Genesis – ...And Then There Were Three...

Genesis – ...And Then There Were Three...

Released in 1978, ...And Then There Were Three... marks a significant turning point in the history of Genesis, capturing the band as they moved from their Peter Gabriel-era progressive rock foundations towards the more melodic, accessible sound that would bring them enormous international success during the following decade. It was the group's first studio album as a three-piece, following the departure of guitarist Steve Hackett, and established a new musical identity built around Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford.

Although the line-up had changed, Genesis had by no means abandoned their progressive ambitions. The album combines intricate instrumental passages, elaborate arrangements and imaginative songwriting with stronger melodies and more direct song structures. The result is a fascinating meeting point between the band's expansive early work and the more streamlined pop-rock direction that would emerge on later albums.

Recorded at Relight Studios in Hilvarenbeek, Holland, during September and October 1977, the album was produced by Genesis alongside David Hentschel, who had previously worked with the band on A Trick Of The Tail and Wind & Wuthering. Hentschel's production gives the recordings a spacious, carefully layered sound, allowing Banks' keyboards, Collins' drums and Rutherford's increasingly prominent guitar work to combine with considerable clarity.

The album opens with 'Down And Out', a powerful and rhythmically complex track that immediately demonstrates that the trio were still capable of delivering ambitious progressive rock. 'Undertow' follows with a more atmospheric arrangement, featuring Tony Banks' characteristic keyboard textures and a memorable melodic progression. 'Ballad Of Big' brings together the band's storytelling instincts and intricate musicianship, while 'Snowbound' offers a more reflective, melodic moment, built around Mike Rutherford's songwriting.

One of the album's major achievements is the expansive 'Burning Rope'. Written by Banks, this seven-minute composition is a particularly strong example of Genesis retaining their progressive character while developing a more accessible musical approach. Its dramatic instrumental sections, shifting dynamics and expressive vocal performance make it one of the record's highlights.

The second side opens with 'Deep In The Motherlode', a compelling Rutherford composition with a powerful narrative and dramatic musical development. 'Many Too Many' provides one of the album's most beautiful melodic moments, featuring Phil Collins' expressive vocals and a more restrained arrangement. 'Scenes From A Night's Dream', inspired by the comic-strip character Little Nemo, returns to a more playful and adventurous style, while 'Say It's Alright Joe' offers a darker, character-driven performance.

'The Lady Lies' is another standout, combining Banks' intricate keyboard writing with an energetic arrangement and one of the album's more theatrical narratives. The record closes with 'Follow You Follow Me', a deceptively simple and beautifully melodic song that became Genesis' first major international hit single. Its success marked an important breakthrough, introducing the band to a much wider audience and signalling the commercial direction they would explore throughout the 1980s.

The album also features the distinctive artwork of Hipgnosis, whose surreal visual approach perfectly complements the record's atmospheric and imaginative character.

For fans of classic progressive rock, melodic art rock and the development of British rock music in the late 1970s, ...And Then There Were Three... is an essential Genesis release. It captures a band successfully reinventing itself without losing the musicianship, compositional ambition and distinctive musical personality that made its earlier work so influential.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. Down And Out (5:25)
A2. Undertow (4:45)
A3. Ballad Of Big (4:43)
A4. Snowbound (4:29)
A5. Burning Rope (7:07)

Side B
B1. Deep In The Motherlode (5:14)
B2. Many Too Many (3:29)
B3. Scenes From A Night's Dream (3:29)
B4. Say It's Alright Joe (4:18)
B5. The Lady Lies (6:00)
B6. Follow You Follow Me (3:55)