The 28 Best Genesis Songs, from the Peter Gabriel Years to I Can't Dance

What is Genesis' most famous song?

"Invisible Touch" is Genesis' most famous hit, their only number one single in America, from 1986. "Land of Confusion", "Turn It On Again" and "I Can't Dance" are their other big hits, while prog fans point to the 23-minute "Supper's Ready" as their masterpiece.

Genesis songs from the Peter Gabriel era

1. "The Musical Box", 1971: a dark, theatrical epic from Nursery Cryme.
2. "The Fountain of Salmacis", 1971: a mythological tale in song.
3. "Watcher of the Skies", 1972: opens Foxtrot with a famous Mellotron fanfare.
4. "Supper's Ready", 1972: a 23-minute suite and a prog landmark.
5. "Firth of Fifth", 1973: with a celebrated piano intro and guitar solo.
6. "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)", 1973: their first hit single in Britain.
7. "The Cinema Show", 1973: a long, romantic piece with a dazzling instrumental finish.
8. "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway", 1974: the title track of their concept double album.
9. "The Carpet Crawlers", 1974: a hypnotic fan favorite.

Genesis songs of the late 70s

10. "Ripples", 1976: a wistful ballad from Phil Collins' first album as lead singer.
11. "Los Endos", 1976: an instrumental that became their concert finale.
12. "Afterglow", 1977: a sweeping song from Wind & Wuthering.
13. "Follow You Follow Me", 1978: a gentle love song and their first big chart hit.

Genesis hits of the 80s

14. "Turn It On Again", 1980: a driving rocker in an unusual rhythm.
15. "Misunderstanding", 1980: their first top 20 hit in America.
16. "Duchess", 1980: an early use of a drum machine.
17. "Abacab", 1981: a stripped-down, modern title track.
18. "No Reply at All", 1981: featuring the Earth, Wind & Fire horn section.
19. "Mama", 1983: a menacing song with Collins' famous laugh.
20. "That's All", 1983: a catchy, Beatles-like hit.
21. "Home by the Sea", 1983: an atmospheric ghost story.
22. "Illegal Alien", 1984: a quirky single.
23. "Invisible Touch", 1986: their only American number one.
24. "Land of Confusion", 1986: famous for its Spitting Image puppet video.
25. "Throwing It All Away", 1986: a soft, melodic hit.
26. "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight", 1987: a dark, epic single.

Genesis songs of the 90s

27. "No Son of Mine", 1991: a powerful story song about a family rift.
28. "I Can't Dance", 1991: a playful hit with a famous walking dance in the video.

Who are Genesis?

Genesis formed in 1967 at Charterhouse, a school in England, around singer Peter Gabriel, keyboardist Tony Banks and guitarist and bassist Mike Rutherford. Drummer Phil Collins joined in 1970 and guitarist Steve Hackett in 1971. When Gabriel left in 1975, Collins stepped out from behind the drums to sing, and after Hackett departed in 1977 the band continued as a trio. In the 1980s they became one of the biggest bands in the world. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 and played their final shows in 2022.

Two bands in one

Genesis fans often divide the band into two eras. The Gabriel years were full of long, literary songs, costumes and theatrical stage shows, with albums like Foxtrot and Selling England by the Pound. The Collins years brought shorter, punchier songs and huge hits, peaking with Invisible Touch, which produced five American top five singles. Both eras share the band's love of rich keyboards and unusual song structures.

Genesis and their solo careers

The members of Genesis were just as successful on their own. Phil Collins became a solo superstar with "In the Air Tonight" and a string of 80s hits, Peter Gabriel scored his biggest hit with "Sledgehammer", which famously replaced "Invisible Touch" at number one in America in 1986, and Mike Rutherford's side project Mike and the Mechanics had a global hit with "The Living Years".

The story behind Land of Confusion

"Land of Confusion" was a pointed song about the state of the world in the mid-80s, and its music video used caricature puppets from the British TV show Spitting Image, including versions of the band and world leaders. The video became an MTV favorite and is still one of the most memorable of the decade.

Which Genesis album to start with

For prog fans, Selling England by the Pound (1973) and Foxtrot (1972) are the classics. For the pop-rock hits, Invisible Touch (1986) and the Genesis album of 1983 are the place to start, and Duke (1980) bridges both worlds. See our 80s songs for more from the decade.

Genesis songs for a party or a drive

For an 80s party, "Invisible Touch", "Land of Confusion", "That's All" and "I Can't Dance" keep the room moving. For a long drive, the instrumental sweep of "Los Endos" and "Firth of Fifth" or the atmosphere of "Home by the Sea" make a perfect soundtrack.

A rock song about your story

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