10
'You Can't Hurry Love'
Phil's first Top 10 hit in the US as a solo artist was an unlikely remake of the Supremes' Motown classic. The lead single from 'Hello, I Must Be Going!,' the Collins version of 'You Can't Hurry Love' peaked at No. 10 in 1982. Collins sang all the harmonies on the song and appeared as three different singers in the music video.
09
'Easy Lover' With Philip Bailey
After his initial solo success, Collins began producing other artists, including Adam Ant, Howard Jones and Frida. In 1984, Collins produced 'Chinese Wall,' an album by former Earth, Wind & Fire vocalist Philip Bailey. The record's big hit was 'Easy Lover,' an up-tempo duet between Bailey and Collins that won an MTV Video Music Award in the now-defunct Best Overall Performance category.
08
'I Wish It Would Rain Down'
Not many pop songs begin with lengthy guitar solos, but when Eric Clapton offers his services as a guest performer, the rules change. From the album '...But Seriously,' this Phil Collins song built slowly to a peak at the end with Collins repeatedly growling, "Just let it rain down" -- over Clapton's wailing guitar and background vocals from a gospel choir.
07
'Sussudio'
The first single from Phil's best-selling album, 1985's 'No Jacket Required,' 'Sussudio' was one of the singer's most danceable tracks, largely due to its vibrant horn section. In the song, Collins seems to be singing about a girl named Sussudio, but he has stated that the word is gibberish and came to him accidentally while toying with a drum machine.
06
'You'll Be in My Heart'
After a bit of a career slump, Collins returned in a big way in 1999 with the soundtrack album for the Disney animated film 'Tarzan.' 'You'll Be in My Heart' re-established Collins as a presence at adult contemporary radio by spending a then-record 19 weeks atop the AC chart. The track also won Collins his first Oscar for Best Original Song.
05
'Take Me Home'
'Take Me Home' reached No. 7 to give Collins four straight Top 10 hits from 'No Jacket Required.' The song contained lively percussion as well as backing vocals from Sting and Peter Gabriel, Phil's former bandmate in Genesis. Rappers Bone Thugs N Harmony heavily sampled the track on their 2003 hit 'Home' and got Collins to appear in the video with them.
04
'Another Day in Paradise'
Taken from the appropriately titled '...But Seriously,' 'Another Day in Paradise' was a somber examination of the plight of the homeless. The smash hit, featuring vocals from David Crosby, won the 1991 Grammy for Record of the Year, salvaging Phil's night. Upon accepting the award, a relieved Collins joked, "If I had gone home with eight nominations and no awards, my mother would've killed me."
03
'One More Night'
This sweet ballad became Phil's third American No. 1 single, and helped 'No Jacket Required' capture the Album of the Year Grammy. In the song, Collins can't muster the courage to contact the object of his affection, as captured by slightly depressing lyrics like, "I was wondering should I call you/Then I thought, maybe you're not alone."
02
'Against All Odds'
Collins deftly juggled his solo career with his Genesis work while putting together 'Against All Odds,' a song Collins wrote for the movie of the same name. The singer recorded the bulk of the track in Los Angeles on a day off during a Genesis tour. The ballad became his first No. 1 hit and earned an Academy Award nomination.
01
'In the Air Tonight'
'In the Air Tonight' reached only No. 19 in 1981, but has gone on to become perhaps the most popular Phil Collins song. Loosely based on the anger surrounding his divorce, the track features sparse, ominous instrumentation until just before the four-minute mark, when the explosive drums kick in to provide one of the most memorable drum sequences in popular music.
1. Invisible Touch and In Too Deep!
Thanks for the great list. Love Collins!
Posted at 11:01PM on Jan 25th 2011 by Anthony Hiscox