Affectively, this is my favorite album by Genesis, and even disregarding that, it remains on the podium of their best works for me. The idea that it doesn't measure up to the previous ones just because Gabriel isn't singing is a bit stale, I would say, indeed I'd call it a bit of 'a bullshit’. This is, along with "Foxtrot" (and perhaps "Nursery Cryme"), the most compact album devoid of weak points or dips in tension throughout their entire discography. 8 songs, 8 wonders—there's no escaping that. It’s the work of a mature group that, even deprived of an undoubtedly important element, rediscovers itself (after the complexities surrounding the making of "The Lamb") united, cohesive, and extraordinarily mature from a compositional and performative standpoint, with Banks finally taking the reins of the group completely and Collins proving to be an excellent lead vocalist and a charismatic performer, perfect to replace his friend. The highest moment? It changes with every listen, but today I'd say it's the soft sobbing, the almost restrained crying, that "Song of the Humpback Whale" from Hackett's guitar in the middle of "Ripples," beautifully dueling with Banks' keyboard. A masterpiece indeed.
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