...Calling All Stations...
by Genesis

It's a shame that this album's reputation precedes it, because it's really not a bad record at all. It's a little generic and uninspired in moments, but there are some genuinely pretty good songs in here (The Dividing Line, Calling All Stations, One Man's Fool, Uncertain Weather, etc.) and by my count, only one truly below average cut (Small Talk). It's not the same Genesis of Peter Gabriel or even Phil Collins, landing more on elements of hard rock and alt-rock than prog or true pop, but there are still elements of old Genesis in here. That said, you're probably more likely to enjoy this record if you take it for what it is without trying to compare it to old Genesis. I think that's where this album's 57/100 rating comes from, when the average track is rated a full 17 ranks higher. Give it a listen and decide for yourself, but I really don't think it's a bad record. Just don't go in expecting Selling England by the Pound or A Trick of the Tail.

From Mdemauri 08/28/2014 16:18 | #120615 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

I listen to this album and think of all the Phil Collins critics that say he ruined Genesis. I think how much better every song would be if PC contributed some musical ideas and was singing and playing drums. Nothing wrong with Ray Wilson, but Tony and Mike already had this album written when he joined so they are to blame for the quality of this album.

From Eastwood 04/09/2015 21:08 | #139237 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Good album. Best 10 songs average is 85,0/100 and the album can get good 85/100. Best songs are "Congo" and "Shipwrecked" both 90/100, followed by "Calling all stations" and "Not about us" both 85/100. All other songs only just good 80/100, except "Small talk" is average only.
Genre: Pop Rock

From paladisiac TOP 100 COMMENTER 12/12/2011 19:45 | #32773 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

The new guy evokes vocal qualities of Gabriel, but he really didn't have any creative say in the album. Without Phil, Mike & Tony struggle on weaving enough complexity in the songs to resemble 70s-era genesis, nor do they seem capable of truly writing a good "hook" to challenge their 80s/WCD material. It starts off with menacing guitar (for Rutherford) with the title track, a song of desparation and loss. "congo" has some playful drums. "not about us" ("a little piece of something / falling gently down, down, down. / no one understands you like i do") is a nice relationship-troubles song.

Slightly different music, some different singer. You can listen to but no revelations.