Genesis - Invisible Touch: The Album that Defined their Commercial Success

In June 1986, Genesis released their eighth studio album, Invisible Touch, which marked a significant milestone in the band's career. Not only did it become their best-selling album to date, but it also introduced them to a wider audience, cementing their status as one of the most successful bands of all time.

All five singles from the album broke into the Top Five in the US, making Genesis the first band and foreign act to achieve this feat with just one album. This impressive achievement was a testament to the band's ability to craft catchy, radio-friendly songs that appealed to a broad audience.

Invisible Touch spent 85 weeks on the Billboard album chart, reaching number three in the US. In the UK, it spent three weeks at number one and a total of 96 weeks on the charts. The album's success was not limited to its singles, as it sold over six million copies in the US alone.

The album's sessions were marked by a more commercial approach than previous Genesis albums. Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford had all pursued solo projects during the hiatus between Genesis albums, which influenced their songwriting style. This shift towards a more mainstream sound was evident in tracks like 'Invisible Touch,' 'Tonight, Tonight, Tonight,' and 'Land of Confusion.'

The album's lyrics were written collaboratively by Collins, Banks, and Rutherford. Phil Collins described the band's approach to writing songs as 'close to jazz' - a process that involved jamming and fine-tuning ideas until they had honed them down to their essence.

Invisible Touch was recorded at Genesis's private studio, 'The Farm,' in Surrey. The album marked a new era for the band, as they emerged from their hiatus with a renewed sense of purpose and commercial savvy. The success of Invisible Touch paved the way for further success, including the hit singles and albums that followed.

In conclusion, Invisible Touch was a landmark album for Genesis, marking a turning point in their career towards more mainstream success. Its impact can still be felt today, as it remains one of the band's most beloved and enduring works.

Genesis invisible touch album