Genesis – Invisible Touch

About the song

Genesis, renowned for their eclectic blend of progressive rock and pop sensibilities, delivered a landmark hit with “Invisible Touch.” Released in 1986 as the title track of their thirteenth studio album, the song swiftly ascended the charts and became an emblem of the band’s evolution towards a more commercially accessible sound.

“Invisible Touch” is characterized by its infectious rhythm, catchy melody, and polished production—a hallmark of the collaboration between Genesis members Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford. The track opens with a distinctive drum machine pattern, immediately drawing listeners into its upbeat tempo. Phil Collins’s vocals, at once soulful and commanding, effortlessly guide the song through its verses and choruses, delivering lyrics that explore themes of elusive love and desire.

The song’s instrumentation is marked by Tony Banks’s synthesizer work, which provides a lush backdrop of electronic textures, complemented by Mike Rutherford’s rhythmic guitar riffs and basslines. The synergy between these elements creates a dynamic sonic landscape that is both nostalgic and timeless, resonating with audiences across generations.

Lyrically, “Invisible Touch” is enigmatic yet relatable, weaving a narrative that captures the essence of emotional connection and yearning. The chorus, with its anthemic refrain “She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah / She reaches in, and grabs right hold of your heart,” has become iconic, reflecting the universal experience of being captivated by someone’s charisma and allure.

The song’s success catapulted Genesis to new heights of popularity, solidifying their status as global superstars. It topped the charts in the United States, becoming their first and only number one single on the Billboard Hot 100, and achieved similar success in the UK and other international markets.

Beyond its commercial achievements, “Invisible Touch” remains a testament to Genesis’s ability to craft music that transcends genres and resonates deeply with listeners. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the 1980s while maintaining a contemporary relevance that continues to attract new fans.

Overall, “Invisible Touch” stands as a defining moment in Genesis’s illustrious career, showcasing their musical prowess and their knack for creating songs that leave an indelible mark on popular culture. Whether experienced for the first time or rediscovered, the song remains a powerful reminder of the band’s enduring legacy and their contribution to the landscape of modern music.

Video

Lyrics

Well I’ve been waiting, waiting here so long
But thinking nothing, nothing could go wrong, ooh now I know
She has a built-in ability
To take everything she sees
And now it seems I’m falling, falling for her

She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
She reaches in and grabs right hold of your heart
She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
It takes control and slowly tears you apart

Well I don’t really know her, I only know her name
But when she crawls under your skin
You’re never quite the same, and now I know
She’s got something you just can’t trust
It’s something mysterious
And now it seems I’m falling, falling for her

She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
She reaches in and grabs right hold of your heart
She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
It takes control and slowly tears you apart

She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
She reaches in and grabs right hold of your heart
She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
It takes control and slowly tears you apart

Well, she don’t like losing, to her, it’s still a game
And though she will mess up your life
You’ll want her just the same, and now I know
She has a built-in ability
To take everything she sees
And now it seems I’ve fallen, fallen for her

She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
She reaches in and grabs right hold of your heart
She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
It takes control and slowly tears you apart

She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
She seems to have an invisible touch, oh
She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
She seems to have an invisible touch, oh
She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
She seems to have an invisible touch, oh
She seems to have an invisible touch, yeah
She seems to have an invisible touch, oh