Genesis (Genesis Album)

Genesis (Genesis album)

Genesis is the twelfth studio album by Genesis. It was recorded and released in 1983. It is sometimes referred to as the "Mama" album. In some cases, it has been referred to as the "Shapes" or "Yellow Shapes" album because of the front cover. The shapes are from the Tupperware "Shape O Toy Ball." The toy consists of a blue and red hollow ball with different shaped holes cut into the surface, into which the shaped pieces can be inserted.

Genesis (so named for the fact that all three band members composed every song on it together) marked the beginning of Hugh Padgham's formal production assistance after engineering Abacab.

"Mama", a song about a man's obsession with a prostitute, became Genesis' biggest UK hit, reaching No.20 upon release (and ultimately peaking at No.4), although the song did not do well in the US singles chart. Further successes "That's All" (which became the band's first US Top 10 hit), "Illegal Alien" and "Taking It All Too Hard" ensured that Genesis was well received, and it reached No.1 in the UK, remaining in the charts for 51 weeks. It also reached No.9 in the US, eventually selling over four million copies there alone. the first side of the album contains three progressive rock songs from Mama to Home by the Sea. the second side of the album contains five pop rock songs from Illegal Alien to It's Gonna Get Better.

A SACD / DVD double disc set (including new 5.1 and Stereo mixes) was released in October 2007 in Europe and as a CD and DVD double disc set in the US and Canada a month later.

Read more about Genesis (Genesis album):  Background, Reception, Personnel, Working Titles, Tour, Charts and Certifications