PHIL COLLINS: ... But Seriously (POP): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Phil Collins comes back almost 5 years after "No Jaquet Required" and 3 years after "Invisible Touch" of Genesis which had given the opportunity to many concerts. In a more natural and immediate style, "...But Seriously" will be the biggest commercial success of the Englishman.

It would be reductive to summarize this fourth album of the Englishman to the hit that is 'Another Day In Paradise'. Even if this very effective melody, which serves a generous social theme full of compassion towards the homeless, broke many records, it is only one of the many gems of this album.

With the opening track 'Hand In Long Enough', we are in the well known register of the pop rhythm' and blues theme song, served by the usual Phoenix Horns brass. However, from the very first lyrics, we feel a renewed energy and velocity as well as a formidable melodic precision. With 'That's Just The Way It Is', which deals with the troubles in Northern Ireland, we can hear the voice of David Crosby whose crystalline tone blends with Phil Collins'. The effective 'Find A Way To My Heart' breathes enthusiasm and reflects an optimistic vision of interpersonal relationships, where this theme was evoked with painful and melancholic accents in the previous albums. Then comes 'Colors', built in a more progressive way, with a transition between a sacred part and a more direct one, an interlude made of African rhythms and a simple and well calibrated theme. This title evokes the apartheid in South Africa.

Each song has its own thematic and melodic richness that makes it difficult to find in this "...But Seriously" any flaws or maybe a slightly weaker 'Father To Son'. But what can we say about 'All Of My Life', melodic and emphatic perfection that benefits from Steve Winwood's organ (Traffic, countless participations) or the evangelical 'I Wish It Would Rain Down' magnified by Eric Clapton's intervention and a more than ever inspired singing supported by gospel-like choirs.

Phil Collins reaches here his peak with a collection of songs with melodies, interpretation and irreproachable and consensual themes. Draped in a more organic, simpler and more efficient sound environment, these tracks go on without a false note and with an ever renewed pleasure for the listener. - Official website

PHIL COLLINS

... BUT SERIOUSLY

WEA

POP