The Way We Walk, Volume Two: The Longs cover

The Way We Walk, Volume Two: The Longs

Genesis · 1993

70 min · 6 tracks · progressive rock

A sweeping blend of intricate melodies and atmospheric soundscapes that showcases Genesis' progressive rock legacy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Old Medley: Dance on a Volcano / Lamb Lies Down on Broadway / The Musical Box / Firth of Fifth / I Know What I Like Start here — This medley encapsulates Genesis' ability to weave together complex musical themes and narratives, taking listeners on a journey through their rich catalog.
  • →
    Driving the Last Spike — The track features poignant lyrics about nostalgia and change, showcasing the band’s lyrical depth alongside its musical sophistication.
  • →
    Fading Lights — As one of the closing tracks, it serves as a reflective piece that captures the essence of both finality and hope within the band's legacy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's medleys and dynamic shifts highlight Genesis' progressive rock strengths.

What we noticed

  • The album features extensive medleys that blend multiple songs into cohesive arrangements, creating a continuous flow.
  • Tracks often shift in tempo and dynamics, with sudden transitions that maintain listener engagement.
  • The final track is a drum duet that showcases percussion prominently, contrasting with the melodic focus of earlier tracks.
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
8/10

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

  • sweeping emotional crescendos
  • patient unfolding towards climax
  • immersive half-hour medleys
  • thoughtful late-night reflections
  • orchestral depth for headphone listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of quick gratification
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Highlights live arrangements and theatrical performance, cherished by dedicated fans.
Themes
nostalgic reflection· progressive rock legacy· theatrical storytelling
Moods
Dreamy· Uplifting
Career context
By the time Genesis released The Way We Walk, Volume Two: The Longs in 1993, they were firmly established as a dominant force in progressive rock. This album came out after their commercially successful We Can't Dance, marking a period where they balanced their classic sound with contemporary influences. It is also notable as part of their live album series, showcasing the band's long history of elaborate performances.
Stylistic neighbors
Yes· Emerson, Lake & Palmer· King Crimson

Tracklist

  • 1 Old Medley: Dance on a Volcano / Lamb Lies Down on Broadway / The Musical Box / Firth of Fifth / I Know What I Like… Start here 19:32
  • 2 Driving the Last Spike 10:17
  • 3 Domino: Part I – In the Glow of the Night / Part Two – The Last Domino 11:20
  • 4 Fading Lights 10:54
  • 5 Home by the Sea / Second Home by the Sea 12:14
  • 6 Drum Duet 6:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata