Phil Collins - ...But Seriously
- FaceOff - עימות חזיתי
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
Written By: Moti Kupfer
Album review - Phil Collins - ...But Seriously
Release date - 20.11.89
Label - Virgin
Genre - Pop-rock / soft rock
He is one of only three artists in the history of music (the other two are Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson) to have sold more than 100 million albums both in his solo career and as part of the band. Perhaps this is what causes a lot of envy towards him, among others super successful artists like Noel Gallagher from "Oasis" who said: “Just because you sell lots of records it doesn't mean to say you're any good. Look at Phil Collins”.
Collins knows the criticisms that accuse him of over-commercialization, but you have to admit that there is a lot of grace in the way in which the drummer of "Genesis" in his early career, made his way up, with the special drum sound, and the brass section that was reflected in his albums.
After finishing the tour with "Genesis" in 1987, and riding on the sucsess on the charts of songs from his fourth solo album "No Jacket Required" and from "Invisible Touch" with "Genesis", Collins decided to pause his musical career for a while, and turned to acting in the film "Buster", a romantic comedy film based on the Great Train Robbery.
In March 1989, Lily Collins, Phil's first doughter, was born, and the world he saw before his eyes began to change. "I feel I’m treading new ground … writing about things that I’ve felt for a long time but never really written about," he said in an interview. It was Collins, more thoughtful and serious than ever, so it's no wonder he chose to call his fifth album, released on November 20, 1989, "...But Seriously."
Collins of 1989 wrote and addressed more serious lyrical themes, socio-economic and political issues. Unlike his joyful previous album, in "...But Seriously" the atmosphere is heavier and much darker. True, here too there is the rhythm section that sometimes lifts morale a little, but still, the happy Collins's perspective was no longer complete, a new child was born, and added a lot of room for worry.
The album was produced by Collins and Hugh Padgham who worked on his previous solo albums, and on the last "Genesis" albums throughout the decade. Collins returns to using a live drum kit, in contrast to "No Jacket Required" which featured extensive use of a drum machines. He also made prominent use of keyboards and electric piano, and less use of synthesizers. Collins made a conscious decision not to rely on vocal effects on this album, as his previous recordings, including with "Genesis", featured the use of a harmonizer, while in retrospect Collins saw this as a way to hide the shortcomings of his singing.
The album opens, as if it were a continuation of its predecessor, with the rhythmic "Hang in Long Enough", which alludes to the theme of "holding on", and fills the listener with ambition and optimism.
But the optimism is immediately shattered when the anti-war ballad "That's Just the Way It Is" begins, a song Collins wrote about the difficult political situation in Northern Ireland, and features David Crosby on backing vocals. Collins had wanted Crosby to appear on his first solo album, "Face Value" from 1981, but he was unavailable at the time. The two met at a concert celebrating the 40th anniversary of "Atlantic Records" in 1988, and Crosby, eager to be on the album, also sang backing vocals on one of its biggest hits, "Another Day in Paradise."
Ballad follows a ballad, and this time "Do You Remember?" A song written by Collins from the perspective of a man who longs for his last failed relationship because he neglected his partner. Singer Stephen Bishop contributes background vocals here.
Getting back to the rhythm with "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven," a song written by Collins with "Genesis'" touring guitarist Daryl Stuermer, about a man who broke off his relationship with his lover and now hopes and believes he can bring her back to him. It was the last song written for the album and was initially intended for "Four Tops," but Collins ultimately decided to keep it for himself. While the song was being worked on in the studio in England, Stuermer came up with some chords for the chorus, resulting in Nathan East playing bass on the new parts, after bassist Leland Sklar left for the US.
In the political "Colours", Collins condemns apartheid in South Africa, the song was originally titled "Oh Mr. Botha, What Can We Do?", referencing the song "Oh! Mr Porter".
On "I Wish It Would Rain Down," Eric Clapton contributes his wonderful guitar playing to a gospel-influenced song written by Collins about a relationship that may have ended due to infidelity.
Collins wrote "Another Day in Paradise" about homeless people and its first title was actualy "Homeless". Collins, who had never experienced hunger and poverty, was walking around the US capital, Washington, one day during a concert tour, where he encountered homeless people on Capitol Hill who were trying to keep warm. While leaving the studio recording the song, Collins encountered a homeless woman with two children who asked him for some money. Collins was disappointed by his own reaction, which included completely ignoring the woman and asking for her help. He realized that his instinctive reaction was what happens to most people, which reinforced in him the realization that one should not stand by and help must be given to her.
"Heat on the Street" was written by Collins as a political song about street abuse and violence. "All of My Life" was written by Collins about his relationship with his late father and the regret that he did not have a better relationship with him during his lifetime. Steve Winwood plays the Hammond organ on the song. "Father to Son", on the other hand, is a ballad about Collins' relationship with his eldest son, Simon.
The album yielded six successful singles, sales of approximately 14 million copies worldwide, and won a Grammy Award.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music