And Then There Were Three… is the ninth studio album by the legendary English rock band Genesis, released on 31 March 1978 through Charisma Records. The record holds a special place in the band’s history, as it marked their first project as a trio following the departure of guitarist Steve Hackett in 1977. This lineup — Phil Collins on vocals and drums, Tony Banks on keyboards, and Mike Rutherford handling bass and guitar duties — would go on to define Genesis’ most commercially successful era. The album captures a transitional moment for the group, blending the intricate, progressive rock stylings of their earlier work with a more accessible, radio-friendly approach that hinted at the future direction of their music. Tracks such as Follow You Follow Me helped the band reach a wider audience, becoming their first major international hit and solidifying their place in mainstream rock. At the same time, the record retains moments of the atmospheric storytelling and complexity that long-time fans cherished, with songs like Undertow showcasing emotional depth and grand arrangements. The album’s title itself cleverly nods to the lineup change, underscoring both the challenge and creativity that arose from carrying on as a three-piece. Though initially met with mixed reactions from some fans of their earlier, more progressive albums, And Then There Were Three… has since been recognized as a crucial step in Genesis’ evolution, paving the way for their dominance throughout the 1980s. For many listeners, tracks like Undertow stand out as highlights, balancing lush instrumentation with Phil Collins’ increasingly confident vocal delivery. Ultimately, the album symbolizes resilience, reinvention, and the beginning of a new chapter in the Genesis story, as the band transitioned from prog-rock pioneers into global icons.
And Then There Were Three…is the ninth studio album by the English rock band Genesis. It was released on 31 March 1978 by Charisma Records and is their first recorded as a trio of singer/drummer Phil Collins, keyboardist Tony Banks, and bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford, following the departure of guitarist Steve Hackett. The album marked a shift in the band’s sound, mixing elements of their progressive rock roots with more accessible material, and Collins contributing to more of the group’s songwriting. Undertow is one of my favourite tracks!
