Here are a selection of some of the earliest reviews the band received for their first two single releases.

Genesis: "The Silent Sun" (Decca)

Dear Jonathan King, producer of Genesis.  This recording sir, is muck. You have inflicted upon the public a work so impoverished of art as to be quite unpalatable.

'Swounds man, I am jesting.  'Tis sorry sport to make satirical pokes at one of the better sounds of the week.  Great piano intro, Peter Frampton-ish vocals, poetic lyrics, soaring strings, tasteful production.  By all that's happy, a great hit.

Chris Welch
Melody Maker, 3rd February 1968.

Genesis: "The Silent Sun" (Decca)

I'm still not sure what the enigmatic lyric is all about, but I gather the title refers to a girl!  Anyway it's certainly a thought-provoking song that holds the attention throughout.

Competently handled by Genesis with a beautiful flowing arrangement of violins and cellos.  A disc of many facets and great depth, but it might be a bit complex for the average fan.

Derek Johnson
New Musical Express, 3rd February 1968.

Genesis Build

A Winter's Tale (Decca)

An absorbing disc, which opens quietly with the soloist singing intimately to just piano accompaniment - then it explodes into a pulsating crescendo, with sighing organ, crashing cymbals and intricate counter-harmonies.

The soul-searching lyric is impressive and gripping - and, while the melody could have done with a little more substance, it's a platter I can thoroughly recommend.  Produced by Jonathan King.

(Given "chart possible" status)

Derek Johnson
New Musical Express, 11th May 1968

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