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Trespass

by Genesis

Released: October 23, 1970

Progressive rock, folk rock, art rock, progressive pop

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

Each band member contributed equally to the songwriting, a departure from their earlier collaboration style. "Trespass" is Genesis's second studio album, released on October 23, 1970. It marked the band's transition from pop to progressive rock, showcasing a mix of acoustic and heavier tracks.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

After securing a record deal with Charisma Records…

After securing a record deal with Charisma Records, they recorded Trespass at Trident Studios, utilizing new 16-track technology to enhance their sound.

Tracks like "Looking for Someone" and "The Knife"…

Tracks like "Looking for Someone" and "The Knife" exemplify their innovative sound, influenced by other musical styles and artists.

The album featured original guitarist Anthony Phillips and…

The album featured original guitarist Anthony Phillips and drummer John Mayhew, with Phillips leaving shortly after recording, nearly causing the band to disband.

Genesis became a professional band in 1969, focusing…

Genesis became a professional band in 1969, focusing on complex material rather than their earlier straightforward pop.

The album cover, designed by Paul Whitehead, features…

The album cover, designed by Paul Whitehead, features a distinctive knife slash, reflecting the band's evolving musical identity.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Genesis - Trespass

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Then

Reception

Despite its lack of commercial success upon release—failing to chart in the UK and US—the album did well in Belgium, helping to sustain the band's career. While Trespass received mixed reviews initially, it has since gained recognition as an important work in Genesis's catalog.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Trespass" is Genesis's second studio album, released on October 23, 1970. It marked the band's transition from pop to progressive rock, showcasing a mix of acoustic and heavier tracks. The album featured original guitarist Anthony Phillips and drummer John Mayhew, with Phillips leaving shortly after recording, nearly causing the band to disband.

Genesis became a professional band in 1969, focusing on complex material rather than their earlier straightforward pop. After securing a record deal with Charisma Records, they recorded Trespass at Trident Studios, utilizing new 16-track technology to enhance their sound. Each band member contributed equally to the songwriting, a departure from their earlier collaboration style.

Despite its lack of commercial success upon release—failing to chart in the UK and US—the album did well in Belgium, helping to sustain the band's career. The album cover, designed by Paul Whitehead, features a distinctive knife slash, reflecting the band's evolving musical identity.

Tracks like "Looking for Someone" and "The Knife" exemplify their innovative sound, influenced by other musical styles and artists. While Trespass received mixed reviews initially, it has since gained recognition as an important work in Genesis's catalog.