By JC
Yes, the band is named after the first book of the Bible. No, they weren’t a Christian band. But over twelve years and two lead singers, Genesis kept circling the same big questions: who’s listening, who’s lost, and who comes looking. Here are seven, in the order they were released.
1. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974)
A lamb in the middle of New York City traffic is about the last thing you’d expect to see. That’s sort of the whole point of Christmas, too.
2. Follow You Follow Me (1978)
Shockingly simple for a band famous for twenty-minute epics. Jesus kept it simple too. He said two words: follow me.
3. Turn It On Again (1980)
A man whose only friends live inside his TV. Swap the TV for a phone and most of us are that guy. Turn it off now and then, and turn toward somebody.
4. Abacab (1981)
Named for the order of the song’s sections, which got shuffled anyway. Life rarely comes in neat order either. God sees the whole arrangement.
5. No Reply at All (1981)
Bright Earth, Wind & Fire horns over the loneliest feeling there is. Sometimes prayer feels like that. Keep talking. Heaven doesn’t leave anyone on read.
6. Mama (1983)
The darkest thing they ever recorded, a picture of obsession that starts to own you. Jesus specializes in finding people in exactly those rooms and walking them out.
7. Land of Confusion (1986)
World leaders as rubber puppets, and a sincere call for ordinary people to make the world worth living in. Don’t wait for perfect leaders. Pray for the ones we have and love your neighbor.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” — 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)
— JC
