**How Genesis’ 1986 Album ‘Invisible Touch’ and Phil Collins’s Solo Career Changed Life on Earth Forever**.
In the annals of music history, the release of Genesis’ 1986 album ‘Invisible Touch’ marked a pivotal moment that reverberated far beyond the realm of rock and pop. The album, a commercial behemoth that spawned several hit singles, not only cemented Genesis’ status as global superstars but also paved the way for the burgeoning solo career of drummer and vocalist Phil Collins. Together, the album and Collins’s subsequent success unleashed a chain reaction that profoundly transformed the musical landscape and left an enduring legacy on popular culture..
**The Genesis of ‘Invisible Touch’**.
Genesis, formed in the late 1960s, had already established themselves as one of the most innovative and progressive rock bands of their era. Their 1974 album ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway’ showcased their ambitious and complex sound, while subsequent releases like ‘A Trick of the Tail’ and ‘Wind & Wuthering’ further solidified their reputation for musical experimentation..
However, by the mid-1980s, Genesis was at a crossroads. Their previous album, ‘Abacab,’ had been a critical and commercial success, but it had also alienated some of their longtime fans, who yearned for a return to their more progressive roots. Faced with this dilemma, the band opted for a more accessible and radio-friendly sound on ‘Invisible Touch.’.
**A Commercial Triumph**.
The gamble paid off spectacularly. ‘Invisible Touch’ became an instant commercial success, selling over 15 million copies worldwide. The album’s title track, a catchy and upbeat tune, topped the charts in numerous countries and became one of the most recognizable songs of the 1980s. Other singles from the album, such as ‘Throwing It All Away’ and ‘Land of Confusion,’ also enjoyed widespread popularity..
The success of ‘Invisible Touch’ propelled Genesis into the mainstream, making them one of the most successful bands in the world. They embarked on a massive tour, performing to sold-out crowds and solidifying their status as global superstars..
**Phil Collins’s Solo Ascent**.
While Genesis was enjoying their newfound commercial success, Phil Collins was quietly embarking on a solo career. His debut album, ‘Face Value,’ released in 1981, had been a modest success, but it was his 1985 follow-up, ‘No Jacket Required,’ that catapulted him into the stratosphere..
‘No Jacket Required’ featured a string of chart-topping singles, including ‘Sussudio,’ ‘One More Night,’ and ‘In the Air Tonight,’ which became one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s. The album sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making Collins one of the biggest solo artists in the world..
**The Ripple Effects**.
The success of ‘Invisible Touch’ and Phil Collins’s solo career had far-reaching consequences for the music industry and beyond. Genesis’ embrace of a more accessible sound paved the way for other progressive rock bands to follow suit, leading to a shift in the overall landscape of rock music..
Collins’s solo success, meanwhile, not only established him as a global superstar but also helped to popularize the concept of the solo artist. In the wake of his success, countless other musicians, both within Genesis and beyond, embarked on solo careers, seeking to emulate his success..
**Legacy and Impact**.
The legacy of ‘Invisible Touch’ and Phil Collins’s solo career continues to endure today. The album’s catchy songs remain staples of classic rock radio, while Collins’s solo work has inspired generations of musicians..
Beyond their musical impact, the album and Collins’s career also had a profound cultural impact. Their success helped to define the sound of the 1980s, a decade known for its materialism, excess, and over-the-top theatrics. Their music provided a soundtrack to the lives of countless people, and their influence can still be felt in popular culture today..
In conclusion, the release of Genesis’ ‘Invisible Touch’ in 1986 and Phil Collins’s subsequent solo career marked a watershed moment in music history. The album’s commercial triumph and Collins’s own success not only changed the face of rock and pop music but also left an enduring legacy on popular culture. Their music continues to inspire and entertain generations of fans, and their impact on the music industry and beyond is undeniable..
