Tag: Duke

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Duke (1980) – Genesis

The Album That Defined a New Era for Genesis

On March 28, 1980, Genesis released Duke, an album that marked a return to their roots as a band that thrived on jamming and improvisation. After years of bringing in individually written songs, the trio rediscovered the creative spark of working together. The result? One of their most celebrated albums—featuring the instant classic “Turn It On Again.”

Phil Collins Steps Into the Spotlight as a Songwriter

By the end of their grueling 1978 world tour, Phil Collins’ personal life was in turmoil. His marriage had fallen apart due to the relentless touring schedule, and in a last attempt to save it, he took a break from Genesis. While Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford used the time to release their first solo albums, Phil moved to Canada to try and rebuild his family life.

But it wasn’t meant to be. When his efforts failed, Phil returned to England, alone in his home in Surrey, and turned to music as an outlet – something he had never done quite like this before. For the first time, he began writing songs on his own, setting the stage for his future solo success.

Genesis Reignite Their Creative Energy

In 1979, Genesis regrouped at Phil’s home to start work on their next album. To Tony and Mike’s surprise, Phil had become a songwriter in his own right. While each member brought in individual ideas, the real magic happened when they began jamming again – something they hadn’t done since Peter Gabriel left the band. The result was a fresh, modern sound that still had the unmistakable Genesis touch.

“Turn It On Again” – The Song That Became a Genesis Anthem

Fans got their first taste of the new album in early March 1980, when Turn It On Again was released as a single. From the very start, it was clear this was a defining Genesis track.

Built around a complex 13/8 time signature, the song somehow felt effortlessly catchy -listeners didn’t even notice the odd rhythm until they tried to clap or tap their feet along with it. The song became a staple of Genesis’ live shows, appearing on every tour since its release. From 1983 onward, it was transformed into a high-energy rock medley, featuring snippets of classic cover songs.

Turn It On Again wasn’t just a hit; it became synonymous with Genesis. The band later named a greatest hits collection after it (Turn It On Again: The Hits) and even titled their 2007 reunion tour Turn It On Again – The Tour.

On an album filled with outstanding tracks, this driving, offbeat number had a special place. It reached #8 on the UK charts, earning Genesis a live performance on Top of the Pops – a rare treat for the band at the time.

Duke – The Story of Albert

The album itself, Duke, was released in late March 1980 and became Genesis’ first-ever UK #1 album.

Its artwork introduced the world to Albert, the faceless character on the cover, and the music inside told a loose narrative about fame, fortune, and downfall. The album opened with Behind The Lines, a grand, euphoric track that quickly shifted into a soulful, anthemic song – a bold statement from a band entering the new decade.

Together, Phil, Tony, and Mike proved once again that they were the core of Genesis, the same trio behind some of their greatest musical moments: the ‘Apocalypse of 9/8’-climax of “Supper’s Ready,” the instrumental finale of “The Cinema Show,” and large portions of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.

“Misunderstanding” – A Glimpse into Phil Collins’ Future

Despite the collaborative approach, each band member contributed individual songs to Duke. Among them was Misunderstanding, one of the first songs Phil ever wrote entirely by himself for Genesis.

Unlike their usual intricate arrangements, Misunderstanding was a straightforward, heartfelt pop song, with simple yet effective lyrics and a laid-back groove. Surprisingly (or maybe not), it became a bigger hit in the U.S. than in the UK, reaching the Top 20 and offering an early glimpse of Phil’s future success as a solo artist.

A Favorite Among Fans – and the Band

Duke remains a favorite among Genesis fans, and Tony Banks often cites it as one of his personal top Genesis albums. He especially highlights “Duchess”, a song that blends Genesis’ progressive roots with their evolving pop sensibilities.

As the first Genesis song to feature a drum machine, Duchess set the stage for much of their later work. The song’s story about an artist’s rise and fall even mirrors the band’s own journey – a theme that made it particularly special for Tony. Despite its deceptive simplicity, he considers it to be as emotionally powerful as “Supper’s Ready.”

Duke – The Album That Redefined Genesis

With Duke, Genesis proved they could balance artistic ambition with mainstream appeal. It marked a transition – a bridge between their progressive past and the radio-friendly sound that would define their 1980s success.

More than 40 years later, it remains one of their most important albums.

🎧 What’s your favorite track from Duke? Let us know in the comments!

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Face Value (1981) – Phil Collins

In February 1981, Phil Collins unveiled his debut solo album, Face Value, marking a significant departure from his role as Genesis’s frontman. The album not only showcased Collins’s personal and musical evolution but also cemented his status as a prominent solo artist in the 1980s.

Genesis and Personal Turmoil

By 1978, Collins had transitioned from Genesis’s drummer to its lead vocalist. The band’s 1978 album, …And Then There Were Three…, featured the hit “Follow You Follow Me,” signaling a shift towards more concise and direct songs. During this period, Collins faced personal challenges; his wife, Andrea, threatened to leave due to his extensive touring commitments. Upon returning from a tour, Collins discovered that Andrea had moved to Canada with their children. Despite efforts to reconcile, including a move to Vancouver, the marriage ended in divorce.

Creation of Face Value

In the aftermath of his divorce, Collins channeled his emotions into music. He set up a home studio in Surrey, equipped with a piano, drum machine, and an 8-track tape recorder. Here, he began crafting demos that delved into his personal experiences. When Genesis regrouped to work on their 1980 album, Duke, Collins presented some of these demos. Two tracks, “Misunderstanding” and “Please Don’t Ask,” were included in the album. Encouraged by the positive reception, Collins decided to pursue a solo project, collaborating with producer Hugh Padgham to develop his demos into a full-length album.

Musical Diversity and Notable Tracks

Face Value is a tapestry of various musical styles, reflecting Collins’s diverse influences. The opening track, “In the Air Tonight,” is renowned for its haunting atmosphere and the iconic drum break that has since become legendary. The song’s lyrics were largely improvised, capturing the raw emotion of the moment.

Another standout track, “I Missed Again,” introduces a brass section featuring the Phenix Horns, known for their work with Earth, Wind & Fire. This collaboration infused the song with a vibrant, funky energy, a sound that would become a hallmark of Collins’s future solo endeavors.

The album also explores a range of genres:

“The Roof Is Leaking”: A track with Delta blues and country influences, adding to the album’s eclectic nature.

“You Know What I Mean”: A poignant ballad showcasing Collins’s vulnerability, accompanied solely by piano and vocals.

“Hand in Hand”: An instrumental piece blending jazz and world music elements, highlighting the talents of the assembled musicians.

Commercial Success and Legacy

Upon its release, Face Value received critical acclaim and achieved significant commercial success. The album topped the UK Albums Chart for three weeks and reached No. 7 on the US Billboard 200. It has since sold over 5 million copies in the US and over 1.5 million in the UK. The success of Face Value not only established Collins as a solo artist but also set the stage for a series of successful albums throughout the 1980s.

In retrospect, Face Value stands as a testament to Phil Collins’s ability to translate personal adversity into a universally relatable and sonically diverse album. Its enduring appeal lies in its raw emotion, innovative production, and the seamless fusion of various musical styles.