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Album Details

• Artist: Genesis
• Album: Calling All Stations
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• Year of Release: 1997
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: gwhill on 2013-03-05

This album was definitely one of the most controversial for Genesis fans. One could say that Phil Collins’ departure and replacement was even more of a shock than when Peter Gabriel was replaced by Collins. The result is an album that many like, but many hate. I find that it has its up sides and its down sides. On the positive side, most of Calling All Stations is composed of very nice textural mood pieces, brought home very well by the emotional vocal stylings of Ray Wilson. At times this album seems to evoke a step back from the last few Genesis albums, calling up memories of And Then There Were Three to me. On the downside, there is a certain sameness to many of the songs on the album, particularly in the drum sounds and percussion lines. The full lineup for this one is Ray Wilson, Tony Banks and Michael Rutherford, with two guest drummers.

The opening title track begins with some crunchy, almost heavy metal sounding guitar work. This one in general is a very moody, textural song (typical of this album), with some very good and emotional vocal work. The percussion sound on this one reminds me quite a bit of “Mama.” Starting off with a nice Caribbean/African tribal feel, “Congo” is another textural, moody piece that somewhat brings to mind And Then There Were Three, although the first break is more typical of newer Genesis. There are a few moments toward the end of the song that almost seem influenced by Peter Gabriel`s world music endeavors.

Although one of the weaker songs on the album, “Shipwrecked” is pretty. “Alien Afternoon” is basically a rock ‘n’ roller that begins with a very nice keyboard intro. All in all, it is a fun tune. Although “Not About Us” is somewhat new ground for Genesis, a good rock ballad, it is really nothing too unique in general. It contains some very nice acoustic guitar work, though. A fairly weak tune, “If That’s What You Need” reminds me quite a bit of Mike & the Mechanics.

Starting with an almost techno feel, “The Dividing Line” evolves into a rather classic Genesis type song. Although it somewhat drags in the middle section, it recovers well, that recovery starting with a nice percussion break. “Uncertain Weather” is another nice textural piece with a definite older Genesis leaning. “Small Talk” is another nice rock ‘n’ roller. With “There Must Be Some Other Way” we have another well done moody song with a very nice classic Genesis styled instrumental break. Yet another nicely done moody track, “One Man’s Fool” progresses and builds into a definite classic Genesisesque song.

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