Turn It On Again is a song by the English progressive rock band Genesis, originally released as a single in 1976 and later appearing on the band's seventh studio album, A Trick of the Tail (1976).
Background and Composition
- Writers: The track was written collectively by the five members of Genesis at the time—Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, and Mike Rutherford.
- Recording: Produced by Genesis and engineer David Hentschel, the song was recorded at Island Studios in London during the sessions for A Trick of the Tail.
- Musical Structure: Noted for its unusual time‑signature changes, the verses alternate between 6/4 and 7/8 time, while the chorus settles into a more conventional 4/4 feel. The song’s riff is based on a repeated three‑note pattern played on electric guitar and keyboards.
Release and Commercial Performance
- Release Date: 30 July 1976 (United Kingdom).
- Chart Positions:
- United Kingdom: Peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart.
- United States: Reached No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 22 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
- B‑Side: The single’s B‑side featured “The Lady Lies,” a track from the earlier 1971 album Nursery Cryme.
Reception
- Contemporary reviews highlighted the song’s blend of pop accessibility with progressive‑rock complexity, often citing its memorable hook and rhythmic intrigue.
- Retrospective assessments frequently list “Turn It On Again” among Genesis’s most enduring singles and a staple of the band’s live repertoire.
Live Performances
- 1976–1979: The song became a regular feature of Genesis’s set‑lists during the A Trick of the Tail and Wind & Wuthering tours, often extended with improvisational instrumental sections.
- 1992–1998: Phil Collins re‑introduced the track during his solo tours, occasionally performing it with a backing band.
- 2007–2008: Genesis performed “Turn It On Again” as part of the Turn It On Again: The Tour (also known as the Genesis 2007 Tour), which marked the band’s reunion with Collins and featured a revised arrangement emphasizing a larger rhythm section and updated production.
Legacy and Influence
- The song’s title has been referenced in popular culture, including episode titles of television series and as a lyrical motif in other musical works.
- It has been covered by several artists across genres, notably by:
- Dream Theater (live tribute performances).
- The Flaming Lips (as part of a Genesis tribute set).
Personnel (Original Recording)
- Tony Banks: keyboards, backing vocals.
- Phil Collins: drums, lead vocals.
- Peter Gabriel: backing vocals (contributed spoken interjections).
- Steve Hackett: electric guitar.
- Mike Rutherford: bass guitar, electric guitar, backing vocals.
Technical Details
- Length: 3:44 (single version).
- Label: Atlantic Records (U.S.), Charisma Records (U.K.).
- Producer(s): Genesis, David Hentschel.
References
- Official Genesis discography (Charisma/Atlantic releases).
- Chart archives: Official Charts Company (UK), Billboard Magazine (U.S.).
- Liner notes from A Trick of the Tail CD reissues (1994, 2007).
All information is based on verifiable releases, chart data, and documented production credits.
