Five of the best from Phil Collins

• No Jacket Required (1985) - Sales: Over 25 million copies worldwide.  Achievements: Won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Featured hits like "Sussudio," "One More Night," and "Take Me Home."  Impact: Defined Collins' status as a pop superstar during the mid-1980s.
• ...But Seriously (1989) - Sales: Over 20 million copies worldwide.  Achievements: Contained socially-conscious songs like "Another Day in Paradise," which won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.  Impact: Showcased Collins’ maturity as a songwriter, addressing more serious topics like homelessness and poverty.
• Face Value (1981) - Sales: Over 12 million copies worldwide.  Achievements: Collins' debut solo album featured the iconic hit "In the Air Tonight."  Impact: This album launched his solo career, with its blend of rock, pop, and experimental sounds.
• Hello, I Must Be Going! (1982) - Sales: Over 5 million copies worldwide.  Achievements: The album included hits like "You Can't Hurry Love," which topped the charts.  Impact: Cemented Collins' position as a successful solo artist, following the success of his debut album.
• Both Sides (1993) - Sales: Over 3 million copies worldwide.  Achievements: Though not as commercially successful as his earlier work, it included the hit "Everyday."  Impact: A more introspective and personal album, focusing on themes like relationships and personal struggles.

1. No Jacket Required (1985)

The iconic British musician and former Genesis drummer, released his third solo album, "No Jacket Required," in 1985. This pop-rock masterpiece catapulted Collins to new heights of commercial success and critical acclaim. The album's polished production, catchy melodies, and Collins' distinctive vocals helped define the sound of 1980s pop music.

"No Jacket Required" spawned several hit singles, including the upbeat "Sussudio," the emotional ballad "One More Night," and the energetic "Don't Lose My Number." These tracks dominated radio airwaves and MTV, solidifying Collins' status as a solo superstar. The album's blend of synthesizer-driven pop, soulful R&B influences, and rock elements appealed to a wide audience.

Collaborations with notable musicians like Sting and Helen Terry added depth to the album's sound. The record's themes explored relationships, personal struggles, and social issues, resonating with listeners worldwide. "No Jacket Required" earned Collins multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and topped charts in numerous countries.

The album's commercial success was matched by its cultural impact, influencing contemporary artists and becoming a touchstone of 1980s music. With its mix of danceable tunes and heartfelt ballads, "No Jacket Required" remains a beloved entry in Phil Collins' discography and a defining work of the decade's pop landscape.

2. ...But Seriously (1989)

His fourth solo studio album, "...But Seriously," in November 1989, marking a shift in his musical approach. This album saw Collins exploring more mature themes and addressing social issues, while still maintaining his signature pop sound. "...But Seriously" became one of Collins' most successful works, topping charts worldwide and cementing his status as a global superstar.

The album features a blend of pop, rock, and R&B influences, showcasing Collins' versatility as a songwriter and performer. Unlike his previous albums, "...But Seriously" incorporates more live instrumentation, giving it a fuller, more organic sound. Collins' distinctive vocals and drumming skills are on full display throughout the record.

Hit singles from the album include "Another Day in Paradise," which addressed homelessness and became one of Collins' most iconic songs. Other popular tracks like "I Wish It Would Rain Down" and "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven" dominated radio airwaves and music television.

"...But Seriously" tackles various social and personal issues, including political unrest, relationship struggles, and environmental concerns. This more serious lyrical content resonated with listeners and critics alike, earning Collins praise for his songwriting depth.

The album's commercial success was substantial, with multi-platinum certifications in numerous countries. It spent several weeks at the top of the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. "...But Seriously" also garnered several awards, including a Grammy for Record of the Year for "Another Day in Paradise."

Collins' fourth solo effort solidified his position as one of the most successful artists of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its blend of catchy melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and polished production continues to influence pop and rock music to this day.

3. Face Value (1981)

This debut album marked a significant turning point in Collins' musical journey, showcasing his talents as a songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. "Face Value" blends elements of pop, rock, and R&B, creating a sound that would come to define Collins' solo work.

The album's creation was deeply personal for Collins, drawing inspiration from his recent divorce. This emotional backdrop lends a raw, authentic quality to the songs, particularly evident in the album's most famous track, "In the Air Tonight." This iconic song, with its atmospheric production and explosive drum break, became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of Collins' most recognizable works.

"Face Value" features a diverse range of musical styles, from upbeat pop numbers to soulful ballads. Collins' experimentation with drum machines and synthesizers, alongside traditional instruments, gave the album a modern edge that resonated with listeners in the early 1980s. Collaborations with notable musicians like Eric Clapton added depth to the album's sound.

The record was both a critical and commercial success, reaching the top of charts in multiple countries and earning platinum certifications. It established Collins as a formidable solo artist, separate from his work with Genesis. The album's influence extended beyond its initial release, impacting the sound of 1980s pop and rock music.

"Face Value" not only launched Phil Collins' solo career but also set the stage for his future successes. Its blend of personal lyrics, innovative production techniques, and memorable melodies continues to captivate listeners, solidifying its place as a classic album of the era.

4. Hello, I Must Be Going! (1982)

His second solo album, "Hello, I Must Be Going!" in 1982, building on the success of his debut "Face Value." This second effort, showcased Collins' growing confidence as a solo artist, further establishing his distinctive sound in the pop-rock landscape of the early 1980s. The album blends Collins' trademark drum-heavy production with a mix of upbeat pop tracks and emotional ballads.

"Hello, I Must Be Going!" features Collins' powerful vocals and intricate percussion work, hallmarks of his musical style. The album's sound is characterized by a fusion of pop, rock, and soul influences, with Collins experimenting with synthesizers and drum machines alongside traditional instrumentation. This approach resulted in a polished, radio-friendly sound that appealed to a wide audience.

One of the album's standout tracks is Collins' cover of The Supremes' "You Can't Hurry Love," which became a major hit and demonstrated his ability to reimagine classic songs. Other notable songs like "I Don't Care Anymore" and "Do You Know, Do You Care?" showcase Collins' songwriting prowess and emotional depth.

The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching high positions on charts worldwide and earning platinum certifications in several countries. It helped solidify Collins' status as a solo artist separate from his work with Genesis, proving he could maintain a successful career outside the band.

"Hello, I Must Be Going!" also marked Collins' growing influence on the music video format, with several tracks receiving heavy rotation on MTV. This visual component contributed to the album's popularity and Collins' increasing visibility as a solo performer.

Overall, this second solo outing from Phil Collins further defined his musical identity and set the stage for his continued success throughout the 1980s and beyond. It remains a significant entry in Collins' discography, appreciated by fans and critics for its catchy melodies, emotional honesty, and skilled musicianship.

5. Both Sides (1993)

Both Sides, marked a turning point in his career, showcasing a more personal and introspective approach to songwriting. Known for his commercial success in the 1980s, Collins took a step away from the pop-driven sound of his previous albums. Both Sides is an album where he played all the instruments himself and tackled themes of personal relationships, self-reflection, and emotional struggles.

The album was written during a period of personal turmoil, including the breakdown of his marriage, and that raw emotion is reflected in the lyrics and overall tone. The songs are quieter and more intimate, offering listeners a deeper insight into Collins' mindset during this time. Although Both Sides didn’t achieve the commercial success of his earlier works like No Jacket Required or ...But Seriously, it was praised for its authenticity and depth.

For fans of Phil Collins, Both Sides stands out as an album that is introspective, soulful, and deeply emotional, demonstrating his ability to blend pop and personal storytelling.