Playlist: Both Sides of Phil Collins
When looking at Phil Collins both solo and with Genesis, one thing becomes clear: He has a vastly underrated legacy.
Overexposure. It’s a thing. Just think of Taylor Swift today. She’s an undeniable supernova, but for every Swiftie out there who can’t get enough of her, there’s equal measure of those who have seen and heard enough for a good long while.
Flash back to circa 1986. Phil Collins was the Taylor Swift of his time. He was everywhere.
When he wasn’t being the lead singer of Genesis, Collins was releasing solo records. Or singing hit duets with Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire, and Marilyn Martin. Or performing with Band Aid on the charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Or hopping the Concorde to perform at both Live Aid concerts. Or producing a hit single (“No One is to Blame”) for Howard Jones. Or producing Eric Clapton. Or helping Robert Plant launch his post-Zeppelin solo career.
If the world was sick of Phil Collins by 1986, it wasn’t because he was a newbie on the scene. He was already 35 years old, having drummed for Genesis since 1970 and taking over lead vocals in 1976 following the shocking departure of Peter Gabriel. Collins dabbled with jazz fusion group Brand X before finally launching a solo career (concurrent with Genesis) in 1981.
Collins really didn’t sneak up on the world. But the sheer output of his solo and Genesis work in a manic five-year period (1981-1986) - from his Face Value solo debut to the massive Invisible Touch release by Genesis - is truly astounding.
Inevitably, the Phil Collins wave subsided. But Seriously in 1989 still had hits, but the excitement started to wane. Then, after the 1991 release of We Can’t Dance, he left Genesis and abandoned the juggling act he’d been balancing for over a decade.
Collins is retired now. His body has sadly broken down, relegating him to sit-down performances during the final Genesis reunion tour. But he should not be forgotten. Check out this playlist and I think you’ll agree - the songs sung by Phil Collins largely stand the test of time.
Enjoy…
“In the Air Tonight” (Collins)
Really, what better way to start, from his 1981 debut solo album. Could have been a Genesis song, but it wasn’t.“Land of Confusion” (Genesis)
The undeniable highlight of Invisible Touch, its uncompromising lyrics about standing up for what’s right still resonate today. And the MTV video was pretty hilarious as well.“Sussudio” (Collins)
Okay, let’s get this one out of the way early. It hasn’t aged particularly well, and Collins’ attempt to channel Prince’s “1999” while admirable was ultimately a little too annoying as an earworm. But give due credit to the mighty Phenix Horns of EWF fame.
“Misunderstanding” (Genesis)
By 1980, Genesis was in the midst of an identity crisis. They were inching away from their progressive music roots and the previous theatrics of Peter Gabriel, but they weren’t full-blown pop yet. This tune from Duke that year is a confident step in that direction. An undeniable hit single.
“Take Me Home” (Collins)
Another huge hit from 1985’s No Jacket Required. I think I liked it better back when it first came out - the song goes on a bit long - but it’s still plenty solid with strong backing vocals featuring Gabriel and Sting.
“No Reply At All” (Genesis)
The horns used by Collins in his later solo work were first introduced with this unlikely Genesis single. It’s not what people expected the band to sound like, which was exactly the point.“One More Night” (Collins)
I’ve always been a sucker for this one. Just like the video, “One More Night” lives in a smoky, sepia-toned bar with a cool, jazzy saxophonist in the background. The outro sax solo is an all-timer.“Turn It On Again” (Genesis)
Also from 1980’s Duke album, there’s nice instrumental interplay in less than four minutes, as Collins tells the tale of a man’s obsession with television to the point where he creates his own world within it.“I Wish It Would Rain Down” (Collins)
The highlight of 1989’s But Seriously is a showcase for his old pal, Eric Clapton, who propels the song with some of his best post-1970s guitar work. A nice crescendo at the end.“That’s All” (Genesis)
We finally get to Genesis’ self-titled 1983 album, which is their best one. You’ll find three-quarters of that record on this playlist, and for good reason. “That’s All” is catchy Beatles-influenced pop that signaled, once and for all, that Genesis had left progressive rock behind…mostly.“Follow You Follow Me” (Genesis)
By 1978, Genesis was down to a trio after the departure of guitarist Steve Hackett. The resulting And Then There Were Three album had this simple yet heartfelt love song that gave the band its first worldwide pop hit.“Inside Out” (Collins)
My favorite song off of No Jacket Required, it wasn’t released as a single nor did it get lots of airplay. But it’s about as hard as Collins gets, with his solo guitarist Daryl Stuermer kicking the jams harder than Mike Rutherford ever did.“I Can’t Dance” (Genesis)
It was a hit. So there’s that. But this felt like the cliff where Genesis tipped over. Pleasant enough, but it really does feel like the beginning of the end.“Just a Job to Do” (Genesis)
Now, this is more like it. This wasn’t a single either, but I remember hearing it a bit on the radio back in ‘83. I love the tension, as the tale of a frightened target of a hitman plays out. Which leads to a sequel of sorts…“Don’t Lose My Number” (Collins)
Two years later, Collins penned a quasi-sequel, this time from the perspective of someone trying to help his friend who is on the lam. This one was a hit single, with a pretty funny video to go with it.“Invisible Touch” (Genesis)
The moment Genesis went supernova. They still toured arenas in 1986-87, but they would hit stadiums the next time around. (I can attest, seeing them at the old Texas Stadium.) The title track here is very much an EIGHTIES record, for better or worse.“I Don’t Care Anymore” (Collins)
The spiritual cousin of “In the Air Tonight,” it wasn’t nearly as big a hit. But it’s got a lot of mood going for it. Bad mood.
“Man on the Corner” (Genesis)
Speaking of mood, the subject of homelessness is no laughing matter in this 1982 track. Collins would revisit the theme later in the decade with “Another Day in Paradise.”“A Groovy Kind of Love” (Collins)
I debated whether to include this 1988 remake of an old song or his 1985 duet “Separate Lives” with Marilyn Martin. They’re both pretty entrenched in the easy listening category, but I give this one the edge.“Abacab” (Genesis)
Possibly the last time Genesis could be accused of being full-on progressive. The 1982 album version goes on for over six minutes. So close your eyes and enjoy the ride.“Easy Lover” (Collins with Philip Bailey)
Remember what I said about Collins and his penchant for duets? This is his best one, an energetic romp with EWF’s Bailey for his album that Collins produced. You can’t watch the video and not smile.“Paperlate” (Genesis)
A leftover track from the Abacab album, it was released on an EP in England and on Three Sides Live in the U.S. It’s those horns again! I think Collins secretly wanted to be in Earth, Wind and Fire.“Something Happened on the Way to Heaven” (Collins)
Speaking of horns, they returned once again for this 1990 single. Bouncy tune, but the thrill was gone.“No Son of Mine” (Genesis)
It’s hard to comprehend that this appeared on the same album as “I Can’t Dance.” Genesis was truly all over the place by this time. The father-song conflict is a bit depressing, but this was still a hit.“Two Hearts” (Collins)
Collins teamed with Motown’s Lamont Dozier to write this song for his now-forgotten movie Buster. By 1988, Collins could write songs like this in his sleep. And maybe he did.“Throwing It All Away” (Genesis)
Another hit off of Invisible Touch. It’s a nice vocal by Collins but a reminder of how much of a step down this was from their 1983 self-titled album.“Mama” (Genesis)
Epic Genesis. Sinister and dramatic. Everyone is on their game here. Great choice to lead off their 1983 album. They mean business…with the emphasis on mean.“Do You Remember?” (Collins)
Another love song from Collins, same feel as “Hold On My Heart” from Genesis later in this playlist. Effortless stuff from Collins.“Hold On My Heart” (Genesis)
Speaking of…“Another Day in Paradise” (Collins)
Give the man points to revisiting the homelessness theme. The feeling comes through.“Home by the Sea”/“Second Home by the Sea” (Genesis)
My absolute favorite from their 1983 opus. I love singing “Home by the Sea” in karaoke, with its Twilight Zone/Hotel California vibes. And the connected “Second Home by the Sea” is Genesis’ one last tip of the cap to their progressive past. Just perfect.“You Can’t Hurry Love” (Collins)
Sue me. I like this version better than the original Supremes version.“Taking It All Too Hard” (Genesis)
Another strong album track from 1983. I love the contrasting “taking it all to heart” and “taking it all too hard.” Strong enough to be a hit single, but they already had plenty from this record.“In Too Deep” (Genesis)
This one is my second-favorite off of Invisible Touch, powered again by those distinctive Collins vocals. No one could sing like him, then or now.“I Missed Again” (Collins)
The last time we hear those funky Phenix Horns on this playlist. You can’t deny that Collins likes a little brass with his cup of coffee.“Squonk” (Genesis)
From 1976’s Trick of the Tail when Collins took over lead vocals. A glorious debut, as he channels John Bonham on drums on a track that would have been at home on a Led Zeppelin album.“Illegal Alien” (Genesis)
I was never offended by this song like others were, even though I am Hispanic. It just felt like it came from a well-meaning place of sympathy if you closely read the lyrics. Immigration is still a hot button today, so some things never change. It’s no fun.“Tonight, Tonight, Tonight” (Genesis)
I only included this because it was a hit, but I just remember it for being featured in a beer commercial like Eric Clapton’s remade “After Midnight.” We can say goodbye to Invisible Touch now.“Jesus He Knows Me” (Genesis)
We can also say goodbye to We Can’t Dance, but not before they get their shots in against televangelists.“Against All Odds” (Collins)
And we end this epic playlist with quite possibly the best romantic song Collins ever did. And quite possibly one of the best ever. He nails it for a movie I’ve completely forgotten about. But the song - and Phil Collins - lives on.