Not "almost a masterpiece", a masterpiece period.

Review Score: (10/10)
I am a bigtime Genesis fan, but I am not exclusively worshipful of one certain period like a lot of Genesis "fans". Almost every album is different than the other, and though there were large changes over time, they all have different types of greatness to offer. I do agree that W+W is an end to one period of style. Really, Trick of the Tail and W+W are very similar albums- having been done in '76 and '77, and I have heard from experts that they originally were almost combined and may be released that way in the future.
I consider them the greatest 2 Genesis albums. They are the most cohesive, at least in style. I also feel Duke is a very stylistically and sonically cohesive album. Obviously "The Lamb" is also, being a concept album. There are probably more strong songs on TOTT, but I can't fathom how anyone could say "One For the Vine" is a "flawed" composition. It is probably one of the most amazing compositions I have ever heard- and is truly in the realm of great classical compositions, with different developed themes and a circular structure that finds an amazing path back to it's opening theme. Between these 2 albums there are more amazing, sophisticated, original, and beautiful chord progressions, sounds, and rythyms made by the band than on a pile of most other "rock" albums.
If you don't like keyboards (mellotrons for instance), then by all means stay away from these albums. They are a keyboard lover's dream. If you have a problem with Tony's keyboards, then Genesis might as well not exist. Also, though there are some amazing, poetic, and creative lyrics to be found everywhere in a lot of Genesis albums, lyrics have NEVER been more than equally important to the music in a Genesis song. If you love MUSIC, and being transported into special worlds, you will love these albums.

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