Phil Collins, a name synonymous with 80s music, boasts a remarkable career both as a solo artist and the frontman of Genesis. His ability to blend heartfelt ballads with upbeat pop-rock anthems has solidified his place in music history. From drumming prowess to his distinctive vocals, Collins has crafted a catalog of songs that resonate across generations. Let’s explore some of his most popular songs that have topped charts and filled airwaves worldwide.
One More Night
Phil Collins One More Night official music video still showing Phil Collins singing at the microphone with a contemplative expression
“One More Night,” a quintessential 80s power ballad, secured Phil Collins his second number-one single in the United States. Emerging from a simple drum machine loop in 1984, Collins spontaneously vocalized the chorus, laying the foundation for this enduring hit. Released in 1985 as part of his album “No Jacket Required,” the song’s strength lies in its simplicity and emotional resonance. Despite lacking a traditional hook, “One More Night” captivated audiences with its melancholic melody and Collins’s heartfelt delivery, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more when it comes to crafting a memorable song. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its raw emotion and relatable theme of longing and lost love.
Separate Lives (with Marilyn Martin)
Phil Collins Separate Lives official music video still featuring Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin in a dimly lit studio setting
“Separate Lives,” a powerful duet with Marilyn Martin, was created for the soundtrack of the 1985 film White Nights. This collaboration, penned by Stephen Bishop, showcased a different side of Collins, highlighting his ability to harmonize beautifully with a female vocalist. The song achieved significant chart success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number 4 in the UK Singles Chart in 1985. Interestingly, “Separate Lives” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song but lost to Lionel Richie’s “Say You, Say Me,” also from the White Nights soundtrack. Despite missing out on the Oscar, “Separate Lives” remains a beloved duet, showcasing both Collins’s versatility and Martin’s vocal prowess in a poignant exploration of love and separation.
Sussudio
Phil Collins Sussudio official music video still showing Phil Collins performing energetically on stage with a band
“Sussudio,” another US number-one hit for Phil Collins, is an upbeat and infectious track that exemplifies his pop sensibilities. The song’s quirky title originated from Collins’s improvisational songwriting process. While experimenting with a drum machine, the nonsensical word “sussudio” emerged, and despite attempts to replace it, Collins found it undeniably catchy and decided to embrace it. Released in 1985 on the album “No Jacket Required,” “Sussudio” is rumored to be about a schoolboy crush, adding a touch of youthful awkwardness to its otherwise confident and energetic rhythm. Its vibrant synth-pop sound and memorable chorus made “Sussudio” an instant classic and a staple of 80s playlists.
You Can’t Hurry Love
Phil Collins You Can't Hurry Love official music video still featuring Phil Collins playing drums and singing surrounded by a band in a colorful set
Phil Collins’s cover of “You Can’t Hurry Love” is a vibrant and faithful rendition of The Supremes’ 1966 Motown classic. Released in 1982, this cover was a deliberate attempt by Collins and producer Hugh Padgham to recreate the raw, energetic sound of 1960s recordings. Collins aimed not for an interpretation but a remake, focusing on capturing the original’s spirit and sonic texture. His version became a global hit, reaching number one in the UK and number 10 in the US, proving his ability to breathe new life into beloved classics. “You Can’t Hurry Love” showcased Collins’s versatility and his deep appreciation for soul music, further solidifying his broad appeal across genres.
Two Hearts
Phil Collins Two Hearts official music video still featuring Phil Collins and Julie Walters in a scene from the movie Buster with a vintage car in the background
“Two Hearts” is a song with a strong cinematic connection, co-written by Collins with Lamont Dozier of the legendary Motown songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland. Created for the 1988 film Buster, in which Collins also starred, the song perfectly captures the film’s 1960s setting and romantic themes. “Two Hearts” won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1989, cementing its status as an award-winning hit. The Buster soundtrack also featured Collins’s chart-topping cover of “A Groovy Kind of Love,” further highlighting his knack for songs with a nostalgic and romantic feel, and his ability to connect with audiences through both original material and well-chosen covers.
Can’t Stop Loving You
Phil Collins Can't Stop Loving You official music video still featuring Phil Collins singing with a band in a live performance setting
“Can’t Stop Loving You,” while famously performed by Phil Collins, was originally written and released by Billy Nicholls in 1977. Leo Sayer also had a UK top 10 hit with the song a year later. However, it was Collins’s 2002 cover version that brought the song to a global audience on a massive scale. Featured on his album “Testify,” Collins’s rendition became a major hit, showcasing the song’s timeless appeal and his ability to interpret and personalize existing material. Billy Nicholls himself noted the song’s poignant lyrics stemmed from the fictional narrative of not wanting to leave his young family, adding a layer of emotional depth that resonated with listeners and contributed to the song’s enduring popularity across different versions and artists.
Easy Lover (with Philip Bailey)
Philip Bailey and Phil Collins Easy Lover official music video still featuring Philip Bailey and Phil Collins singing and dancing in a dynamic studio setting
“Easy Lover,” a dynamic collaboration with Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, is a testament to Collins’s genre-bending musical approach. Initially conceived during a production session for Bailey’s album in 1984, the song arose from a spontaneous request for a duet. “Easy Lover” is characterized by its infectious energy, blending pop, R&B, and rock elements into a unique and captivating sound. Collins humorously recalled the song’s surprising crossover appeal, noting its embrace by the hip-hop community who appreciated its genre-defying “beige” sound. Released in 1984, “Easy Lover” became a massive global hit, reaching number two in both the US and UK, and remains a high-energy favorite showcasing the combined talents of Collins and Bailey.
Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)
Phil Collins Against All Odds official music video still featuring Phil Collins singing intensely in a darkened setting with rain effects
“Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” is arguably Phil Collins’s most iconic ballad, a song synonymous with heartbreak and longing. Written for the 1984 film of the same name, the song perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes of lost love and desperate hope for reconciliation. The power of “Against All Odds” lies in its raw emotionality, with Collins’s vocals conveying vulnerability and yearning. It became a number-one hit in the US and reached number two in the UK, solidifying its status as a timeless classic. The song’s enduring appeal is further evidenced by successful covers by Mariah Carey and Westlife in 2000 and X Factor winner Steve Brookstein in 2005, demonstrating its intergenerational impact and continued relevance.
Another Day in Paradise
Phil Collins Another Day In Paradise official music video still showing Phil Collins singing in a cityscape setting with scenes of homelessness depicted
“Another Day in Paradise” marked a departure for Phil Collins in its lyrical content, tackling social commentary with a poignant narrative about homelessness. Sung from a third-person perspective, the 1989 ballad challenges listeners to confront their indifference to the plight of those less fortunate. This socially conscious song became Collins’s seventh and final US number-one single and also topped charts in numerous other countries. Featuring backing vocals from David Crosby of Crosby, Stills & Nash, “Another Day in Paradise” is not only a commercially successful song but also a thought-provoking piece that showcases Collins’s willingness to address serious issues through his music, expanding his artistic range beyond personal relationships.
In the Air Tonight
Phil Collins In The Air Tonight official music video still featuring Phil Collins sitting at a drum kit in a dimly lit setting looking serious
“In the Air Tonight,” Phil Collins’s debut solo single from 1981, remains one of his most recognizable and influential songs, particularly famed for its iconic drum break. Written during a period of intense personal turmoil following his divorce, the song’s lyrics are shrouded in mystery, presented as a dark monologue directed at an unnamed individual. Urban legends have swirled around the song’s meaning, adding to its enigmatic allure. Beyond its lyrical intrigue, “In the Air Tonight” is musically groundbreaking, with its atmospheric build-up and explosive drum entrance influencing countless artists. Its resurgence in popular culture, notably through a memorable Dairy Milk advertisement featuring a drumming gorilla in 2007, further cemented its legendary status and introduced it to new generations.
Phil Collins’s enduring popularity stems from his ability to craft songs that are both commercially successful and emotionally resonant. His diverse catalog, ranging from heartfelt ballads to upbeat pop anthems, continues to captivate listeners worldwide, making his music a timeless part of the popular music landscape.
