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THE REVIEW
In 1971, what was the basic idea of the Genesis sound, until then naive and poorly expressed, developed and took shape in what is one of the standout pieces of progressive rock, "Nursery Cryme". With a finally stable lineup consisting of singer, showman, lyricist, and flautist Peter Gabriel, bassist Michael Rutherford, pianist/organist Tony Banks, guitarist Steve Hackett, and drummer Phil Collins. The Band, following their first progressive experience with "Trespass", finally finds the right path and manages to express its true potential with this album.
The first song, "The Musical Box", from which the cover is taken, is a grotesque children's tale, starting with dreamlike, fairy-tale atmospheres that at times almost become a horror story, with dark and distressing sounds, transporting the listener into the heart of the narrative. The second track, "For Absent Friends", marks a pause after the ascending emotional climax of the first song, offering a calm and relaxed interpretation by Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett on classical guitar.
Quite the opposite discussion for "The Return Of The Giant Hogweed", a work that showcases the band's excellent instrumental ability, aggressive and hallucinatory. "Seven Stones" focuses more on solemn and calm narration, speaking of seafaring adventures. The fifth song, "Harold The Barrel", is an engaging mini theatrical opera that highlights Gabriel's interpretative ability and Banks' pianistic virtuosity. "Harlequin" is a slow and dreamy ballad that resumes the fairy-tale tones of the first piece.
The concluding piece is "The Fountain Of Salmacis", which tells of the Greek myth of the nymph Salmacis and her sad love for Hermaphroditus, probably the peak of the album, triumphant and majestic, yet not pompous, showing the true face of Genesis, a fitting conclusion to a great album.
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Summary by Bot
Nursery Cryme marks Genesis' breakthrough into mature progressive rock with a stable lineup and refined sound. The album features a mix of fairy-tale narratives, instrumental prowess, and theatrical expression led by Peter Gabriel. Standout tracks like 'The Musical Box' and 'The Fountain of Salmacis' highlight the band's evolving artistry. Overall, it is celebrated as a defining moment in their career.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Genesis
English rock band formed in 1967, celebrated for landmark early-1970s progressive albums (Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound, The Lamb) and a later, more pop-oriented phase led commercially by Phil Collins.116 Reviews
Other reviews
By rebel1
The Musical Box shifts from fairy-tale to mystery, to terror, transforming into pure rock with an overwhelming attack of guitars.
The Fountain of Salmacis ends with a rapid drum break followed by a breathtaking guitar and bass solo.
By Torre Ste
"The Musical Box is a ten-minute piece... capable of moving listeners from the very first listen and engaging anyone in their music."
"Serious lyrics and high-quality music make up a wonderful and complete album, passing into music history through the main door."
By STIPE
What makes this album great is the aura of mystery and fairy tale it exudes.
The ending is hair-raising, with Gabriel's voice first hoarse and hypnotic, and then imperious in a powerful and unstoppable crescendo of incomparable intensity!
By SydBarrett96
Petger Gabriel was a genius, and with Phil Collins and Steve Hackett, they turned progressive rock into a work of art.
"The Musical Box" is one of the most influential rock tracks, blending Victorian storytelling with powerful melodies and dramatic vocals.
By paolofreddie
A 10-minute mini-opera that combines various musical styles with an ambiguous and theatrical story about childhood and death.
There could not have been a more beautiful and more interesting album than Nursery Cryme, a masterpiece of progressive rock.
