Genesis is another one of those bands that changed dramatically over the course of several decades. Formed in the late 60s, Genesis remained a prog rock band lead by Peter Gabriel until he left in 1975. At that point, drummer Phil Collins stepped up to the mic and helped put the band on the charts for the first time with "Your Own Special Way," which went to #62 in 1977. The follow-up singles established the Collins-led version of Genesis as a radio-friendly act that occasionally dipped back into its prog roots. "Follow You Follow Me" reached #23 in 1978 and "Misunderstanding" hit #14 in 1980, which would prove to be a decade owned by Phil Collins and Genesis. Genesis ranks as the 38th most successful act of the 80s and #159 of all-time. The band roared back to radio in 1983 with "That's All!" hitting #6. Hot off the heels of a hugely successful solo album by Phil Collins, Genesis scored their first (and only) #1 hit with "Invisible Touch" in 1986. The record of the same name was a monster success and mined for nearly every track. One that got lost in the mix of the many hits such as "Throwing It All Away" (#4), "Land Of Confusion" (#4), "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" (#3), and "In Too Deep" (#3) was "Anything She Does." Genesis would return in 1991 as a full-fledged adult contemporary act to rack up a bounty of hits like "No Son Of Mine" (#12), "I Can't Dance" (#7), "Hold On My Heart" (#12), "Jesus He Knows Me" (#23), and "Never A Time" (#21). After an amazing run, they haven't recorded with Collins again and haven't seen the charts since.
Breaking off from Genesis was a risky venture for Peter Gabriel, so he wrote a song about it called "Solsbury Hill." It turned out to be his first single, but it simmered out at #68 in 1977. A live version surfaced in 1983, reaching only #84. Despite its feeble chart performance, the song is a radio staple and a classic now, and it remains one of Gabriel's favorite tracks. Gabriel would find big time success in 1986 with the #1 smash "Sledgehammer" and follow up hit "Big Time" (#8). Gabriel's last chart appearance was in 1992 with the underrated tune "Steam."
I don't think I'll ever understand how Philadelphia singer/songwriter Jeffrey Gaines never hit it big. His first two albums were released on the major label Chrysalis Records, but the only tune of his to gain a bit of traction was his version of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes." If you want to hear some fantastic music, get his first three records from 1992, 1994, and 1998 ("Jeffrey Gaines," "Somewhat Slightly Dazed," and "Galore," respectively). Gaines crafts beautiful melodies and haunting ballads, and his lyrics are usually far above the cut. Gaines did another jaw-dropping cover tune for his fourth record: an acoustic version of "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," originally made famous by Roberta Flack. But here I'm highlighting one of his more upbeat numbers, the wonderful tune "Nursery Rhyme" from his second effort.
Before her breakthrough 1996 album, "This Fire", Paula Cole replaced Sinead O'Connor on Peter Gabriel's 1993-1994 tour. Hot off the heels of this tour, the rising star released her debut album, "Harbinger". But the label folded shortly thereafter and her single, "I Am So Ordinary", likely suffered the consequences of this bad timing. It is a heartbreaking song of longing for another's affections. But don't feel too bad for Paula Cole - her next record, "This Fire", was huge, scoring her 3 top 40 hits and the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1997. From this album, "Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?" hit #8, "I Don't Want To Wait" hit #11 (and was used as the theme for the hit TV show Dawson's Creek), and "Me" hit #35.
David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) introduced the talented singer/songwriter Kate Bush to the world, helping to finance and produce her demo when she was only sixteen. His instincts proved right when her debut single "Wuthering Heights" topped the British charts. While very popular in her native UK, she only managed a handful of minor hits in the US. The biggest hit she had was "Running Up That Hill", which sprinted to #30 in 1985. Even a moving ballad with 80s superstar Peter Gabriel called "Don't Give Up" struggled to get to #72. Her last charting single topped out at #88 in 1993: the bouncy and delightful "Rubberband Girl". A terrific song about bending rather than breaking, it always helps you recalibrate when life gets maligned.
