Genesis Revisited II cover

Released 14 years ago this October

Genesis Revisited II

Steve Hackett · 2012

144 min · 21 tracks · progressive rock

A lush tapestry of progressive rock that reinterprets classics with intricate musicianship and evocative storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Chamber of 32 Doors Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Supper’s Ready — This epic suite stands out not only for its length but also for its ambitious structure, weaving together multiple themes and narratives that capture the essence of Genesis's theatricality.
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    The Lamia — The emotional depth of this track is amplified by Hackett's guitar work, which enhances its haunting narrative about love and loss, showcasing his unique interpretive lens.
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    Blood on the Rooftops — This song's reflective lyrics paired with delicate instrumentation highlight Hackett's skill in creating poignant atmospheres while addressing themes of societal change and nostalgia.
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    Dancing With the Moonlit Knight — Hackett’s rendition brings an added layer of sophistication to this classic with rich arrangements, emphasizing its lyrical commentary on British identity and culture.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album effectively reinterprets classic Genesis songs with strong musicianship but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.

What we noticed

  • Many tracks incorporate lush harmonies and layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that enhances the original compositions.
  • Several pieces are significantly lengthened compared to their original versions, allowing for more elaborate solos and transitions.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 journey with emotional peaks
  • intricate guitar work exploration
  • wave-like pacing for focus
  • late-night reflective listening
  • immersive two-halves experience

Maybe skip if you

  • instant gratification seekers
  • short attention span listeners

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its reinterpretation of Genesis classics, showcasing Hackett's artistry.
Themes
Genesis legacy· orchestral reinterpretation· theatrical storytelling
Career context
Released in 2012, Genesis Revisited II is Steve Hackett's foray into revisiting and reimagining his former band Genesis's classic tracks. This album follows his successful solo career spanning over four decades and comes after his 2009 release, Out of the Tunnel. By this time, Hackett had established himself as a prominent figure in progressive rock, known for his distinctive guitar work and compositional style.
Stylistic neighbors
Camel· Mike Oldfield· Genesis

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Blood on the Rooftops

    The imagery shifts from vibrant urban landscapes to somber reflections on societal decay, capturing a sense of yearning amidst change.

    This vivid contrast not only illustrates the passage of time but also deepens the emotional weight of the song, showcasing Hackett's adeptness at blending narrative with musicality.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 The Chamber of 32 Doors Start here 6:00
  • 2 Horizons 1:41
  • 3 Supper’s Ready 23:35
  • 4 The Lamia 7:47
  • 5 Dancing With the Moonlit Knight 8:10
  • 6 Fly on a Windshield 2:53
  • 7 Broadway Melody of 1974 2:23
  • 8 The Musical Box 10:57
  • 9 Can‐Utility and the Coastliners 5:49
  • 10 Please Don’t Touch 4:03

Disc 2

  • 1 Blood on the Rooftops 6:56
  • 2 The Return of the Giant Hogweed 8:45
  • 3 Entangled 6:35
  • 4 Eleventh Earl of Mar 7:50
  • 5 Ripples 8:14
  • 6 Unquiet Slumbers for the Sleepers… 2:21
  • 7 …in That Quiet Earth 4:47
  • 8 Afterglow 4:09
  • 9 A Tower Struck Down 4:45
  • 10 Camino Royale 6:19
  • 11 Shadow of the Hierophant 10:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata