35 All-Time Best Genesis Songs

20. "Many Too Many"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUEAx1ngnf0 The title of this album is in reference to Hackett quitting the band, leaving just the remaining Banks, Collins, and Rutherford. Written by Banks about the unfortunate glut of rock stars who overpopulated the charts, this song's subject is somewhat reminiscent of the Eagles' "New Kid in Town" released only two years prior. Banks realised he wasn't as lucky as he thought, as there were new musical acts being discovered every day, and he and his band could and would be easily replaced. Of course, the number of rock acts since has only multiplied, but Banks can take some consolation in the fact that the band persevered for another 20 years after the song was written.

19. "Follow You Follow Me"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRD49AFxJVI After the band plugged away for almost a decade, "Follow You Follow Me" was the first Genesis song to reach the American Top 40 and UK Top 10. Banks noticed that it was also the first one to garner attention from their female audience, as more appeared in droves at their concerts after the single was released. I know many people feel this is where this formerly progressive-rock band tipped over the edge into selling out, but consider this pop gem again. Upon repeated listens, you begin to hear things you may have not before, like Rutherford's layered guitar work in the background, Banks' uplifting keyboard solo, and Collins' off-beat, bossa-nova rhythm. Yes, the lyrics are very simplistic, but sometimes you don't need numerous polysyllabic words to say something deep. It's so earnest and heartfelt, especially when Collins abandons the lyrics entirely at the song's finale and just starts chanting the melody like a child, it can bring a tear to my eye.

18. "Duchess"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3fLoF-Jus0 Similar in theme to "Many Too Many," which was also written by Banks, "Duchess" is the simple story of the rise and fall of a female pop star. Banks has since admitted that the titular character was always meant to be a not-so-thinly-veiled stand-in for Genesis itself. At the beginning of the song, the musician plays with her heart and isn't worried about audience expectations, but once she becomes famous, she wants to give the people more of what they want. This, of course, backfires, and soon there comes a time "when nobody call(s) for more." Banks admitted in the late '90s that the band was basically experiencing the last verse of this song.

17. "Misunderstanding"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmFRvpwVSwo Written by Collins, this song was originally supposed to appear on his debut solo album Face Value, but the band plucked it for Duke instead. Collins claims he also offered "In the Air Tonight," the monster hit for which he is probably most well-known, to the band, but Rutherford and Banks have sworn they don't remember that happening. If it did, you can rest assure they are kicking themselves. Regardless, "Misunderstanding" is still a pleasant tune about a...wait for it...misunderstanding between a man and his would-be date. Backed by a bouncy, Beach Boys beat, complete with "Whoos" in the background, the band was furthering their stake on the pop market.

16. "Turn It On Again"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPmqWsvnQkM A screed against television, "Turn It On Again" was ahead of its time, as it was recorded decades before reality TV and other depressing fare passing as "entertainment" these days. Somewhat ironically, given the song's condemnation of the boob tube, PBS at one point used it as the theme for the channel's logo. Still, staring blankly at the screen is "just another way of passing the day."