It’s Gonna Get Better

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some far-out trivia about It’s Gonna Get Better by Genesis, spinning now on THE ZOO! This track, closing out their 1983 self-titled album, has a unique origin story. Keyboardist Tony Banks crafted its haunting intro by sampling four cello notes from a classical album, aiming for a string sound on his synthesizer. When he played them simultaneously, the notes wove into unexpected harmonies, which he called “truly fantastic” in a Reddit thread discussion. This serendipitous moment shaped the song’s atmospheric opening, though some fans, like those on r/Genesis, feel it loses steam after the vocals kick in, comparing it to Another Record from their earlier work. Others, however, rank it among their top Genesis ballads, with one fan on Reddit noting it evokes “summer 1983” every time they hear those opening chords.

The song’s creation reflects Genesis’ shift toward a poppier sound, a move that sparked debate among fans. A 1983 Sounds article by Bill Black criticized It’s Gonna Get Better as “pure formula,” likening its keyboard sound to “cosmic Elgar,” yet the track’s social commentary—rare for the band—aimed for uplift, especially during their Mama tour. Mike Rutherford, in interviews, has often cited the Genesis album as a favorite, partly because it marked a return to collective songwriting at their studio, The Farm, as noted on Genesis News. The album’s cover, featuring geometric shapes from a child’s toy, also ties to the song’s experimental vibe, designed by Bill Smith, who worked on their earlier Abacab album.

Now, let’s rewind to how Genesis got their groove going. Formed in 1967 at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, the band started as a songwriting collective of schoolmates: Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips, and Chris Stewart. Their name came from pop impresario Jonathan King, who signed them to Decca and produced their debut, From Genesis to Revelation, in 1969. This early album, a mix of psychedelic pop, sold poorly, but it planted seeds for their folk-prog sound, as Rolling Stone later noted. After parting with King, they honed their craft through relentless touring and signed with Charisma Records, releasing Trespass in 1970. The addition of Phil Collins on drums and Steve Hackett on guitar in 1970 solidified their classic lineup, leading to progressive rock landmarks like Foxtrot and Selling England by the Pound.

Genesis’ 1970s era, with Gabriel’s theatrical vocals, made them prog-rock pioneers, influencing bands like Marillion and Rush, as mentioned on Wikipedia. Gabriel’s departure in 1975 after The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway was a turning point, with Collins stepping up as frontman. This shift, detailed on Britannica, led to a more accessible sound by the 1980s, culminating in hits from albums like Genesis. Despite lineup changes and solo ventures—Collins’ solo career, Rutherford’s Mike + The Mechanics, and Banks’ solo albums—the trio of Banks, Rutherford, and Collins remained the core, earning them a 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Stay connected with Genesis and their legacy! Check out their official website at genesis-music.com for tour updates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, where over 2 million fans share memories, or on Instagram for rare photos. Their X account keeps the vibe alive with news and throwbacks. For deeper dives, join fan communities like the German Genesis Fanclub or Genesis News, which offer interviews and reviews. You can also connect with Zoo Freaks on the Genesis Facebook page or discuss tracks like It’s Gonna Get Better on Reddit’s Genesis group.