conclusion, the mid-to-late 1970s marked a pivotal era for Genesis, as the band navigated the tumultuous waters of change and emerging into a new era of creative expression and commercial success. As documented in the music-rich review "Inside Genesis: 1975-1980," the era saw the departure of founding lead singer Peter Gabriel and the eventual rise of drummer Phil Collins as the band's new frontman, marking a significant turning point in the band's history and paving the way for their long-term success.