Phil Collins Songs: Discover His Best Albums

The iconic Phil Collins - a name that’s synonymous with exceptional music, captivating drumming, and an unforgettable voice. As a solo artist and as the frontman of Genesis, Phil Collins has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With a career spanning over five decades, he has released numerous albums that have not only topped the charts but have also become an integral part of our musical heritage. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Phil Collins’ music, exploring his best albums, and what makes them so remarkable.

To begin with, let’s take a brief look at Phil Collins’ journey to stardom. Born on January 30, 1951, in Chiswick, London, Collins’ fascination with music started at a young age. He began playing the drums at the age of five and later attended the Barbara Speake Stage School. His professional music career commenced in the late 1960s, and he eventually became the drummer and vocalist for the rock band Genesis in 1970. After Peter Gabriel’s departure from the band in 1975, Collins took over as the lead vocalist, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, let’s move on to some of his most notable albums, which have contributed significantly to his success.

Face Value (1981)

Face Value, Phil Collins’ debut solo album, was released in 1981 to critical acclaim. This album marked a significant turning point in his career, as it not only showcased his exceptional drumming skills but also highlighted his talent as a vocalist and songwriter. The album features some of his most iconic tracks, including “In the Air Tonight” and “I Missed Again.” Face Value has been certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA and remains one of Collins’ best-selling albums.

Hello, I Must Be Going! (1982)

Hello, I Must Be Going! is Phil Collins’ second solo album, released in 1982. This album was also a huge commercial success, with singles like “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “I Don’t Care Anymore” becoming instant hits. The album’s title is a reference to the Marx Brothers’ film “Animal Crackers” and showcases Collins’ ability to blend different styles, from rock to funk, with ease.

No Jacket Required (1985)

No Jacket Required, released in 1985, is often considered one of the best albums of the 1980s. This album features some of Collins’ most popular tracks, including “One More Night,” “Sussudio,” and “Take Me Home.” No Jacket Required was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in several countries, including the US and the UK. The album has been certified 12x Platinum by the RIAA and won several awards, including the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1986.

###…But Seriously (1989) …But Seriously, released in 1989, marks a significant shift in Phil Collins’ music style, as he began to focus more on socially conscious themes. The album features hits like “Another Day in Paradise” and “I Wish It Would Rain Down.”…But Seriously was a critical and commercial success, with the album being certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA. The album’s title track, “Another Day in Paradise,” won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1991.

Both Sides (1993)

Both Sides, released in 1993, is a more experimental album, with Collins playing almost all the instruments himself. The album features a more introspective and personal tone, with tracks like “Both Sides of the Story” and “Everyday.” While not as commercially successful as some of his earlier albums, Both Sides showcases Collins’ versatility and ability to create meaningful music.

Tarzan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack (1999)

In 1999, Phil Collins collaborated with Disney to create the soundtrack for the animated film Tarzan. The soundtrack features several iconic tracks, including “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “Two Worlds.” The album was a huge success, with “You’ll Be in My Heart” winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2000.

Genesis Albums

While this article focuses on Phil Collins’ solo work, it’s essential to mention some of the notable Genesis albums that feature Collins as the lead vocalist. Some of the most popular Genesis albums include:

• A Trick of the Tail (1976)
• Wind & Wuthering (1976) *…And Then There Were Three… (1978)
• Duke (1980)
• Abacab (1981)
• Genesis (1983)
• Invisible Touch (1986)
• We Can’t Dance (1991)

These albums showcase Collins’ incredible range and talent, both as a vocalist and a songwriter.

Pros and Cons of Phil Collins' Music

Pros	Cons
Exceptional vocal and drumming skills	Some critics argue that his music can be too commercial or formulaic
Ability to create meaningful and relatable songs	His experimental approach to music may not appeal to all audiences
Extensive discography with numerous iconic albums and tracks	Some fans may feel that his solo work overshadows his contributions to Genesis

Conclusion

Phil Collins is, without a doubt, one of the most talented and influential musicians of our time. His impressive discography, which spans over five decades, is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his ability to create music that resonates with people worldwide. From his iconic solo albums to his work with Genesis, Collins has left an indelible mark on the music industry. As we continue to enjoy and appreciate his music, it’s essential to recognize the impact he’s had on the world of rock, pop, and beyond.