Throw all that you may know about Genesis out the window, it's a whole new ballgame now that singer Phil Collins has left the band. Original member Tony Banks is still on the keyboard and Mike Rutherford still finds himself strumming the guitar. The singing duties however have gone to Ray Wilson, a singer with his own style, a mellow, flowing, monotone, raspy style. Two drummers, Nir Zidkyahu and Nick D'Virgilio share the drumming duties. Calling All Stations is a completely non-commercial, very deep, emotional, lyrically charged album. This is definitely not the type of material that will get you off your seat and dancing. Most of the songs deal with deep subjects such as death, philosophy, and break ups. It may not be the best thing to listen to if you suffer from severe depression or have recently lost a loved one or gone through a bitter break up or divorce. With signature Genesis keyboards and mystical guitars, Wilson's melancholy voice takes us through songs of emotional turbulence.

Calling All Stations- A rip-roaring chain saw guitar leads us into a mellow song of sorrow. Lyrics that may come out of a 45 year old in the midst of a mid-life crisis, blended with an excellent beat, and mystical swirling keyboard may hit home with some listeners. Why am I here? What have I done with my life? What's next for me? There has got to be more…etc. Not really good for romancing, but good listening on your own.

Congo was the only single I ever heard off of Calling All Stations. It is driven by an interesting tribal drum rhythm fused to a solid base line. There will be no mistaking the sound of former Genesis music here. They may have a trademark on that keyboard sound meshed with the deep vibrating synthesizer thing. Congo is far and away the most accessible song for anyone on the album, it gives a good introduction into the new style and direction of the music by the new line up. It is also the first "problems with my relationship song" on the album.

Shipwrecked is relationship song number two. A synthesizer driven number details this emotionally ruined young mans problem with his girl. It's a catchy, mellow, moody piece that will depress you to no end if you find yourself in a similar situation such as this poor soul in the song. A deep, dark number.

Alien Afternoon begins with a grooving rhythm and…. Is it? Yes, maracas. Strange combination which goes surprisingly well on this keyboard synthesizer driven song of regret. ( Mid-life Crisis song number 2). The song flows in one particular style through to the last third where it changes into a completely different cosmic sound. It's quite good, a great chorus and excellent use of effects, again the lyrics here are quite serious and thought provoking. You may want to quit your job and start that business you always wanted to after listening to this one. Be careful!

Not About Us, the third break up song. The title says it all in this acoustic guitar lead song that tries to put the problems of a relationship gone bad on anything but the real reason. Most of us have lived this one, so it may not be uncommon to day dream of a past flame that ended in a mess while this one spins on the CD player.

If That's What You Need is, for a change of pace, a more up-beat tune. In a ballad dedicated to a lover, the song writer promises the world to his partner. The slow, melodic keyboards intertwined with the "off in the distance" guitar sound add a great atmosphere to this one.

The Dividing Line pumps out some great drum combinations in this soul searching song. The driving rhythm of the song and an outstanding bridge combine with some of the best vocals on the album for a busier song than most of the album offers. The drums really carry you through this jam.

Uncertain Weather may be the best song written about the human loss of war. Set in dark, moody music with a chorus that cries out with emotion, the lyrics will land in the pit of your stomach. The unknown soldier that dies an anonymous death, one of millions. A very depressing song with a catchy sound to it. My personal favorite of the album.

Small Talk, break up song four. A very basic mix of synthesizer and drums with a little guitar work thrown in , just barely audible in the background. A very mediocre song with a nice catchy chorus describes yet another way that a woman can kick you to the curb, leaving you scratching your head.

There Must Be Some Other Way delves into the post break-up period (break-up song five). Reminiscing about what was, and what is now, the lyrics lead us through well thought out artistic music. Anger at the situation comes through the emotional voice of Wilson keeping our interest in this piece.

One Mans Fool is an excursion into philosophy by the band. What makes us tick? Why are people so different from one another? Why is one mans garbage another mans treasure? Why do some prefer boxers and others briefs? At this point the closer tends to sound pretty much like a hybrid of all the other songs on the album. It is thankfully saved by the haunting chorus that dominates the second part of the nearly nine minute long finally.

With a past that is full of radio friendly hits, and a couple of lead singers that were able to take off on their own with successful careers, Genesis has changed the nature of it's sound to a deeper, more serious sound. The addition of vocalist Ray Wilson adds a new dimension to the band. Calling All Stations is full of emotional numbers, this album works for people who like to sit and listen to music intently, absorbing every word and note. This is a hit or miss, I will recommend it, but it might be a good idea to sample a song or two first before buying it.






Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Reading or Studying