Is A Trick of the Tail a good place to start with Genesis?

Yes, A Trick of the Tail is recommended as a starting point for new Genesis listeners. Ethereal melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a lush landscape that defines Genesis's art rock evolution. Released in February 1976, A Trick of the Tail is Genesis's first album after Peter Gabriel's departure. This marked a pivotal moment in their career as they transitioned from a progressive rock band to one that would gain widespread commercial success, showcasing Phil Collins as the new lead vocalist.

Who is A Trick of the Tail for?

A Trick of the Tail works well if you're into whimsical lyrical storytelling experience, dynamic progression with resolution and wave-like pacing through tracks.

How many songs are on A Trick of the Tail?

A Trick of the Tail has 8 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

A Trick of the Tail

Genesis · 1976

51 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a lush landscape that defines Genesis's art rock evolution.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dance on a Volcano Start here — This track opens the album with a dynamic blend of complex time signatures and powerful vocals, setting the tone for Genesis's bold new direction.
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Squonk — Characterized by its catchy melody and poignant storytelling, this song exemplifies the band's ability to merge narrative depth with musical complexity.
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Ripples — A reflective ballad that showcases Collins's emotive vocal delivery, it highlights the band's softer side while maintaining an intricate arrangement that resonates throughout the album.
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A Trick of the Tail — The title track encapsulates the album’s themes of transformation and resilience, featuring rich harmonies and a subtle yet compelling structure.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong writing and intricate arrangements while maintaining a distinct sound post-Gabriel.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in 'Entangled' and 'Ripples', enhancing the ethereal quality of the sound.
The final track, 'Los Endos', serves as an instrumental conclusion that revisits themes from earlier songs, creating a cohesive wrap-up.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

whimsical lyrical storytelling experience
dynamic progression with resolution
wave-like pacing through tracks
engaging narrative arc throughout
for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, quick songs
seek immediate gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — First album after Gabriel's departure, establishing their continued success and sound.
Themes: post-Gabriel transition· mythical storytelling· emotional resilience
Moods: Dreamy· Introspective
Career context: Released in February 1976, A Trick of the Tail is Genesis's first album after Peter Gabriel's departure. This marked a pivotal moment in their career as they transitioned from a progressive rock band to one that would gain widespread commercial success, showcasing Phil Collins as the new lead vocalist.
Stylistic neighbors: Yes· Emerson, Lake & Palmer· King Crimson