“Invisible Touch” is one of the most iconic and commercially successful songs by Genesis, released in May 1986 with “The Last Domino” on the B-side as the lead single from their album Invisible Touch. Written by band members Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford, the song marked a significant shift toward a more pop-oriented sound for Genesis, which helped the band achieve mainstream success. It became their first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and was a major hit worldwide.
By the time Genesis recorded Invisible Touch, the band had evolved from their progressive rock roots in the 1970s to a more accessible, radio-friendly sound in the 1980s. The song was developed during a jam session where Phil Collins started singing a melody over a groove that Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford were playing. The lyrics and structure came together quickly, leading to a song that perfectly captured the 1980s pop rock vibe. The lyrics of “Invisible Touch” describe a romantic relationship with someone who has a powerful, almost hypnotic effect on the narrator.
“Invisible Touch” is a bright, energetic pop rock song with strong synth-pop elements, characteristic of the band’s 1980s sound. The song features a catchy synthesizer hook, rhythmic drums (played by Phil Collins), and layers of guitar by Mike Rutherford. The use of synths and electronic production techniques gives the track a polished, modern feel that was in line with the pop music trends of the mid-1980s.
“Invisible Touch” was a massive commercial success for Genesis. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. in July 1986, making it the band’s only chart-topping single in America. In the UK, it peaked at No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart, and it performed well in several other countries, including Canada and Australia. The song’s success was a key factor in the overall popularity of the Invisible Touch album, which became one of the best-selling albums of Genesis’ career. The album itself was a global hit, cementing Genesis’ position as one of the top pop-rock bands of the 1980s.
“Invisible Touch” was generally well-received by critics and fans, with many praising its catchy melody, strong production, and polished pop sound. Although some long-time fans of Genesis’ progressive rock era were critical of the band’s shift toward mainstream pop, the song’s commercial success and its enduring appeal have cemented its status as one of Genesis’ most popular tracks.