But Seriously - Collins, Phil (CD 1989)

Yes I would certainly recommend Phil Collins to my friends, even though they would hate me for it. Phil Collins is a much maligned figure, an unjustified stance in my opinion. "But Seriously" is a very good cd that is almost impossible to dislike for any fan of pop.

Phil Collins to me is basically likeable in a superficial 80's pop way. It's the sort of music I will play in the background, and occasionally sing along to. Man cannot live on nihilism alone, and everyone needs something truly light and uplifting in their cd collection. Phil Collins (and his Genesis years) are a good candidate for this position, somewhat like Crowded House. Granted, people generally like Crowded House, but Phil Collins has somehow generated a bad reputation, and no one is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. "But Seriously" is one of my all time favorite cd's because it is so essentially pleasant.

As he has clearly proved on "A Hot Night in Paris", a wonderful jazz concert, Phil Collins believes his musical roots to be jazz. This is why many of his big hits depend on a jazz sound linked to pop. The opening track, 'Hang in Long Enough', is immediately catchy, depending on a brass band sound. Trumpets also reign over 'Something happened on the way to heaven', and many other less known tracks.

Phil's ballads are also very good songs, often showing him brooding in a very accessible and melodious way. 'That's the way it is' is beautifully minimalist, and sung beautifully by both Collins himself and David Crosby, who also appears on backing on 'Another day in Paradise'. As Bryan Adams, the stellar hits of Phil Collins, like 'Another day in Paradise', are not the best material. To me 'Another day in Paradise' is not desperately attractive, relying on a very basic pop hook and sensationalistic lyrics.

Phil can also do arena rock, namely in the moving 'Let it Rain', one of the best songs I know (how many times will I use that phrase?). 'Find a way to my heart' is also a catchy rock song. My favorite track from this cd, is however 'All my Life'. A lack of communication and the break-up of a family form the emotional core of the song, beautifully hammed up with timely sax solos and soulful singing. It's predictable, yes, but strangely attractive.

However, there is a lot of material that is clearly message over sound, like 'Father and son' that says too much for the music to carry, sounding dull and preachy. The best songs are clearly when Phil focuses on the sound. But he has something to say, and a lot of the time it deals with isolation, failure in love and out of touch with family and society. Phil Collins is a very talented musician, and "But Seriously" is the proof.