Released 30 years ago
Genesis Revisited
Steve Hackett · 1996
76 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock
A vibrant fusion of progressive rock anthems reimagined with intricate arrangements and Hackett's signature guitar work.
Top tracks — play these first
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Watcher of the Skies Start here — This track opens the album with a dynamic orchestral arrangement that sets the tone for Hackett's reinterpretation of Genesis classics. Its atmospheric introduction and soaring melodies showcase Hackett's virtuosic guitar playing and ability to blend symphonic elements seamlessly.
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Firth of Fifth — Firth of Fifth stands out with its intricate piano introduction followed by Hackett’s expressive guitar solos, demonstrating the technical prowess that characterized early Genesis. The arrangement revitalizes the original while maintaining its emotional depth and complexity.
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I Know What I Like — This reimagining brings a fresh energy to a fan favorite, blending familiar melodies with new instrumental passages that reinvigorate the piece. Its playful lyrics and upbeat tempo highlight Hackett's ability to reinterpret while honoring the original spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively reinterprets classic material with strong musicianship but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.
What we noticed
- The album features reimagined versions of classic Genesis tracks, often extending their original structures with new instrumental sections.
- Hackett's guitar work is prominent throughout, frequently taking the lead in both melodic and improvisational passages.
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral arrangements, adding depth and complexity to the familiar melodies.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- dynamic progression with peaks
- lush orchestration that envelops
- immersive listening for deep focus
- wave-like pacing with surprises
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its fresh take on Genesis songs, showcasing Hackett's signature style.
- Themes
- Genesis nostalgia· orchestral reimagining· progressive rock legacy
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Genesis Revisited showcases Steve Hackett's return to the music scene after a lengthy solo career that followed his departure from Genesis in 1977. This album serves as a retrospective, featuring reworkings of classic Genesis tracks alongside new interpretations, highlighting Hackett's continued evolution as a musician.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Camel· Mike Oldfield· Genesis
Tracklist
- 1 Watcher of the Skies Start here 8:40
- 2 Dance on a Volcano 7:28
- 3 Valley of the Kings 6:29
- 4 Deja Vu 5:53
- 5 Firth of Fifth 9:39
- 6 For Absent Friends 3:02
- 7 Your Own Special Way 4:18
- 8 Fountain of Salmacis 9:53
- 9 Waiting Room Only 6:53
- 10 I Know What I Like 5:37
- 11 Los Endos 8:51
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Misplaced Childhood
Marillion
Shares a similar orchestral approach and rich storytelling within the progressive rock framework.
The Snow Goose
Camel
Features lush instrumentation and a cinematic quality, paralleling Hackett's orchestral reimagining.
Fragile
Yes
Combines intricate musicianship and melodic depth, reflecting shared progressive rock legacies.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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