•
Rating:
THE REVIEW
Despite the work already showcasing the tendency, particularly of Collins and Rutherford, towards a more easy-going genre, the first time I listened to Selling England By The Pound, I was captivated and fascinated by the unique, incisive, and intriguing sound. Melodies, sudden changes of rhythm, virtuosity, dreamlike lyrics, and intense rhythmic foundations (honor this time to Phil and Mike) unveiled mysterious and elegant scenarios.
The history of music will never be able to forget pieces like "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight" and "Firth Of Fifth": in the first, Peter's wonderful melodic introduction, enriched by Tony's piano and Steve's guitar, preludes a vehement explosion of sounds that culminate in the brilliant, irreplaceable, and delightful solo by Steve, followed by a stronger yet no less intense guitar, exalted by a background of haunting choirs and subsequently by Banks' almost distorted but intriguingly fascinating keyboards. In the second, Tony's delicate introduction precedes the powerful attack of the ensemble of instruments and Peter's voice, which will dominate the scene, continuing throughout the entire piece with a variety of themes and an intensity of emotions wrapped around Hackett's moving guitar solo.
And then, "I Know What I Like," although already catchy, remains extraordinary for the modernity of the sound (we're in 1973), for Gabriel's charismatic interpretation, and for the originality of the rhythmic base.
Another gem worth mentioning is undoubtedly "The Cinema Show," where Peter's sharp yet sweet voice, Steve's tender introductory guitar, and Tony Banks' grand and imaginative solo stand out.
Tough and medieval "The Battle Of Epping Forest," with beautiful and well-crafted arrangements, but a bit easy-going for the others.
Undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary albums of the immense Genesis (clearly, with the presence of Gabriel and Hackett).
Loading comments slowly
Summary by Bot
Selling England By The Pound captivates with its distinctive sound, combining melodic complexity, rhythmic innovation, and masterful musicianship. Key tracks like "Dancing With The Moonlit Knight" and "Firth Of Fifth" showcase brilliant solos and layered arrangements. The album remains a landmark in Genesis' career, especially notable for the contributions of Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett. Its blend of dreamlike lyrics and dynamic instrumentation offers a timeless progressive rock experience.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 Dario Pierini
The piano intro alone is worth the price of the record.
The unmistakable dreamy and romantic atmosphere, with a medieval and baroque flavor, makes them at once so modern and ancient, so innovative and tied to tradition.
By Breus
"Selling England" unfolds like a fable-like and epic fresco between the unifaun and the Queen of May Be, singing the fate of a land that has become prey to commerce and lost its nobler ambitions.
"The Cinema Show" remains the most spontaneous and authentic testament of their original group career, with a succession of phrases that engage all the musicians without ever detaching from the typical style.
By lukather88
"Selling England By The Pound is an extraordinary album that perfectly represents progressive rock alongside King Crimson and Yes."
"Hackett’s guitar solo on 'Firth Of Fifth' is a gem perhaps unparalleled in progressive rock, leaving one enchanted and lulled into a dreamlike dimension."
By XBend
"53 minutes of real delight, of pure art exposed by those who know how to do art well."
"It marks the absolute consecration of the group that had already made waves with monumental works."
By SydBarrett96
"Selling England by The Pound remains and will forever remain the Masterpiece."
"Consolidates them as a legendary band in the rock Olympus. Immense, deep, intense."
