Who Are Genesis?
I’m not sure you would reading this post if Genesis has not crossed your ears before. However, just in case…
Formed in Surrey, England in 1967, Genesis became one of the most influential and successful progressive rock bands of all time. The group’s classic early lineup featured Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Steve Hackett and Phil Collins. During the early 1970s, Genesis earned acclaim for ambitious concept albums, complex musicianship and theatrical live performances led by Gabriel, whose elaborate costumes and surreal storytelling became legendary. Albums such as Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway established the band as progressive rock pioneers.
After Gabriel left in 1975, drummer Phil Collins unexpectedly became lead singer, helping the band evolve toward a more accessible and melodic sound while retaining their musical sophistication. Following guitarist Steve Hackett’s departure in 1977, Genesis continued as a trio and achieved massive international success with albums such as Duke, Abacab and Invisible Touch. Blending progressive rock complexity with pop songwriting, Genesis sold over 100 million records worldwide and left a lasting influence on rock music across multiple generations.
…And then There Were Three – Album Review
Rather than sounding diminished after losing yet another key member, Genesis sound energized, adventurous, melodic, and remarkably confident. The title itself is a sly acknowledgment of the band’s turbulent history: after years as a five-piece, and then a quartet following the departure of Peter Gabriel in 1975, the exit of guitarist Steve Hackett left only three members standing — Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford.
What makes the album so compelling is that it refuses to wallow in transition. Instead, Genesis embrace the challenge of becoming leaner and more direct while still retaining the sophistication that made their earlier records so beloved. It bridges the lush, theatrical prog-rock of albums like Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway with the more streamlined and commercially powerful sound that would dominate the 1980s. In many ways, this is the album where modern Genesis truly begins.
The shadow of Peter Gabriel’s departure still lingered over the band at this point. Gabriel had been Genesis’ charismatic frontman and conceptual driving force during their early classic years, bringing surreal storytelling and theatrical ambition. Many fans initially assumed the band could not survive without him. Yet Phil Collins’ emergence as lead vocalist after Gabriel left had already surprised critics on A Trick of the Tail and Wind & Wuthering. By the time of …And Then There Were Three…, Collins had fully grown into the role. His voice brought warmth, emotional immediacy, and accessibility to the band without sacrificing musical depth. Where Gabriel had often sounded mysterious
The album’s greatest achievement may be its consistency. Nearly every track contributes something memorable, and several rank among the finest songs Genesis ever recorded.
“Down and Out” is a spectacular opening statement — nervous, complex, and rhythmically exhilarating. Driven by Collins’ astonishing drumming and Banks’ cascading keyboards, it reassures longtime fans that Genesis had not abandoned ambition simply because they were moving toward shorter songs. It is prog rock distilled into a tighter, more urgent form.
“Undertow” reveals the emotional heart of the album. Collins delivers one of his most moving vocal performances, turning the song into a powerful meditation on despair and resilience. The melody is hauntingly beautiful, and Banks’ keyboard arrangement gives the track a sweeping grandeur without overwhelming its intimacy.
Then there is “Burning Rope,” arguably the album’s hidden masterpiece. At nearly seven minutes, it harks back to classic Genesis epics while pointing forward stylistically. Banks’ piano work is magnificent, Rutherford contributes tasteful guitar textures, and the song builds patiently toward a majestic climax. It feels simultaneously reflective and triumphant — a perfect encapsulation of the band’s state of mind during this period.
Of course, the album’s best-known song is “Follow You Follow Me,” which became Genesis’ breakthrough international hit single. Some progressive-rock purists initially dismissed it because of its simplicity, but history has been extraordinarily kind to the track. Its warmth, elegance, and emotional sincerity are undeniable. More importantly, it proved Genesis could write concise pop songs without sacrificing intelligence or musical identity. The song opened the door to the enormous success the band would achieve in the 1980s.
Other tracks deserve enormous praise as well. “Deep in the Motherlode” combines storytelling and muscular musicianship brilliantly, while “The Lady Lies” offers mysterious atmosphere worthy of the Gabriel years. “Many Too Many” is understated but deeply affecting, one of the band’s most elegant ballads.
Within Genesis’ back catalogue, …And Then There Were Three… occupies a fascinating and crucial position. It is neither fully “classic prog Genesis” nor fully “pop Genesis,” but rather the remarkable bridge between the two. Without this album, there is no Duke, no Abacab, and ultimately no stadium-conquering success of the 1980s. Yet it still contains enough adventurous musicianship and atmospheric richness to satisfy fans of the earlier era.
The Vinyl Review
This is probably the ultimate bargain basement pick up. Wandering through the streets of Edinburgh some years ago, dodging the raindrops with the skill and grace of an elite athlete, my eyes were drawn, as usual, to a charity shop that had a few vinyl showcased in the window. I picked up four vinyl that day, I won’t tell you the others at this stage as I can share them in future posts. However, …And Then There were Three was staring at me with a ridiculous £2 price-tag on it. Apart from the remnants of an old sticker on the front cover the rest of it is in very decent condition. Also great to have the lyrics on the inside. Absolute bargain this one was.
Donnie’s Rating: 10/10
