Ticket 2 Ride

Again, another tough choice. Phil Collins exploded onto the scene as a solo artist while he was still a member of the very successful band, Genesis. In the 1980s, Collins was everywhere. If one person was overexposed during the decade it has him, but you have to hand it to him – he delivered.

Besides his Genesis gig, he released several massively successful solo albums, wrote songs for film, turned in a few acting jobs, produced albums for other artists, and toured as a solo artist and with Genesis. He was the only musician that played in both the England and U.S. Live Aid concerts, courtesy of the Concorde.

Picking just five of his songs is tough, and not all of my choices are huge hits, but songs I really liked.

“If Leaving Me Was Easy” From his debut sol album, Face Value (1981). Released as a single in only some parts of the world. A slow, melancholy breakup song. Eric Clapton provides an aching guitar solo. I could relate because my relationship with someone was ending at the time.

“Thunder and Lightening” Also from Face Value. Collins was an R&B man, and this song has the groove. Great horn arrangement and guitar solo by Genesis touring guitarist Daryl Stuermer. The song was only released in parts of the world, but easily one of his best songs.

“I Cannot Believe It’s True” From Hello, I Must Be Going! (1983), Collins second solo album. Again, this is maximum R&B, horns and funky grooves. Another single that was only a single in some places. Featuring John Giblin on bass, Collins’ bandmate from the jazz-fusion Brand X.

“Doesn’t Anybody Stay Together Anymore” From No Jacket Required (1985). Written by Collins and Stuermer. A tough, pounding all-out song, with gated-drums pounding like an echo chamber. This song was not a single from the album, there were plenty of songs for that purpose.

“Something Happened on the Way to Heaven” From …But Seriously (1989) An upbeat, pounding R&B injected song. Written by Collins and Stuermer, the song was a top five hit.

This listing brought back a lot of memories, some bad, but mostly good. For better or worse, Phil Collins was for many, the soundtrack of their 1980s.

Engineer/co-producer Hugh Padgham worked with Collins during the 1980s and helped develop that deep, echoing drum sound. This association made Padgham an in-demand producer, among his clients were XTC, Peter Gabriel, The Police, Yes, Genesis, Kate Bush, David Bowie, Howard Jones, Paul McCartney, Sting, Roger Waters, Suzanne Vega, Sheryl Crow, The Bee Gees and Peter Frampton.