The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway

It’s only over recent years that I’ve started paying any attention to prog-rock. Rush came up on my radar and I fell in love, and I have since listened to Yes as well. I’d never really given Genesis a chance as the songs I’d already heard (Invisible Touch and Land Of Confusion) were much more pop than I expected. Songs I already knew: none Favourite after listening: Counting Out Time, Carpet Crawlers First, this was a double album so is longer than most, taking just over 90 minutes to get through all 22 songs. Longer albums have scored poorly from me before as it takes a lot of mental stamina to focus for that long. However, I was able to sit through this in one session and at no point felt bored. I will say that some songs are a little weird, but in a way that fits well with the rest of the album. Overall, I loved it but I know that prog isn’t for everyone, so I can understand people hating it too.

Disclaimer: Huge Genesis fan here. I was listening to this in the car with my teenage son recently, as one does, right? Right?? I was surprised that he's been digging early Genesis so we went through this one. It was interesting to listen to it with him and think about how this album sounds to new ears. Album 1 is amazing and my son absolutely loved it. The opening trio of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Fly on a Windshield, and Broadway Melody of 1974 is just stunningly good. Chills every freakin' time. Back in NYC, In the Cage, and Carpet Crawlers are all great songs. Album 1 is a clear 5. Album 2...well, it has some great moments: Lilywhite Lilith. the keyboard solo in Riding the Scree...plus "It" is a great closer (both to the album and to Peter Gabriel's time with Genesis). But Album 2 also has a lot of weird moments - I was cringing a few times at how it might be coming across to him and I can imagine that a lot of people end up saying "wtf" many times during Album 2 (and maybe even occasionally on Album 1). Plus, I worried that Album 2 was dragging out too much and the story is, um, awkward to say the least (google Peter Gabriel's slipperman costume. On second thought, don't). But, as we neared the end and I told my son that we were on the second to last song, he was actually disappointing that the album was almost over. Poor kid is going to be a prog fan I guess. I want to make it crystal clear I didn't push him to listen! Anyway (as the song goes)...to give it a 4 or 5? Here's where I'm going to have to let my Genesis freak-flag fly: It's a 5 (it's also chicken, eggs, and in between your legs). Every time I hit the end of the album, I want to listen again. If that isn't a 5, I don't know what is.

This is Gabriel Genesis at its peak (in my humble opinion)…he is about to break from them and forge his own path.

This is a prime example of why most double albums are overhyped marketing tools. As Bilbo would say, this album feels like butter scraped over too much bread. It's still great, but there are too many thin spots that drag it down from what should be something better.

"The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" is the 6th studio album for Genesis. It is a double album and the last one with Peter Gabriel as lead singer. It is also a concept album (boy, is it ever) about a Puerto Rican boy, Rael, from the Bronx who goes on a self-discovery adventure in NYC and faces challenges with family ( I think his brother betrays him like two or three times), authority, sex, love and self-sacrifice. The story is both easy and hard to follow the exact details. Peter Gabriel wrote the story and all the lyrics and said it was loosely based on "West Side Story," several pyscological concepts and the western film "El Topo." The first part is more about Raul discovering the outside of NYC and the second side is more fantasy with caves (lots of caves), mythological beings (Lama, Slippermen), ravens, boats and rivers. I really don't know if Rael ends up dead or alive at the end. Although Genesis wanted to avoid the Prog Rock moniker, this is solid prog rock. Musically, the synthesizers, organs, piano and keyboards of Tony Banks and the drumming of Phil Collins are the highlights. To experience this album, you really need to listen to it whole. It is exhausting though at 1 hour 34 minutes and with the entire storyline. For me, the song highlights are the ones you here on the radio (at least in the US). I always liked the title track for Gabriel's vocals (both lead and backing) and the keyboards and piano. It starts Rael off on his journey after apparently witnessing a lamb lying down on Broadway (not entirely clear). "The Carpet Crawlers" has the best and weirdest story, Rael in a room of people on their knees (the carpet crawlers) going towards a door and a Spiral staircase. Well, in the next few songs, Rael goes up the spiral staircase to a room filled with 32 doors and is eventually rescued by a blind women whom he leads across the floor. Anyway, Banks' keyboards and Collins' drums/drum programming are great in "The Carpet Crawlers." If you're a Genesis, Prog Rock, concept album or maybe even a fantasy fan, this album should be right up your alley.

Solid progressive rock. Production values are very high level, and I think ahead of their time for 1974. This could have come out in 1984 and I would have had the same sentiment. Cons: Even though I mentioned it being great production, I think that synths in the 70s were still a newish tech for bands and acts around this era tended to overdo it. For me, the synth solo throughout the track "In The Cage" really is quite annoying. Synths most often are devoid of any dynamic qualities. They are 100% volume 100% of the time (unless the volume of the instrument is changing at the mixing stage), unlike a piano or a guitar. These solos are blistering runs that lack any kind of interesting layer in them beyond "speed". Not really my thing. Could be my age speaking since I don't really like any kind of solo that's only interesting quality is "fast" "Back in NYC" is really cool. I love the lead instrument. It's repetitive yet really cool and interesting intervals, and tied to the drums to make a really fun groove. "Hairless Heart" sounds like a Final Fantasy video game track. So cool. "Counting Out Time" is very obviously about erogenous zones. Gotta love that. "Colony of Slippermen" is so weird- it's like goblins talking into your ears.t The in between / instrumental tracks are really well placed. This album is an adventure. It really goes places. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The only thing keeping it a 5 is that it doesn't really have any huge memorable / catchy tracks that the band is capable of. Or maybe it's just that it's my first time hearing these. I'm giving it a 4 but it's a very high 4.

Over the years I spent a lot of time with this album. I have mixed feelings about it: on one hand, it's got songs I consider proper favourites (Carpet Crawlers, to name one off the top of my head). But on the other hand - 1. It's a bit too prog when it comes to prog rock, at least in my book. 2. Sides 3 & 4 offer nuclear winter levels of desolation when it comes to quality tunes, at least in comparison to the wealth on offer by sides 1 & 2. To sum up, there are some excellent tracks here, but the album itself is far too long for its own good.

Admittedly, pretty exhausting. The synth sounds range from "interesting" to "that hasn't aged well *at all*". Also contains one of the least sensual songs on sex I've ever heard. I can hear Rush being inspired by this. I feel like it'd make an interesting stage show, though. Favorite tracks: "In the Cage"

Weird

I have no idea what to think about this. After like a quarter of the album I wrote this: "This is my intro to Genesis and Peter Gabriel, and I’m thinking it might not be the greatest place to start. There’s definitely some good here, particularly lots of unique instruments and sounds behind the vocals. Overall though, this just is not working for me. I don’t love the concept album, it feels like it should be the soundtrack for a movie or something instead of a standalone album. Everything just sounds a little over dramatic to me. This also might be heresy, but Peter Gabriel’s voice kind of rubs me the wrong way on a lot of the songs. I’m very open to being wrong about this one after listening to more of their stuff, but right now it’s not doing it for me." Then I don't know if the album took a turn for the better or I just started to get it or what, but I really liked a lot of it. There were a few stretches where I would give it a 4-5 rating and a few stretches where I would give it a 1-2 rating. Some of my criticisms from the beginning still definitely hold. It's a bit overly theatrical for my liking and it's way too long (especially given some weak stretches). I also do like the uniqueness of the background noises, but it's a bit synth-heavy on the back half which isn't really my thing. But still, a few places where this totally shined too, like Carpet Crawlers is buried in the middle of this 94 minute album and it's just incredible. I've never written so many words in a review and I still have no clue what to rate this. Usually a 3 for me means I'm mostly indifferent, but that's not the case at all here. What a ride. I think I need to listen to more Genesis and come back to this. Favorite song: Carpet Crawlers Others: Counting Out Time, The Waiting Room, It

*sigh* I'm bored at approximately the same place as the last time. I should like this; I've tried to like this, but there's something so earnestly self-serious that is leaving me underwhelmed. It's hermetically sealed for the already fans, and I can't get in. I'm sure it's important, just not to me. I like Hawkwind.

There are a lot of great moments here, but they are just that…moments. The songs here seem to lack the cohesion that Genesis captured exceptionally only two albums prior on “Foxtrot”. A lot of songs on “Lamb” don’t seem to have that cohesion; their movements come and go, often quickly, and they don’t really seem to fit together sometimes. As a concept record, it feels clunky and probably could have been paired down to an excellent single album, rather than a feature film-length double lp. The album for me hit its peak in the back half of the first record, starting with “In the Cage” and the following 4 or 5 tracks. By the 11th track, I started losing interest. By track 15, I was ready to lay down on Broadway and let traffic take its course. It’s too much. I mean, people weren’t really wrong about prog, were they? This is definitely a pretentious, overwrought collection of songs with rock music presented in a similar vein to a Broadway musical and at 90 minutes long, it starts to feel like homework after a while.

I guess I'll never get Genesis. It's so goofy sounding, but not in a fun way like Rush or Yes or whatever.

Did no one try to stop them?

This is a thought on. I am neither sure if I loved or hated this and think I need to listen a few more times, but also know it is an hour and a half a time. It was at points beautiful, at points grating, lyrics often daft and sung with seriousness, sometimes at the same time. It sounds like a wierd cross between the Who, Zappa and Preservation era Kinks. My favourite moments tended to be the instrumentals, the waiting room and silent sorrow in empty boats, finding Gabriel's voice and lyrics a bit hard to take. I can't help wonder what the whole thing as pure instrumental would sound like. Yet despite all this, I can't help admire the ambition of it and found myself thinking more about this album than many I have lived. Perhaps that is a sign of its depth or maybe its just too silly for me to properly focus. Who knows, maybe that's what makes this challenge worthwhile.

Genesis at their very best. Gabriel's tale of Puerto Rican street punk Rael in NYC is timeless. If I had to choose one album to take on a desert island ...this is the one!

An early favorite

a really great album, the last Peter Gabriel-fronted release, still sounds progtastic, a concept album !

Patchy, but Gabriel’s genius is still there

Amazing album. Love it.

Genesis with Peter Gabriel > Genesis with Phil Collins. Anyway, here are 1,001 albums you need to hear if you’re super into prog rock.

That was harder work than I expected. Never listened to this start to finish, and it really is far too long and convoluted. There are a few brilliant bits in there - The Cage, both the On Broadway tracks, and Carpet Crawlers - but it's surrounded by a lot of what feels like filler. Story is convoluted and too literally 'Hero's Journey' for me, and musically it's much the same. Shave out the filler, cut it down to under an hour, and it's probably a 4 for me, as it is it barely scrapes a 3. Hopefully we have more, tighter Genesis albums to come...

Bit long

Finally bit the bullet and listened to the whole thing. Ambitious, musical, but still lacking those giant songs needed for something like this.

I was only familiar with their well known songs so I was very interested in listening to this album because there aren't any well known songs on it. My first thought after listening it for the first time: Boy, I do NOT get progressive rock lmao! Also the album is a long one, but I guess if you're into Genesis alot that's a good thing. Tbh, I'm not really that into Phill's vocals. The lyrics vagueness differ from song to song and the usage of the synthesizer (way ahead of its era) makes the album a woolly experience. Sometimes I had the idea I was listening to an acid trip unfolding. I think I'll keep to their well known songs.

3.1 - Album 1 is good. I’d give album 1, by itself, a 3.6. Album 2 is absolutely horrendous. Every minute feels like the rock gods are meticulously exacting their pound of flesh from various parts of my body.

I don’t know if I’m just deaf or something but I understood 5 words per song on this album

why was it an hour and 34 minutes?

First time hearing. Too whimsical for my taste. I like a lot of prog stuff from this era but couldn't really latch onto any tracks. The album is absurdly long too, which didn't help.

I kind of would just rather listen to Phil Collins’ or Peter Gabriel’s solo music… prog rock is so hard to get into

I feel i should like this more than I do, have tried to listen to the whole album several times however and it doesn't do it for me. I normally like prog rock and story telling in music. This leaves me uninterested however, like a band trying hard to make an arty album.

Too long, and not enough to keep me there

It’s very boring. None of these songs grabbed my attention. I just prefer the sellout pop rock version of Genesis to the highly conceptual prog rock one. Give me Invisible Touch and I Can’t Dance over this carpet crawlers bullshit any day.

94 minutes! Goodness me God prog rock can be boring.... How can three grown men seriously sit and write this tosh! Boring beyond belief Rush do prog rock better

First Album is nearly perfection. Second album gets a little lost, but ultimately still has some great moments. Chamber of 32 Doors and Anyway are incredible.

I am so glad so many people don't like it - it just confirms everything I ever thought about why people might listen to music. It mine, my precccciousssss. You will not get it.

Uncertain if this is my favourite Genesis album (it’s either this one or Selling England By The Pound) but any album that is over an hour long that can keep me this engaged is an easy five-star album!

10/10 few prog rock bands are able to match the endless creativity and charming charisma that Genesis has (only one I can think of is Yes, and maybe Rush)

Genious album

It’s impressive that Genesis was able to produce one of the greatest prog albums of all time, when you read about the problematic writing and recording sessions. It’s too rare of an occasion that I get to listen to the entire thing in one sitting … And while that’s shame, I wouldn’t want it to be even a second shorter.

Wonderful!

I'm continuing the tradition of giving every famous prog-rock band 5 stars (except Rush). This album has everything: the drummer being the most famous member of the band, weird lyrics, that electric organ, a flute, and a long runtime. It's also just beautiful.

An absolute mess of a narrative, but I’ll take this over The Wall any day. Brilliant songwriting and musicianship throughout. A-

Fantastic record. Honestly not even close to the best Genesis record though. These guys were on fire in the early 70s.

Original lineup of Genesis? Wonderful, legends of whatever genre that is, let's assume progressive rock. Influential, amazing, original and breathtaking. Definitely an album that deserves to be somewhere on the top of this list.

I know my rating is irrationally high, but it is from my 15-year-old self.

Good find, really enjoyed it !

(Mai ascoltato prima) Wowww, fenomenale e super super inspiring. È così che si fanno le canzoni da 8 minuti cazzo.

An ambitious album that doesn’t quite meet its brief but reaches musical highs and still impresses to this day.

One of the best concept albums and Gabriel's presence(and future direction) is felt throughout the album. They were such a great band.

Now THAT is something really interesting. I'll give it a five in a feeling of contrast with all previous.

collins and gabriel e tals

A lot of albums I prefer a lot more from Genesis, but a welcome album to me regardless!

This was great. It's exactly what I think of when I imagine prog rock. Listening to it makes me feel like I'm in a Boo mansion (highest of compliments).

Feels like the first approachable prog rock album. Fascinating listen.

Easily one of my favorite prog rock albums of all time... maybe one of my favorite albums in general. I love Peter Gabriel... his voice, his musicality, his inventiveness, his emotional depth. I love the impenetrability of this album's story; I never fully get it, but I realize that that's how I get it. An absolute masterpiece.

It's one of the best albums in the prog rock era and in the very successful catalogue of Genesis. It's a 90-minute long concept album which was the last one made with Peter Gabriel. It's a very exciting journed from start to finish with great music, lyrics, and production throughout the whole album. I get it if it is too long and too heavy for those who aren't familiar with this genre. But it isn't for me, I always enjoy the twists and turns of this magnificent album. My favorite songs are In The Cage, Counting Out Time, The Carpet Crawlers, The Chamber of 32 Doors, The Lamia, The Colony of Slippermen. 9.5/10

Great album, I enjoyed it a lot. But the one criticism I do have is that it's definitely a bit too long.

I started having summer jobs at age 12 or 13 and the Lamb was released around my 14th birthday. My earnings were burning a hole in my pocket so what better use was there than buying this album on release? I still have the vinyl and it’s in very good shape. The cover on the other hand is tattered. The lyrics and Gabriel’s story of Rael were written inside. This album is “peak Genesis”. The band was playing at their best and Gabriel wrote a cool story about a dude named Rael. Side 1 The title song kicks things off wonderfully. I don’t get why this wasn’t the lead single. Who in the band thought Carpet Crawler was a better song? Fly on a Windshield starts with acoustic strumming and then Hackett lays down a very Fripp like solo while Phil’s drumming hits new levels. I remember as a kid wondering who on earth Lenny Bruce and Carl Chessman were. Life preGoogle! Cuckoo cocoon is another strong melody that has more stellar guitar playing that is Hackett (I think) In the Cage is where the plot thickens. The song starts with a heartbeat and Banks’ keyboards carry the song. It’s the only song Genesis played from the Lamb when I saw the post Gabriel version of the band at the CNE later in the 70s. The Grand Parade …. ends side 1 with its swipe at consumerism. What a side! Side 2 starts w Back in NYC. This would have also made a good single. (Why did they choose Carpet Crawler as a single? ) Gabriel played this as the encore on his first solo tour. Hairless Heart is one of those prog rock songs that hasn’t aged well although the ambient tone makes Counting Out Time more enjoyable. This song is hilarious and a cute tune. Eno does his magic on Hackett’s solo. Carpet Crawler is next. Why was this the single? This side also ends on a high note with The Chamber…. The bits starting with the lyrics “I’d rather trust a country man than a town man” and other lyrics on the theme of trust are cleverly written. Side 3 Lilywhite is a nice song and we then get into some instrumental drug taking prog. Anyway is another really well written song with Banks playing a regular piano and Hackett giving another kicking guitar solo. He continues with another great solo on the next track. As a teenager Lamia was the song on the album that intrigued me the most. I’m so impressed that artists have the Greek knowledge that allows them to write songs about Lamia. Gabriel is an excellent story teller and Hackett lays down what might be his best solo on the album. Side 4 starts with the Colony of Slipperman. The Asian flavours to start are quite clever. This song has the most heavy lifting as far as the plot goes. Let’s see, in that one song Rael meets a grotesque creature and finds out he looks like him - this was the result of having his orgy with the Lamia. Rael then gets castrated since that’s the only cure to being grotesque but he is allowed to carry his “package” around with him until a raven swoops down and takes it. There is a chase scene and as soon as he gets close the raven drops it in a fast moving river. That all happens in the first song on Side 4. The pictures I’ve seen from the concerts show Gabriel in some wicked costumes and the Slipperman costume is insane. It’s a shame that there isn’t any decent quality video of this tour. Riding the Scree is Banks best performance on the album imo. . The album ends with “it”. it also would have been a killer single. Carpet Crawler. C’mon. The story “ends” when Rael puts great effort into rescuing his brother John in the river but finds out that he rescued himself rather than John. Wow - where does the story go next? Let’s see if Gabriel takes some drugs and keeps writing. Nope - the band as was knew it ends with “it”.

Desert Island Disc. I’ve loved it for years.

One of my favorite prog albums

Growing up was more of that 80s Genesis, but this album was surprisingly complex and the \"new stereo mix\" put some pretty good depth to how this album sounded. It would cause wonder as to whether or not one has even heard this band before. The album was absurdly long, but today (10-6-22) was apparently a good day for it. The music was heavy, it had some experimental things, there were flutes, there was a lot going on and usually that tends to overwhelm. However, the album itself was sensical in its absurdity, which is really hard to be happy with, but here it is. Deep and sustained bass notes (as opposed to short, quick, thumps) supporting solid rhythms and melodies, a listener would almost wonder if this was really from 1974 where a lot of things were heavily electronic, disco-inspired, and otherwise sounding and feeling contained. The opposite is true here, this recording seems as if it were completely open, all musical elements playing in their respective lanes creating what is essentially a symphonic experience. Complex with surprises, the expected talent of Phil Collins, this album was a great experience and belongs in any library.

Throwback to being young, discovering prog rock for the first time, and having plenty of uninterrupted 90+-minute segments throughout the day to actually listen to a full album.

I absolutely LOVED this. The first disc is an easy 10 for me. I didn’t really enjoy disc 2 as much - but the first side being so good is still gonna keep my rating perfect. Love phill Collins but more so love the unique sound of the production.

An absolute masterpiece of an album. "Carpet Crawlers" is an all-time great.

My second Favourite Genesis album

Amazing!!

Really great and very welled enjoyed. It’s hard pointing out any “flaws” at all with it at all, it’s just very enjoyable. Probably one of those albums where you really gotta listen to it as a whole. So many great tracks though otherwise

Some people consider this album to almost be the first Peter Gabriel solo album, but it's actually more accurate to think of it as the first Genesis album without Peter Gabriel, seeing as he wrote the lyrics, but then left it very much up to the rest of the band to come up with the music. It's probably the album from the original line up with the most consistent quality - in my opinion anyway. I can also understand the common complaint that it's hard work and doesn't have any stand out tracks. I struggled with this album many times before something clicked and I came to love it. It's very much a concept album, in that it needs to be played from start to finish in one sitting, taking you on a musical journey. It's also my favourite Genesis album by far, and an easy 5 stars. However, there's individual tracks on other albums that in isolation are head-and-shoulders above anything appearing here.

so amazing!!

Errogenous Zones, I love you! I've listened to this album many times before, and still have no clear idea what the narrative is about. The lyrics are very poetic, however, full of striking images and interesting turns of phrase. Musically as well, this album is great; I love the frantic keys and fantastical melodies that turn up throughout the first half. The second album is a bit more meandering and nightmarish, but still enjoyable and very atmospheric. I think this is the band at their creative peak, as things just weren't the same after Gabriel (and later Hackett) left. In fact, I think their second phase was so starkly different to the first that they should have changed the band's name. Overall, this is a brilliant album and one of the few double albums on the list that earns it's place. A real high point in prog rock.

it's good

I first listened to this in my teens. It was my only attempt to listen to Genesis, and it put me off from them. I think my brain was simply too small then.

A work of sheer genius! Once I've listened to it, it's going to be one of my all-time favourite albums.

Had not listened to this album for many years. Perhaps a bit too much prog but definitely a classic album. And, unlike these overlong 90s albums on the list, the fact that it is a double album does not matter.

and the laaaamb.... lies doowwwn.... ON BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADWAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY LETSFUCKINGO

Wonderful stuff. Unique.

Before Peter Gabriel struck out on his own, he gifted Genesis with a stunning concept album. Exploring life, death, sex, and the idea of really knowing oneself, The Lamb is a dizzying journey through the metaphysical.

I haven’t tried a prog rock album yet, but this is a good intro to it! I love Peter Gabriel’s silky voice flowing over the instrumentals of every song. To me, this album feels like a musical. I wish to see a stage production of this in any way possible. 4.8/5 Fav: “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” Least Fav: “The Colony of Slippermen”

Wow. Having only ever grown up on 80's pop Genesis & Peter Gabriel, I had no idea that Gabriel-Genesis was Prog Rock! Color me surprised but in the best way possible. This was a *VERY* ambitious album by the group but pays off in a big way. The musicianship is top tier and the melodies are both haunting and beautiful. I really enjoyed the moments of soft introspective folksy tunes as well as the complete opposite full blown synthesizer prog. The lyrics are very out there but that's Prog for ya. You either love it or hate it. At different moments on the album you can hear hints of possible influences from their peers, from The Beatles to Rush to late stage Floyd. Completely enjoyable at every step. Definitely deserves a few more listens to really get a full feel for the breath and depth of this album. Standout Tracks: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway / The Light Dies Down on Broadway, Carpet Crawlers, Lilywhite Lillith, The Lamia

Amazing prog with a soul

As a Peter gabriel fan, I had to listen to The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway by Genesis. I found some influences developped later in Peter Gabriel's work. Great album. Will listen again.

2 many bangers. I will admit I am biased towards this album since Peter Gabriel era Genesis holds a special place in my heart, but this album is such an excellent final effort. The 5 minute wank of ”The Waiting Room” could be cut but everything else is essential. Possibly the briskest 94 minutes of music on tape.

Je suis chanceux cette semaine. Beaucoup d'album malade. Cet album de Genesis a juste pas de sens . Dans le sens. Vraiment à avoir écouté. Le théâtrale a son maximum. 5

Elsku bestu prog Genesis 🥰🥰 Ég hreinlega elska þetta!

I remember when I first bought this I was disappointed, maybe put off by the more commercial rock sound and simplicity of the title track, or reading the back cover and noticing the song lengths! But the tracks flow together nicely and there are some great instrumental passages, on songs like Hairless Heart and Riding the Scree, or tucked away at the end of songs. There’s enough great material in the fade-outs of some of the songs than there is in entire LPs of lesser bands. I’m not usually a fan of double-albums, but here it gives them an opportunity to experiment a bit. Overall, this is a more Peter Gabriel centric album, which is one of the (many) things that lead to their breakup. Each song pushes forward his story of Real, and is therefore less accomplished as a stand-alone piece. Still a great album though, and no filler.

Lyrics: Pros: The lyrics of "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" are rich in symbolism and metaphor, weaving a surreal narrative that follows the protagonist, Rael, through a series of strange and fantastical events. Gabriel's storytelling is vivid and imaginative, creating a unique and immersive experience for the listener. Cons: The complexity of the storyline can be challenging to follow, and some listeners may find the abstract nature of the lyrics difficult to decipher. The narrative may be too esoteric for those who prefer straightforward and literal songwriting. Music: Pros: The musical compositions on the album showcase the progressive rock mastery of Genesis. Intricate instrumentals, dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, and a fusion of rock, folk, and classical elements contribute to a diverse and engaging musical experience. The band's technical prowess, particularly the intricate guitar work of Steve Hackett and the keyboard arrangements by Tony Banks, is a highlight. Cons: Some listeners might find the musical complexity overwhelming, and the avant-garde sections may be challenging for those who prefer more straightforward rock music. The album's length (over 90 minutes) could be a drawback for those with shorter attention spans. Production: Pros: Produced by John Burns and Genesis, the album features a meticulous attention to detail in its production. The use of studio effects and innovative recording techniques enhances the album's atmospheric and otherworldly qualities. The production contributes significantly to the overall immersive experience of the concept. Cons: Some critics argue that the production occasionally veers towards excess, with dense arrangements that might overwhelm certain listeners. Additionally, the production techniques used may sound somewhat dated to modern ears. Themes: Pros: "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the surreal journey of the protagonist. The album touches on existential and psychological concepts, creating a thought-provoking and introspective experience. The themes resonate with the album's progressive rock context and add depth to the overall narrative. Cons: The abstract and symbolic nature of the themes may alienate listeners who prefer more straightforward and accessible subject matter in their music. Influence: Pros: "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" is considered a landmark album in the progressive rock genre. Its ambitious concept and musical innovation have influenced countless artists in the progressive and art rock realms. The album's impact extends beyond its initial release, inspiring subsequent generations of musicians. Cons: The album's avant-garde nature may limit its influence on mainstream or more commercially oriented music audiences. Pros and Cons Summary: Pros: Rich and imaginative storytelling in the lyrics. Musically diverse and technically impressive compositions. Meticulous and innovative production techniques. Thought-provoking exploration of existential themes. Significant influence on progressive and art rock genres. Cons: Complexity of the narrative may be challenging for some listeners. Musical complexity and avant-garde sections may not appeal to all audiences. Production techniques may sound dated to modern ears. Abstract and symbolic themes may alienate those seeking more straightforward lyrics. Limited mainstream or commercial appeal due to avant-garde nature. "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" stands as a testament to Genesis' artistic ambition and creative exploration during the progressive rock era. While its complexities may not be universally appreciated, the album remains a classic within the genre and a milestone in the band's discography.

Genesis' peak - PG left after this to do his own thing, and Genesis morphed into a different band. This is some serious prog, including a fanciful concept story about Rael, but musically it really works, and Gabriel' vocals are excellent - I really like the bit in the Raven where the vocal shifts from Gabriel to Phil Collins as it shifts character. Possibly one of my favorite albums of all time, though I appreciate that's colored by my teenage self's love for it.

I grew up in an era where Genesis was fronted by Phil Collins, and Peter Gabriel was a solo act. I think I knew that Gabriel had been on Genesis, but I had no idea they made multiple albums with him. I may need to do some deep diving, as I love both Genesis AND Gabriel's solo stuff, and to the best of my knowledge have never heard a single song on this album before.

El Classico

This album is a masterpiece! Five stars, for sure.

My first concept album I bought.

A clear candidate for best prog rock album of all time, largely by curtailing its proggy tendencies. “In the Cage,” “Hairless Heart / Counting Out Time” and “Carpet Crawlers” (“gotta get in to get out“) are relative standouts in the rich melange of stately moods, outta-nowhere hooks, gratuitous counterpoint, sudden reversals dreamy vibes, and weird thrown-in, odd-lots sounds. The lyrics and storyline is lost on me, but don’t feel any the worse for that. Whatever else prog rock was (and it was a lot), it was often rich and interesting, as this very much was/is.

An absolute classic

I found this quite interesting to listen to. I don’t know what the story is, because I just couldn’t concentrate for that long on the lyrics, but it was engaging for my ears.

Ohhhh, this one is goooooood. I’m angry I’m only hearing it now. I wish I’d discovered it as a teenager when I would listen to albums enough to memorize them. I don’t think I have that in me now but I’m tempted to try.

Okay I apparently love Genesis/Peter Gabriel

phil collins is a great drummer and solo artist

Eines der größten Konzeptalben aller Zeiten. Klare 5/5 Sterne mit Herzchen!

5/5. This is nostalgia for me, and that will definitely be put into my score for this album. I can admit that song to song, they are not all perfect, but with albums as a whole, especially concept albums, the flow from song to song is most important and I am engaged every time, moving through each song with feeling and arriving solid conclusion. And then I want to start it up again. Progressive Rock is pretentious but it is also fun and epic, trying new things, hoping they stick, and if they do, it's hard dislike. My opinion of course, but an awesome album for me. Best Song: Carpet Crawlers, In The Cage, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway