Hits - Collins, Phil (CD 1998)

Phil Collins has been a major force on the pop scene since the early eighties when he was carousing with Peter Gabriel and co. in Genesis. He has had morality songs, light-hearted fare, steamy love songs and sincere ballads. All this has been done in his own non-embellished way were he's simply making us see that their two sides to every story. Although I am not a big enough fan to own every album I am very satisfied with my greatest hits collection.

The album opens with the open ended morality tale "Another Day In Paradise". Introducing his audience to a vague encounter of homelessness and other issues its an interesting song. Set to a nice orchestration that really adds depth to the message it is a simple pop confection that makes its point.

Next he adds the remake of "True Colors". Honestly, I am not sure why he remade this song and I certainly wouldn't call it one of his greatest hits. I didn't even know he remade it until I heard it on this album. Cyndi Lauper owns this song. He also does a remake of the Supremes classic "You Can't Hurry Love".

"Easy Lover" comes very early in his solo career and I like how it takes you back to the eighties like a time machine. Its not a particularly brilliant song but it comes across as amiable and mildy fun. Very synthesized and sterile.

"Two Hearts" is another clean and crisp pop song that is just simple and sweet. He writes songs that everyone likes but yet never get beyond a simple structure.

One of his more brilliant collaborations occurs when he teams up with guitarist great, Eric Clapton. "I Wish It Would Rain Down" is a blues piece that is poignant and more emotional than many of his songs. It has some depth and really touches you.

One of my favorite songs by Phil Collins is the tender and questioning, "Against All Odds". This song is one of the ultimate love songs about what it feels like when someone leaves you. Its exceptional and really describes the feeling with every word.

"In The Air Tonight" is filled with atmosphere and mood and the music is almost made for seduction. The beginning of the song begins to build anticipation and when Phil Collins does something rare for him and belts "Tonight, tonight tonight oh-oh" you reach the climax of the song.

"One More Night" conveys the longing for just a little more time with the person you love and is set up against a tender back drop of music.

The other songs on this album are good as well. Whether its the brass driven "Something Happened On The Way To Heaven", the eighties novelty "Sussidio" and yet another remake of "Groovy Kind of Love".

This is a great collection of hits from the early eighties through a good portion of the nineties. Ranging from fun to sultry, serious to romantic Collins has something for everyone.