The greatest Genisis album? Hackett and Rutherford at their best
**The Greatest Genesis Album: Hackett and Rutherford at Their Best**
Genesis, a band known for its elaborate compositions, theatrical performances, and ever-evolving sound, has produced some of the most iconic albums in the progressive rock genre. While each era of the band has its distinct charm, one album stands out as a remarkable fusion of the band’s musical brilliance and creative mastery, particularly showcasing the immense talents of guitarist Steve Hackett and bassist Mike Rutherford. This album is none other than *Selling England by the Pound* (1973), widely considered by many fans and critics to be the greatest Genesis album.
### A Defining Moment in Progressive Rock
Released in October 1973, *Selling England by the Pound* marked a peak in the band’s artistic expression and progressive rock’s golden era. By this point, Genesis had already gone through several transformations, but this album encapsulated the perfect blend of intricate musicianship, poetic lyricism, and ethereal atmospheres that would define the progressive rock movement for years to come. While all members played an important role, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford’s contributions to this album were crucial in defining its sonic landscape.
### Steve Hackett’s Guitar Mastery
Steve Hackett’s work on *Selling England by the Pound* was nothing short of revolutionary. As the band’s lead guitarist, Hackett was responsible for many of the album’s defining moments. His fingerpicking style, subtle use of classical and flamenco influences, and distinctive approach to tone set him apart from other guitarists of the time. The album is filled with ethereal textures, such as his delicate fingerpicked arpeggios on the intro to “Firth of Fifth,” a song that many regard as one of Genesis’ finest pieces.
Hackett’s guitar solos also stand out as some of his most emotive and technically impressive performances. His solo in “The Cinema Show” is a highlight, balancing both technical virtuosity and expressive phrasing. Whether weaving through intricate, almost symphonic passages or unleashing soaring, emotional solos, Hackett’s guitar work on this album cemented his place as one of progressive rock’s most influential guitarists.
### Mike Rutherford: The Backbone of the Band
While Hackett’s contributions on guitar were undeniably exceptional, Mike Rutherford’s bass playing and rhythm guitar work were equally integral to the album’s success. As one of the primary songwriters for Genesis, Rutherford’s ability to craft melodic bass lines and rhythmic patterns served as the backbone to the album’s intricate compositions.
Rutherford’s bass work on tracks like “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)” and “The Battle of Epping Forest” is both melodic and driving, providing a solid foundation for the more adventurous elements of the band’s music. His ability to play both the bass and rhythm guitar parts with precision and fluidity allowed the band’s music to breathe, creating a complex, layered sound that felt both expansive and intimate.
On “The Cinema Show,” Rutherford’s bass work provides the perfect counterpoint to Hackett’s soaring guitar, while his rhythm guitar lines on “Dancing with the Moonlit Knight” add an intricate, yet subtle, texture to the track’s evolving sections. This collaboration between Hackett’s fluid guitar and Rutherford’s steadfast bass creates a dynamic synergy that is a hallmark of the album.
### Lyrical Themes and Production
The album’s lyrics, penned by vocalist Peter Gabriel, are a whimsical yet pointed commentary on British society, consumerism, and the passing of time. Gabriel’s vivid imagery and storytelling, combined with the musical textures provided by Hackett and Rutherford, create a sonic landscape that evokes both pastoral beauty and underlying tension.
Produced by David Hentschel, *Selling England by the Pound* also benefits from a pristine production quality that allows every instrument to shine. The clarity of the mixing allows Hackett’s delicate guitar parts to sit perfectly alongside Rutherford’s bass and Phil Collins’ drumming. The result is an album that sounds as fresh and dynamic today as it did at its release, with every note carefully placed to evoke emotion and atmosphere.
### A Legacy Cemented
While Genesis would go on to release other groundbreaking albums like *The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway* and *A Trick of the Tail*, *Selling England by the Pound* remains the pinnacle of the band’s classic period. It represents the creative heights of Steve Hackett’s guitar playing and Mike Rutherford’s bass work, and it embodies the synergy that made Genesis one of the most influential bands in the progressive rock genre.
The album’s blend of technical sophistication, lyrical depth, and emotional resonance stands as a testament to the immense talent of Hackett and Rutherford. Their musical partnership on *Selling England by the Pound* was truly a high point in Genesis’ career, with each player bringing their best to the table. For fans of progressive rock, and Genesis in particular, this album represents a moment in time when the band’s two greatest instrumentalists were firing on all cylinders, producing an album that remains timeless in its artistry.
In conclusion, *Selling England by the Pound* is not only the greatest Genesis album for many but a defining piece of progressive rock. Hackett and Rutherford’s contributions continue to be celebrated, their work standing as a benchmark for all musicians seeking to explore the boundaries of what rock music can be.
