Genesis has never been a band that played it safe. From their theatrical stage antics to their ambitious concept albums, they’ve always embraced the bizarre. But their weirdness didn’t stop at costumes and storytelling—it carried over into their music in ways that still surprise fans today.
Some of their songs defy any traditional structure, veering into strange time signatures, eerie lyrics, and unexpected detours. Whether it’s a surreal narrative, an oddball arrangement, or just an unsettling vibe, these tracks prove that Genesis wasn’t afraid to push boundaries.
We’re taking a look at some of the weirdest songs they ever recorded—tracks that left listeners baffled, intrigued, or just plain confused. These are the moments where Genesis fully leaned into their eccentric side, and the results are unforgettable.
1. “Pigeons”, Spot the Pigeon (1977)
Released in 1977 as part of the Spot the Pigeon EP, “Pigeons” is one of Genesis’s strangest experiments. Inspired by British music hall traditions, the song carries a whimsical charm that feels out of place in their catalog. It’s a playful departure from their usual progressive rock sound.
The instrumentation adds to its oddball appeal. Tony Banks’s bouncy keyboards and Steve Hackett’s banjo-like guitar create a lighthearted, almost cartoonish feel. The band’s choice to hold notes for extended periods makes it even more unconventional.
Though it never became a major hit, “Pigeons” remains a fascinating curiosity for Genesis fans. It showcases their willingness to take creative risks, even if the result was far from their signature style. Its quirky nature has earned it a special place among the band’s weirdest tracks.
2. “Harold the Barrel”, Nursery Cryme (1971)
From the 1971 album Nursery Cryme, “Harold the Barrel” is a strange mix of upbeat melody and grim storytelling. The lively piano from Tony Banks and melodic bass from Mike Rutherford create a playful sound that contrasts sharply with the song’s unsettling subject matter.
The lyrics follow Harold, a man on the verge of jumping from a windowsill, with Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins delivering the story in a darkly comedic style. Their harmonized vocals add an eerie layer to the tragic tale, blending humor with despair in a way that only early Genesis could.
Despite its odd premise, “Harold the Barrel” has remained a fan favorite. Its mix of theatricality, satire, and a twisted sense of fun make it one of Genesis’s most uniquely bizarre tracks.
3. “Down and Out”, …And Then There Were Three… (1978)
From the 1978 album …And Then There Were Three…, “Down and Out” is one of Genesis’s most intense tracks. Phil Collins’s relentless drumming sets a fast, aggressive pace, giving the song a sense of urgency from the start. The intricate arrangements and shifting dynamics keep listeners on their toes.
Its complexity made it a challenge to perform live, which explains its rarity in Genesis concerts. Despite this, the song remains a fan favorite for its raw energy and technical brilliance. It’s a striking display of the band’s progressive roots, even as their sound was evolving.
As Genesis moved toward a more accessible style, “Down and Out” stood as a reminder of their progressive rock mastery. It bridges their past and future, proving they could balance technical skill with gripping intensity. It’s a track that still resonates with fans who appreciate the band’s depth.
4. “The Musical Box”, Nursery Cryme (1971)
Released on the 1971 album Nursery Cryme, “The Musical Box” marked Genesis’s first true progressive rock epic. The song weaves together delicate 12-string guitar passages and towering crescendos, showcasing the band’s ambition to craft intricate, multi-layered compositions. It set the stage for their signature sound.
Peter Gabriel’s lyrics take the song into eerie, surreal territory. The bizarre Victorian tale unfolds with themes of aging, violent croquet matches, and unsettling encounters. His theatrical delivery makes the story even more haunting, pulling listeners into a strange, otherworldly narrative.
Beyond its musical complexity, “The Musical Box” became legendary for its live performances. Gabriel’s elaborate costumes and dramatic stage presence brought the dark story to life, making it a fan favorite. The song remains a defining piece of Genesis’s early progressive era.
5. “Watcher of the Skies”, Foxtrot (1972)
From the 1972 album Foxtrot, “Watcher of the Skies” is a sci-fi epic that highlights Genesis’s progressive rock mastery. The song opens with a striking keyboard riff that sets an eerie, otherworldly tone. Its shifting time signatures and dramatic build-up pull listeners into an expansive, cinematic soundscape.
Peter Gabriel’s lyrics tell the story of alien beings surveying a desolate Earth, pondering the fate of humanity. Despite its grand concept, the song never feels overindulgent. Gabriel’s restrained vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation keep it balanced, making its apocalyptic vision both compelling and haunting.
Though complex in structure, “Watcher of the Skies” became a defining Genesis track. Its blend of intricate musicianship and imaginative storytelling cemented its status as a progressive rock classic. Even today, it stands as a testament to the band’s early ambition and creativity.
6. “The Return of the Giant Hogweed”, Nursery Cryme (1971)
From the 1971 album Nursery Cryme, “The Return of the Giant Hogweed” is one of Genesis’s strangest and most theatrical tracks. It tells the story of an invasive plant species waging war against humanity, blending dark humor with an almost apocalyptic intensity. The song’s over-the-top narrative makes for a wildly entertaining ride.
The music mirrors the chaos of the lyrics, with shifting tempos and sharp instrumental passages that capture the plant’s relentless spread. Peter Gabriel’s snarling vocals heighten the drama, making the song feel like a surreal sci-fi horror tale. The eerie yet energetic performance gives it a uniquely unsettling charm.
Bold and bizarre, “The Return of the Giant Hogweed” is a perfect example of Genesis’s fearless creativity. Its mix of theatrical storytelling and intricate musicianship has made it a cult favorite. Even with its strange premise, the song remains a standout in the band’s early catalog.
7. “The Battle of Epping Forest”, Selling England by the Pound (1973)
From the 1973 album Selling England by the Pound, “The Battle of Epping Forest” is one of Genesis’s most elaborate and polarizing tracks. It tells the story of a gang turf war in London, packed with eccentric characters brought to life through Peter Gabriel’s wildly theatrical vocals. His exaggerated accents and playful delivery make the song feel more like a stage production than a traditional rock track.
Musically, the song is just as intricate, constantly shifting through different tempos, time signatures, and melodies. Some listeners admire its ambitious storytelling and progressive complexity, while others find it overwhelming and chaotic. It’s a track that fully embraces Genesis’s love for excess, for better or worse.
Even with its divisive reputation, “The Battle of Epping Forest” remains an intriguing piece of Genesis history. It showcases the band’s fearless creativity and commitment to theatrical rock. Love it or hate it, the song’s sheer uniqueness ensures it remains a topic of debate among fans.
8. “The Waiting Room”, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974)
From the 1974 album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, “The Waiting Room” is one of Genesis’s most experimental tracks. Born from an improvised studio jam, the song explores eerie soundscapes and shifting moods. Despite its spontaneous origins, it manages to feel deliberate and haunting.
The track builds a sense of unease with ghostly guitar effects and ominous synth textures. As it progresses, the tension escalates, leading to a chaotic climax that feels both unpredictable and mesmerizing. It captures the eerie sensation of being stuck in an unknown space, waiting for something just beyond reach.
“The Waiting Room” showcases Genesis’s willingness to push musical boundaries through pure experimentation. Its unsettling atmosphere and abstract structure make it a standout in the band’s catalog. Fans of their more avant-garde work appreciate it as a unique and immersive listening experience.
9. “The Colony of Slippermen”, Nursery Cryme (1971)
One of the most surreal tracks from The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, “The Colony of Slippermen” plunges listeners into a grotesque and nightmarish world. The song follows Rael’s encounter with the Slippermen, deformed creatures trapped in their own bizarre existence. The lyrics paint a disturbing picture, adding to the song’s eerie and unsettling tone.
Musically, the track is just as strange, blending prog-rock, funk, and avant-garde elements. Screeching synthesizers, erratic rhythms, and distorted vocal effects create a chaotic, unpredictable soundscape. Peter Gabriel’s theatrical performance took it even further—on stage, he donned a bizarre inflatable costume to embody the grotesque creatures.
Despite its unsettling nature, “The Colony of Slippermen” is a fan favorite for its sheer creativity and bold experimentation. It captures Genesis’s fearless approach to both storytelling and musical composition. The track remains one of the most theatrical and unconventional moments in the band’s discography.
10. “Supper’s Ready”, Foxtrot (1972)
The 23-minute masterpiece “Supper’s Ready” is the heart of Genesis’s Foxtrot album, showcasing their grandest progressive rock ambitions. Divided into seven distinct sections, the song takes listeners through a constantly shifting musical landscape. From serene melodies to chaotic climaxes, it explores a vast range of emotions and sonic textures.
Lyrically, “Supper’s Ready” is a surreal and symbolic journey, touching on mythology, religion, and personal experiences. Peter Gabriel once described it as a “dream journey” portraying the eternal battle between good and evil. Its cryptic imagery and evolving structure have fueled endless interpretations among fans.
Considered one of Genesis’s greatest achievements, “Supper’s Ready” stands as a defining piece of progressive rock history. Its intricate composition and emotional depth have secured its place as a fan favorite. Even decades later, it remains a bold testament to the band’s creativity and ambition.