On this day July 19, 1986, Invisible Touch by Genesis became the number one song in the United States, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of July 19 through July 25. It also reached number one in Canada, making it one of the band’s most successful singles. The track marked a major moment not just for Genesis, but for 80s pop music as a whole, showing how progressive rock veterans could successfully transition into chart topping mainstream artists.
The song was the title track from the band's 1986 album and marked their first and only number one single in the US. Driven by a bright synthesizer riff, a slick rhythm section, and Phil Collins’ unmistakable vocals, Invisible Touch was a perfect example of how Genesis evolved their sound to match the glossy, radio friendly production style of the mid 80s. Its mix of pop polish and subtle complexity helped it stand out from the crowd.
Invisible Touch was part of a massive album cycle that would spawn multiple top ten singles and solidify Genesis as one of the biggest acts of the decade. It was a sharp contrast from their earlier, more experimental work in the 1970s, but it showed the band’s ability to adapt and connect with a wider audience. The song became a radio staple, a concert highlight, and a signature track of the band’s later career.
80s insight: Invisible Touch was proof that bands rooted in the 70s could still dominate the charts in the 80s. By embracing new sounds without losing their identity, Genesis showed how evolution could lead to lasting success.
The song was the title track from the band's 1986 album and marked their first and only number one single in the US. Driven by a bright synthesizer riff, a slick rhythm section, and Phil Collins’ unmistakable vocals, Invisible Touch was a perfect example of how Genesis evolved their sound to match the glossy, radio friendly production style of the mid 80s. Its mix of pop polish and subtle complexity helped it stand out from the crowd.
Invisible Touch was part of a massive album cycle that would spawn multiple top ten singles and solidify Genesis as one of the biggest acts of the decade. It was a sharp contrast from their earlier, more experimental work in the 1970s, but it showed the band’s ability to adapt and connect with a wider audience. The song became a radio staple, a concert highlight, and a signature track of the band’s later career.
80s insight: Invisible Touch was proof that bands rooted in the 70s could still dominate the charts in the 80s. By embracing new sounds without losing their identity, Genesis showed how evolution could lead to lasting success.
