Genesis are one of the most fascinating bands in rock — theatrical prog pioneers who became stadium pop superstars, without ever quite losing the thread that connected the two. Here is our fellow fan’s ranking of their finest songs.

The short version

If you only hear a few, make them “Supper’s Ready”, “Firth of Fifth”, “Turn It On Again” and “Mama” — a prog epic, their most beloved track, the anthem that bridges their two worlds and a dark 1980s classic. The full ranking is below.

A story of three bands

Genesis are really three bands in one. First, the theatrical art-prog band fronted by Peter Gabriel (1970–75), who created some of progressive rock’s defining epics. Then, when Gabriel left and drummer Phil Collins stepped up to sing, a sleeker prog-pop band. And finally, an out-and-out pop juggernaut that became one of the best-selling acts on earth. Comparing the eras is almost a fool’s errand — so we’ve simply drawn the best from each. Formed at Charterhouse School in 1967, the band bowed out with a farewell tour in 2022.

How we ranked them

This is one fan’s order, weighing songwriting, ambition and lasting impact across all three eras. The facts are accurate; the order is a starting point for the debate — and few bands spark a livelier one.

The essential six

At the top sits “Supper’s Ready” (1972), a twenty-three-minute side-long epic that runs from a haunted living room to the Apocalypse — one of prog’s crowning achievements. Beside it stands “Firth of Fifth” (1973), often named their single greatest song, built around Tony Banks’s classical piano and Steve Hackett’s most beautiful solo. With them: “The Musical Box” (1971), a gothic Victorian ghost story; “Mama” (1983), the dark, menacing hit that proved they could still unsettle; “The Carpet Crawlers” (1974), one of their most hypnotic and beloved tunes; and “Turn It On Again” (1980), the anthem that bridges their prog and pop selves.

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Reliably great

The next tier is essential too. “Watcher of the Skies” (1972) opens Foxtrot with Mellotron grandeur; “Ripples” (1976) is a gorgeous ballad from the first Collins-fronted album; “Invisible Touch” (1986) is their only US number one and Collins’s own favourite; “I Know What I Like” (1973) was their first hit single; and “Land of Confusion” (1986) paired a razor-sharp pop song with an unforgettable video.

Deeper cuts

For the dedicated, these reward repeat listens. “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” (1974) is the gripping title track of their ambitious double concept album; “Afterglow” (1977) is a soaring, simple hymn from Wind & Wuthering; “Home by the Sea” (1983) is a two-part highlight where their prog instincts shine through the 1980s polish; and “Follow You Follow Me” (1978) is the gentle love song that gave them their first taste of mass pop success.

Every song at a glance

All fifteen songs, in chronological order — each linked to the album it comes from, so you can hear it in context.

Where to start

Begin with “Firth of Fifth” — for many fans the perfect Genesis song. From there, “Supper’s Ready” opens up their full prog ambition, while “Turn It On Again” and “Invisible Touch” show the hit-making band they became.

The players

The classic line-up was Peter Gabriel on vocals, Tony Banks on keyboards, Mike Rutherford on bass and guitar, Steve Hackett on guitar and Phil Collins on drums. When Gabriel left in 1975, Collins moved to lead vocals; Hackett departed in 1977, leaving the core trio of Banks, Rutherford and Collins, who carried Genesis to global stardom. After decades together and a farewell tour in 2022, the band has wound down — but all of the classic members are still with us.

Why they still matter

Few bands have travelled so far — from defiantly uncommercial progressive rock to chart-topping pop — while keeping their identity intact. Their Gabriel-era epics helped shape the genre and directly inspired neo-prog bands like Marillion, and their members went on to remarkable careers, none more so than guitarist Steve Hackett. Alongside fellow British giants Yes and King Crimson, they remain one of the true cornerstones of progressive rock.

Go deeper

Keep exploring: rank their records with our guide to the best Genesis albums, find an entry point with where to start with Genesis, or dig into the underrated Genesis albums. You can also place them in the bigger picture with the best progressive rock songs of all time.

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