"Foxtrot" is a landmark album in the progressive rock genre, marking a significant moment in Genesis's career. Released on September 15, 1972, it is celebrated for its ambitious musicality and complex arrangements, encapsulating the band's evolving sound and stage persona.
The album was crafted following Genesis's successful tour for their previous release, Nursery Cryme (1971). During the summer of 1972, the band wrote the material that would become Foxtrot, combining live staples with new compositions developed during jam sessions. The recording process began in August with producer John Anthony but faced difficulties due to tensions within the band. After a brief tour in Italy, the sessions resumed with Dave Hitchcock taking over as producer.
The album features several notable tracks. "Watcher of the Skies" opens the album with a futuristic, space-themed atmosphere, showcasing Tony Banks's distinctive mellotron sound. "Time Table" is a reflective, melancholic piece that features a medieval-inspired melody. "Get 'Em Out by Friday" is a narrative-driven song dealing with themes of eviction and corporate greed, presented with theatrical flair. "Can-Utility and the Coastliners" blends mythological themes with intricate musical passages. The centerpiece of the album is "Supper's Ready," a 23-minute epic divided into multiple sections, each with its own distinct style and theme, from biblical allegories to apocalyptic visions.
The album cover, designed by Paul Whitehead, is notable for its striking imagery of a fox in a red dress. This cover art became iconic as Peter Gabriel, the band's frontman, famously wore a similar costume and a fox's head during the subsequent tour. This theatrical presentation not only garnered media attention but also elevated the band’s profile.
Foxtrot was Genesis’s first album to make a significant impact on the UK charts, reaching No. 12. Its success extended to Italy, where it reached No. 15. The album has been praised for its ambitious structure and innovative approach to progressive rock. In 2008, it was reissued with a new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mix as part of the Genesis 1970–1975 box set, reaffirming its enduring appeal.
The album remains a critical favorite and a defining work of Genesis's early years, illustrating their capacity for creating intricate, expansive rock music.
