The Crate
Genesis
Invisible Touch
1. Commercial Peak: "Invisible Touch" is Genesis' most commercially successful album. It topped the charts in the UK and reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in the US. The title track, "Invisible Touch," became their only song to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2. Era-defining Sound: The album is a quintessential example of the 1980s pop-rock sound, blending the band's progressive rock roots with catchy pop hooks and contemporary production techniques. This transition helped broaden their audience significantly.
3. Hit Singles: The album spawned five top-five singles in the US, a record at the time for any non-American act. These hits include "Invisible Touch," "Throwing It All Away," "Land of Confusion," "In Too Deep," and "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight."
4. Land of Confusion Video: The music video for "Land of Confusion" is notable for its use of puppets created by the British satirical show "Spitting Image." The video was a huge hit on MTV and won a Grammy Award for Best Concept Music Video.
5. Phil Collins' Dominance: At the time of the album's release, Phil Collins was also enjoying massive solo success. His ubiquity in the charts and on TV and radio made 1986 a peak year for him, both as a solo artist and as a member of Genesis.
6. Complex Themes: While the album has a polished pop sheen, it addresses complex themes. For instance, "Land of Confusion" is a politically charged song reflecting Cold War anxieties, while "Domino" explores human vulnerability and catastrophe.
7. Critical Reception: Despite its commercial success, "Invisible Touch" received mixed reviews from critics at the time. Some long-time fans of Genesis' earlier progressive rock work were initially put off by the more accessible, pop-oriented direction. However, the album has since been re-evaluated more positively in retrospective critiques.
8. Influence and Legacy: The album's influence is seen in countless artists who draw on the fusion of pop sensibility and rock instrumentation. Bands like Marillion and Spock's Beard have cited Genesis, particularly this era, as a significant influence.
"Invisible Touch" represents a fascinating snapshot of Genesis at their commercial zenith, deftly merging their progressive rock heritage with the pop landscape of the '80s.