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Selling England by the Pound

by Genesis

Released: October 05, 1973

Progressive rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Selling England by the Pound" is Genesis's fifth studio album, released on October 5, 1973. The songwriting and recording took place in a relaxed environment, primarily in Chessington and London, with the band utilizing their evolving musical styles and equipment. The album emerged after the band’s tour for their previous album, Foxtrot, during which they grappled with themes of English identity and the encroachment of American culture.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The title itself reflects a commentary on these…

The title itself reflects a commentary on these themes, inspired by a Labour Party manifesto.

Key tracks like "Firth of Fifth" and "The…

Key tracks like "Firth of Fifth" and "The Battle of Epping Forest" showcase their complex arrangements and lyrical storytelling, with Gabriel's theatrical lyrics contributing to the album's unique character.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Genesis - Selling England by the Pound

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Then

Reception

It achieved commercial success, reaching No. 3 in the UK and No. 70 in the US, with the single "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)" marking the band's first UK top 30 hit. The album cover, painted by Betty Swanwick, includes elements that tie back to the song "I Know What I Like." Selling England by the Pound has since reached Gold certification and remains a staple of Genesis's live performances. Critics have offered mixed reviews over time, but the album's reputation has grown, earning a place in various rankings of the best progressive rock albums.

Now

Legacy

It has been digitally remastered multiple times, preserving its influence in the progressive rock genre.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Selling England by the Pound" is Genesis's fifth studio album, released on October 5, 1973. It achieved commercial success, reaching No. 3 in the UK and No. 70 in the US, with the single "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)" marking the band's first UK top 30 hit.

The album emerged after the band’s tour for their previous album, Foxtrot, during which they grappled with themes of English identity and the encroachment of American culture. The title itself reflects a commentary on these themes, inspired by a Labour Party manifesto. Critics have offered mixed reviews over time, but the album's reputation has grown, earning a place in various rankings of the best progressive rock albums.

The songwriting and recording took place in a relaxed environment, primarily in Chessington and London, with the band utilizing their evolving musical styles and equipment. Key tracks like "Firth of Fifth" and "The Battle of Epping Forest" showcase their complex arrangements and lyrical storytelling, with Gabriel's theatrical lyrics contributing to the album's unique character.

The album cover, painted by Betty Swanwick, includes elements that tie back to the song "I Know What I Like." Selling England by the Pound has since reached Gold certification and remains a staple of Genesis's live performances. It has been digitally remastered multiple times, preserving its influence in the progressive rock genre.