Phil Collins – Face Value

Wow…what an album.  Recorded when Genesis took a break from touring and recording in 1980 and released the following year, the album was written during Phil’s failed attempt to save his first marriage and is full of sad, almost desperate songs.  Like Dylan’s own breakup album ‘Blood On The Tracks’ it feels a very honest, confessional record where he lays bare his heart.  Phil, a renowned drummer used a drum machine at times on this record, but also perfected his ‘signature’ gated drum sound, which became very popular in the Eighties.  Although Phil’s production and singing are exceptional it is the quality of the songs which make this such a great album (number 1 here and in America).  Best songs are ‘In The Air Tonight’ and ‘If Leaving Me Is Easy’.  He also attempted to replicate The Beatles ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ from ‘Revolver’ – but I still prefer the original.  Phil went on to a phenomenal solo career, in tandem with his continued success with Genesis. But of late Phil has had poor health due to a spine injury and played his last tour with Genesis sitting down and singing, with his son playing drums.  It looks like he may have stopped recording too.