**How Genesis’ 1986 Album ‘Invisible Touch’ and Phil Collins Changed Life, Fashion, Labels Forever**
Phil Collins was everywhere in the 1980s. The drummer and singer for the progressive rock band Genesis had become a solo superstar, with his 1981 album ‘Face Value’ selling over 5 million copies worldwide. His follow-up album, ‘No Jacket Required’, was even more successful, selling over 12 million copies and spawning the hit singles ‘One More Night’ and ‘Sussudio’.
In 1986, Genesis released their 13th studio album, ‘Invisible Touch’. The album was a commercial success, selling over 15 million copies worldwide and spawning the hit singles ‘Invisible Touch’, ‘Throwing It All Away’, and ‘Land of Confusion’.
But ‘Invisible Touch’ was more than just a commercial success. It was a cultural phenomenon that changed the way people thought about music, fashion, and labels.
**The Music**
The music on ‘Invisible Touch’ was a departure from Genesis’s previous work. The band had always been known for their complex, progressive rock songs. But on ‘Invisible Touch’, they embraced a more pop-oriented sound. The songs were shorter, catchier, and more accessible.
This change in sound was controversial at the time. Some fans felt that Genesis had sold out. But others embraced the new sound, and ‘Invisible Touch’ became one of the best-selling albums of the 1980s.
**The Fashion**
The fashion in the ‘Invisible Touch’ era was all about excess. Men wore big hair, tight jeans, and designer sunglasses. Women wore shoulder pads, miniskirts, and high heels.
This look was popularized by MTV, which was launched in 1981. MTV played music videos 24 hours a day, and its viewers were exposed to the latest fashion trends.
The fashion in the ‘Invisible Touch’ era was often seen as garish and over-the-top. But it was also a reflection of the times. The 1980s were a time of economic prosperity, and people were spending money on clothes and other luxury items.
**The Labels**
The ‘Invisible Touch’ era was also a time of change for the music industry. The rise of MTV led to the creation of new music genres, such as hair metal and pop rock.
These new genres were popular with young people, and they helped to create a new generation of music fans. These fans were more interested in style than substance, and they were willing to buy albums by bands that they didn’t necessarily like.
This led to a decline in the sales of traditional rock albums. Bands like Genesis, who had once been considered to be among the most important bands in the world, were now struggling to sell records.
The ‘Invisible Touch’ era was a time of great change for the music industry. The rise of MTV, the popularity of new music genres, and the changing tastes of music fans all contributed to the decline of traditional rock albums.
But ‘Invisible Touch’ remains a classic album that helped to define the 1980s. The album’s catchy songs, stylish fashion, and iconic label all contributed to its success.
‘Invisible Touch’ is a reminder of a time when music, fashion, and labels were all closely intertwined. It’s an album that still resonates with fans today, and it’s a reminder of a time when anything was possible..
