Nursery Cryme SACD

Genesis took a significant leap forward with the addition of Phil Collins and Steve Hackett to the lineup and this album showcases a perfect blend of bombastic keyboards, intricate melodies and imaginative storytelling. Opening with 'The Musical Box', a mini rock opera that fuses nursery rhyme influences with progressive rock grandeur, the album establishes itself as a classic. The heavy and menacing 'The Return of the Giant Hogweed' exemplifies the band's creative audacity, while 'For Absent Friends' offers a brief, gentle respite led by Collins' emotive vocals. 'Seven Stones' features one of the most iconic Mellotron solos, while 'The Fountain of Salmacis' presents a mythical tale with symphonic depth. 'Harold the Barrel' provides a brief, humorous interlude and 'Harlequin' offers a quaint but somewhat disposable moment. The record's strength lies in its balance of light and dark, with moments of beauty and power seamlessly intertwined. The album captures the band's transition from their early sound to a more ambitious, epic style, laying the groundwork for future masterpieces. It remains a cornerstone of progressive rock, showcasing Genesis at their imaginative best.