Ranking Genesis’ opening songs from worst to best

Genesis is a band known for its three distinct eras characterized by the talents of Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, and Phil Collins. Their songs at the beginning of albums reflect this range of styles and personalities. The band’s journey began with 1969’s From Genesis to Revelation, which was marred by a pushy producer, setting off a trajectory that saw the band evolve towards prog-rock with Gabriel at the helm starting in 1970 with Trespass.

As Collins and Hackett joined the band, Genesis reached new heights with albums like Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, and Selling England by the Pound. This era saw the departure of Gabriel and Hackett, with Collins taking over as frontman, leading to successful albums like A Trick of the Tail and Wind and Wuthering. The band continued as a trio with albums like And Then There Were Three and Invisible Touch, achieving commercial success.

Collins’ departure in the ’90s marked a shift for the band with the introduction of Ray Wilson, resulting in the release of Calling All Stations. The album failed to resonate with audiences, signaling the end of an era for Genesis. The band’s legacy remains a mix of intriguing and puzzling moments shaped by the contributions of Gabriel, Hackett, and Collins.

Looking back at the album opening tracks, some stand out more than others in the band’s discography. Tracks like “Down and Out,” “Where the Sour Turns to Sweet,” and “Calling All Stations” represent various transitions in the band’s history. Songs like “Invisible Touch” and “Looking for Someone” showcase the band’s versatility and evolution over the years.

“Dance on a Volcano” from A Trick of the Tail symbolizes a newfound confidence for the band post-Gabriel, while “Behind the Lines” from Duke promises more than the album delivered. “No Son of Mine” from We Can’t Dance explores darker themes with a haunting sound, showing a different side of the band.

One of the standout tracks, “Dancing with the Moonlit Knight” from Selling England by the Pound, highlights Hackett’s innovative guitar techniques and the band’s ability to weave intricate narratives into their music. Each album opening song reflects a different chapter in Genesis’ storied career, from early experimentation to commercial success and critical acclaim.

Genesis’ discography is a testament to the band’s ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their roots. The evolution of their sound can be heard through the varied opening tracks that set the tone for each album. Whether led by Gabriel, Hackett, or Collins, Genesis left a lasting impact on the music industry, paving the way for future prog-rock bands to follow.