Phil Collins and Genesis-One in the Same?
In the book, Mix Tapes and Stolen Tests, Mix Tape says that there was no difference between Genesis and Phil Collins solo albums. He wasn't alone. This is an opinion shared by rock critic Robert Hillburn who first called Genesis “barely indistinguishable” from Collins’ solo work.
Erik Hedegaard would accuse Genesis of selling out.
Why?
In the album Abacab, there is a song called “No Reply at All.” In his first solo album, there is a song called “I Missed Again.” Both songs feature horns arranged by Earth Wind and Fire.
Similar?
When Mike Rutherford started Mike and the Mechanics, his songs were more synth based ballads and featured a different kind of lead singer. Peter Gabriel's post Genesis work was very different from Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.
Because people said there was no differnence in a song from Genesis or solo song, Collins would take the brunt of the criticism from rock critics. There were complaints that he used drum machines to augment his sound. Remember he was a noted drummer.
It wouldn't have an effect on Genesis or Collins in the short run. Remember the blog from March 5th, Genesis got gold albums, huge sales, sold out tours. Collins would have a successful career into the 1990s.
In later years, this criticism did come back. I listen to music podcasts that are run by millennials and they say Collins' work doesn't hold up. Then by extension, later era Genesis doesn't hold up for them.
To be fair to Collins, he produced an Eric Clapton album, worked on other people’s albums and was part of very successful tours.
While Mix states his criticism to Boy-Lee in the book, he wasn't alone.
Here's a link to read what Mix said: