Abacab (Remastered) - Genesis

Advantages: A band trying to modernise their sound..
Disadvantages: but with the Earth, Wind & Fire brass section?

...In 1981 Genesis released "Abacab" to a largely confused and unsuspecting fan base. This was the album where the influence of Phil Collins upon the groups' work took great hold and their sound changed forever... Gone forever were songs about myths and magic. Gone were long instrumental passages. Gone was the concept album. Instead Genesis chose to re-invent their sound with the increased use of drum machines, studio effects and the brass section of Earth , Wind & Fire. And finally this was the first Genesis album to feature a group photo on its inside cover. The result? Was "Abacab" was in effect "Face Value 2" - a follow up to Collins' highly rated first solo album? Maybe not - but this was an album largely dominated by the "Collins sound". Not their best work by far; but an album that in retrospect probably needed to be made... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: A much needed change from Genesis's previous work, with lots of innovative songs.
Disadvantages: Fans of earlier Genesis music may be disappointed. Sounds very much an album of the 80s.

...Abacab was released in 1981 and was different to any other Genesis album released before. It marked their departure from progressive rock and the trimming away of their musical fat. Right from the start you can hear the difference. On the title song, there is nothing unecessary to the song and everything has been cut back to a bare minimum creating a simple but effective song. This theme continues throughout the album, with as little unecessary sound as possible being used. Gone are the Tony Banks arpeggios of previous albums, having been replaced with just a few simple chords. This change is generally for the better and most tracks are very good. There are some weak tracks on Abacab though. Traditional Genesis fans may find Whodunnit a bit too different to earlier Genesis songs but I think that it is an interesting and entertaining... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great quality live recording with classic tracks
Disadvantages: that it finally finishes

...A very good quality live album Good vocals all the way from Phil Collins. Not to mention his drumming Album 1 has the newer Genesis tracks that are better known. Such as Abacab, Follow you follow me and Turn it on again. Album 2 starts of with Misunderstanding and is followed by five earlier tracks that all die hard Genersis fans will know and love. This has an instramental track and you can feel you are at the gig with the sound of the crowd and the quality of the recording. You can see from this that Genesis are a bunch of great musicians. For my money the best Genesis album they have ever made and the live feel adds to the quaility of the recording. I would thoughly recommend this album to anyone. I have had this album for years but needed it on cd as well. It cost me £5 on e-bay and is very enjoyable to listen do without the bump... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful