tavm Review of Genesis: Illegal Alien

Genesis: Illegal Alien (1984 Music Video)

Despite its subject matter, I still enjoy the video of Genesis: Illegal Alien

[7/10 · 23 August 2023]

This is perhaps one Genesis song that won't be heard on oldies radio stations today because of its subject matter: about undocumented immigrants as they're referred to now trying to cross the border. Specifically, Mexicans trying to make a living in the U. S. as implied by Phil Collins' slight accent change in the recording and his and his teammates' dress and wigs in the video. Also, Collins' fake mustasche. The whole thing is meant to be humorous but the obvious stereotyping and implication of suspicious natures makes this unsuitable for today's more polarizing climate, that's for sure! Just as well that even then, the following lyrics in the song weren't even allowed in the video: "Keep your suspicions, I've seen that look before/But I ain't done nothing wrong now, is that such a surprise?/But I got a sister who'd be willing to oblige/She would do anything now to help me get me to the outside". Be that as it may, I still like the catchy hooks and overall fun vibe I still get from viewing this. So I'll just say if you still like the song and video, there's no harm in watching it even now...