"Nursery Cryme" is the third studio album by the British progressive rock band Genesis, released on November 12, 1971, by Charisma Records. It was the band's first album to feature drummer/vocalist Phil Collins and guitarist Steve Hackett, both of whom joined the group following the departure of founding guitarist Anthony Phillips. The album marked a shift in the band's sound, with more aggressive musical elements, improved drumming, and new guitar techniques, while maintaining their characteristic blend of elaborate songwriting and intricate musicianship.
After the release of Trespass (1970), Genesis underwent significant lineup changes. Drummer John Mayhew was replaced by Phil Collins in August 1970, and the band struggled initially to find a replacement for Phillips. Eventually, Steve Hackett was recruited as the new guitarist in early 1971, after his advert in Melody Maker caught the attention of singer Peter Gabriel. With the new lineup in place, the band embarked on extensive touring, which helped them develop their live sound and shape the material for Nursery Cryme.
During their break from touring in 1971, Genesis rented the historic Luxford House in East Sussex, where they wrote and rehearsed new material. They also purchased a Mellotron, which would become an important part of their sound on this album. Although the band was unsure how the absence of Phillips would affect their music, the creative contributions of Collins and Hackett pushed the band's musical boundaries.
Nursery Cryme features a more aggressive and polished sound compared to Trespass, incorporating complex arrangements and dynamic changes in mood. The album includes tracks such as "The Musical Box," a fan-favorite that combines macabre, fairy-tale imagery with progressive rock's technicality. It also features a variety of musical styles, from the whimsical humor of "Harold the Barrel" to the delicate and haunting "For Absent Friends," which is the first song to feature Collins on lead vocals. Collins' contribution as both a drummer and a backing vocalist was crucial to the album's development, and his vocal performances, particularly on "For Absent Friends," helped shape the band's sound in this new phase.
The band embraced new guitar techniques with Hackett, including tapping and sweep picking, which added a fresh texture to the music. Tony Banks continued to showcase his skill with the Mellotron, enhancing the album's atmospheric sound. Nursery Cryme also marked a key moment for Collins as he provided more backing vocals and even some lead vocals, a role he would continue to develop in later albums.
The album's cover art, designed by Paul Whitehead, depicts scenes from "The Musical Box" and other songs, featuring fantastical and somewhat eerie imagery. Whitehead's illustration of severed heads shocked some listeners at the time, and the cover's aesthetic was intended to evoke the Victorian atmosphere that Gabriel had imagined for the album. The inner sleeve resembled an old photo album, with illustrations corresponding to each song.
Although Nursery Cryme did not initially make a significant impact on the UK charts, it was well received in continental Europe, especially in Italy, where it reached No. 4 on the charts. The album only entered the UK chart in 1974, when it peaked at No. 39, and was later reissued in 1984, reaching No. 68. Despite the lukewarm reception at home, Genesis' European success continued to grow, and they developed a cult following in the UK.
The album was also a commercial success in terms of long-term sales, eventually earning Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry in 2013 for over 60,000 copies sold. Nursery Cryme helped cement Genesis' place as one of the leading progressive rock bands of the 1970s, and tracks like "The Musical Box" became staples of their live shows for years to come.
Nursery Cryme is regarded by many fans and critics as a key album in Genesis' discography. It was their first record to feature the classic lineup of Gabriel, Collins, Hackett, Banks, and Rutherford, and it laid the foundation for the band's later successes with albums like Foxtrot (1972) and Selling England by the Pound (1973). Although it was not an immediate commercial success, the album's unique blend of musical virtuosity and theatricality would influence many progressive rock bands that followed.
In retrospect, Nursery Cryme is often praised for its imaginative compositions, strong performances, and its role in the development of the band's sound. It is considered a classic of progressive rock, with particular acclaim given to tracks like "The Musical Box," "The Return of the Giant Hogweed," and "For Absent Friends." The album is also significant for marking the beginning of Phil Collins' long tenure as a member of Genesis, both as a drummer and eventually as the band's lead vocalist after Peter Gabriel's departure.
