Phil Collins remains one of the most influential musicians of all time, having achieved remarkable success both as a solo artist and as the frontman of Genesis. His distinctive voice, innovative drumming techniques, and emotionally resonant songwriting have captivated audiences for over five decades. From his early progressive rock roots to his chart-topping pop anthems of the 1980s, Collins has created a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of music lovers. This comprehensive guide explores the 20 greatest Phil Collins songs that showcase his incredible range and enduring appeal.
Collins’ career trajectory from drummer to lead vocalist represents one of music’s most successful transformations. After joining Genesis in 1970 as a drummer, he stepped into the spotlight following Peter Gabriel’s departure in 1975, ultimately becoming one of the world’s best-selling artists with over 150 million records sold worldwide. His ability to blend progressive rock sophistication with mainstream pop accessibility has made him a unique figure in contemporary music, earning him multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In the Air Tonight
“In the Air Tonight” stands as Phil Collins’ most iconic and recognizable creation, serving as his debut solo single that launched an extraordinary career. Released in 1981 from his album “Face Value,” this haunting masterpiece emerged from Collins’ personal turmoil following his divorce, channeling raw emotion into a sparse, atmospheric production that builds to one of music’s most legendary drum breaks. The song’s distinctive gated reverb sound, created using a Roland CR-78 drum machine and his signature Gretsch kit, became a defining characteristic of 1980s production.
The track’s mysterious lyrics, delivered as a dark monologue to an unnamed person, have sparked countless interpretations and urban legends over the decades. While Collins has never fully explained the song’s meaning, its universal themes of betrayal and confrontation resonate with listeners worldwide. The song reached number two in the UK and became a global phenomenon, with its dramatic drum solo remaining one of the most sampled and referenced moments in popular music history.
Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)
Originally written for the romantic thriller film “Against All Odds,” this powerful ballad became Collins’ first number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1984. The song showcases Collins’ ability to craft emotionally devastating power ballads that speak to universal experiences of heartbreak and longing. Its soaring melody and passionate vocal delivery create an anthem of vulnerability that has maintained its emotional impact for decades.
The track’s success extended beyond commercial achievement, earning Collins a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance and establishing him as a master of the adult contemporary format. The song’s arrangement, featuring his trademark concert toms and lush orchestration, demonstrates his sophisticated approach to pop production. When exploring quality audio equipment to fully appreciate such nuanced arrangements, many audiophiles turn to premium headphones that can capture every subtle detail.
Sussudio
“Sussudio” represents Collins at his most playful and commercially successful, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. The song’s infectious energy and nonsensical title emerged from Collins’ improvisation sessions with a drum machine, where the word “sussudio” simply fell out of his mouth and stuck. Despite initial attempts to find a replacement word, Collins realized that “sussudio” scanned perfectly with the rhythm and decided to embrace its quirky appeal.
The track’s upbeat tempo and danceable groove marked a departure from Collins’ more serious material, showing his versatility as a songwriter. Its MTV-friendly appeal and radio dominance helped cement Collins’ status as a pop superstar during the mid-1980s. The song’s production showcases the era’s signature electronic percussion and synthesizer sounds while maintaining Collins’ distinctive vocal style and rhythmic sensibilities.
One More Night
This tender ballad became another number-one hit for Collins in 1985, demonstrating his mastery of intimate, romantic songwriting. “One More Night” originated from Collins’ experimentation with drum machine programming, where the song’s chorus emerged spontaneously during a creative session. The track’s gentle rhythm and heartfelt lyrics create a perfect showcase for Collins’ emotional vocal delivery and his ability to find universal meaning in personal experiences.
The song’s success on both pop and adult contemporary charts highlighted Collins’ broad appeal across different demographics. Its understated production allows his voice to take center stage, supported by subtle instrumental arrangements that never overwhelm the song’s emotional core. The track remains a staple of romantic playlists and demonstrates Collins’ skill at crafting memorable melodies that linger long after the music stops.
Another Day in Paradise
Collins’ final number-one single in America, “Another Day in Paradise” marked a significant shift toward socially conscious songwriting in his catalog. Released in 1989, the song addresses homelessness through the perspective of someone witnessing a man ignore a homeless woman on the street. The track features backing vocals from David Crosby of Crosby, Stills & Nash, adding depth to its message about social responsibility and human compassion.
The song’s success worldwide, topping charts in multiple countries, proved that Collins could tackle serious subjects without sacrificing commercial appeal. Its powerful message resonated during a time of increased awareness about social issues, making it both a musical achievement and a cultural statement. The track’s blend of pop accessibility and meaningful content exemplifies Collins’ mature songwriting approach during his peak commercial period.
Easy Lover
This dynamic duet with Philip Bailey showcased Collins’ collaborative spirit and his appreciation for soul music traditions. Recorded during Collins’ production work on Bailey’s solo album in 1984, “Easy Lover” emerged when Bailey asked Collins to co-write a song together near the end of their sessions. The resulting track became a number-one hit in the UK and demonstrated Collins’ ability to blend his pop sensibilities with Bailey’s R&B background.
The song’s distinctive groove and memorable hook created what Collins later described as “an interesting colour of beige” that transcended traditional genre boundaries. The collaboration highlighted Collins’ skills as both a producer and performer, while the track’s success introduced him to new audiences within the hip-hop community who appreciated its innovative sound. The partnership between Collins and Bailey remains one of the most successful interracial collaborations of the 1980s.
You Can’t Hurry Love
Collins’ 1982 cover of The Supremes’ classic Motown hit demonstrated his deep appreciation for soul music and his ability to reinterpret established songs. His version maintained the original’s infectious energy while adding his distinctive production style and vocal interpretation. The cover reached number one in the UK and the top ten in the US, proving that Collins could successfully honor musical traditions while making them his own.
The track’s success helped introduce younger audiences to Motown classics while showcasing Collins’ versatility as an interpreter of different musical styles. His arrangement preserved the song’s essential groove while incorporating contemporary production techniques that made it relevant for 1980s radio. The cover remains a testament to Collins’ musical roots and his respect for the African American artists who influenced his development as a performer.
I Don’t Care Anymore
This aggressive rocker from 1982’s “Hello, I Must Be Going!” revealed Collins’ harder edge and his ability to channel anger into compelling music. The song’s driving rhythm and confrontational lyrics reflected his emotional state following his divorce, creating one of his most intense and cathartic recordings. The track’s raw energy and guitar-driven arrangement showed a different side of Collins that appealed to rock audiences.
The song’s success on rock radio demonstrated Collins’ range beyond ballads and pop hits, establishing him as a credible artist across multiple genres. Its honest emotional content and powerful delivery resonated with listeners experiencing similar personal struggles. The track remains a fan favorite and showcases Collins’ willingness to expose his vulnerabilities through his music.
Take Me Home
Despite its title and accompanying video footage of Collins touring worldwide, “Take Me Home” actually tells the story of a mental patient yearning for freedom from an institution. This 1985 hit from “No Jacket Required” demonstrates Collins’ ability to use metaphor and narrative in his songwriting while maintaining commercial appeal. The song’s universal themes of longing and displacement resonated with audiences who interpreted it through their own experiences.
The track’s mid-tempo groove and memorable melody made it a radio favorite while its deeper meaning added layers of complexity for attentive listeners. Collins’ production creates an atmospheric backdrop that supports the song’s emotional weight without overwhelming its accessibility. The song’s success highlighted his skill at crafting hits that work on multiple levels.
Both Sides of the Story
This thoughtful 1993 single from the album of the same name showcased Collins’ evolving perspective on conflict and understanding. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to consider multiple viewpoints before making judgments, reflecting Collins’ growing maturity as a songwriter. The track reached number seven in the UK and demonstrated his continued relevance during the changing musical landscape of the 1990s.
The song’s production featured Collins playing most instruments himself, highlighting his multi-instrumental talents and hands-on approach to recording. Its message of empathy and understanding felt particularly relevant during a period of social and political upheaval. The track represents Collins’ commitment to meaningful songwriting while maintaining his distinctive musical style.
Groovy Kind of Love
Collins’ 1988 cover of this 1960s classic for the “Buster” soundtrack became a number-one hit on both sides of the Atlantic. His interpretation of the Toni Wine and Carole Bayer Sager composition, originally recorded by Diane & Annita and made famous by The Mindbenders, showcased his ability to breathe new life into established material. The track’s romantic appeal and Collins’ tender vocal delivery made it a wedding favorite.
The song’s success demonstrated Collins’ commercial instincts and his skill at selecting covers that suited his vocal style and production approach. His arrangement, co-produced with Anne Dudley, created a lush, cinematic backdrop that enhanced the song’s romantic appeal. The cover’s enduring popularity has made it one of Collins’ most beloved recordings.
Separate Lives
This duet with Marilyn Martin for the 1985 film “White Nights” became a number-one hit in the US and showcased Collins’ ability to create compelling musical partnerships. Written by Stephen Bishop, the song provided Collins with another opportunity to demonstrate his skill at interpreting ballad material. The collaboration with Martin, an experienced backing vocalist for major artists, created perfect vocal chemistry.
The song’s success on the strength of its film placement highlighted Collins’ growing influence in movie soundtracks, a relationship that would prove increasingly important throughout his career. The track’s emotional intensity and memorable melody made it a standalone hit beyond its cinematic context. The duet format allowed Collins to explore different vocal dynamics while maintaining his characteristic style.
Two Hearts
Co-written with legendary Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier, “Two Hearts” became the theme song for the 1988 film “Buster,” in which Collins starred. The collaboration with Dozier, one-third of the famous Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team, represented a dream come true for Collins, who had long admired Motown music. The song reached number one in the US and won both Grammy and Golden Globe awards while earning an Oscar nomination.
The track’s success demonstrated Collins’ ability to excel in multiple entertainment mediums simultaneously, balancing his acting career with his musical achievements. The song’s upbeat energy and romantic lyrics created perfect soundtrack material while standing alone as a compelling pop song. The collaboration with Dozier connected Collins directly to the Motown tradition that had influenced his musical development.
Don’t Lose My Number
This 1985 hit from “No Jacket Required” began during Collins’ 1980 “Face Value” sessions but didn’t find its final form until years later. The song’s seemingly nonsensical lyrics actually emerged from Collins’ stream-of-consciousness writing sessions, creating a deliberately abstract narrative that he himself admits has no specific meaning. The track’s mysterious quality and catchy melody made it a radio favorite despite its lyrical ambiguity.
The song’s MTV-friendly music video spoofed popular artists of the era, including the Police, the Cars, and Michael Jackson, showcasing Collins’ sense of humor and cultural awareness. The track’s success demonstrated that not all hit songs require literal meaning to connect with audiences. Its playful nature provided a counterbalance to Collins’ more serious material while maintaining his high production standards.
I Wish It Would Rain Down
This 1989 collaboration with Eric Clapton showcased Collins’ ability to attract guitar legends to his projects. Clapton’s contribution came as a return favor for Collins’ production and performance work on Clapton’s albums “Behind the Sun” and “August.” The song reached number three on the Hot 100 and featured an elaborate music video starring Jeffrey Tambor as a theater director.
The track’s bluesy undertones and Clapton’s distinctive guitar work created one of Collins’ most musically sophisticated singles. The collaboration highlighted the mutual respect between these two musical giants and their shared appreciation for blues and soul traditions. The song’s success demonstrated Collins’ continued ability to create compelling music while working with other established artists, making it a perfect example of how the right audio equipment can reveal the subtle interplay between different musical elements.
You’ll Be in My Heart
Collins’ Academy Award-winning song from Disney’s 1999 “Tarzan” soundtrack marked his successful transition into family entertainment while maintaining his emotional songwriting style. The track’s themes of eternal love and protection resonated with both children and adults, creating a genuine crossover hit that introduced Collins to new generations. The song’s success earned him an Oscar for Best Original Song, cementing his status as a multimedia entertainer.
The track’s orchestral arrangement and Collins’ passionate vocal delivery created a perfect blend of pop sensibility and cinematic grandeur. Its message of unconditional love translated across cultural boundaries, making it a global success. The song represents Collins’ ability to adapt his style to different contexts while maintaining his essential musical identity.
True Colors
Collins’ cover of Cyndi Lauper’s 1986 hit appeared on his 1998 greatest hits collection “…Hits” and became a popular song on adult contemporary radio. His interpretation of the Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg composition stripped away some of the original’s production elements while emphasizing the song’s emotional core. Collins’ version demonstrated his continued ability to find new meaning in established material.
The cover’s success highlighted Collins’ enduring appeal and his skill at selecting songs that suited his vocal style and artistic sensibilities. His arrangement created a more intimate reading of the lyrics while maintaining the song’s essential message of acceptance and understanding. The track served as a bridge between Collins’ classic hits and contemporary adult contemporary radio formats.
I Can’t Dance
This 1991 Genesis hit showcased Collins’ work with his longtime bandmates Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford during the group’s most commercially successful period. The song’s playful lyrics and infectious groove demonstrated that Collins hadn’t lost his sense of humor even as Genesis achieved mainstream success. The track reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Genesis’s most beloved songs.
The song’s music video and live performances highlighted Collins’ charismatic stage presence and his ability to connect with audiences across different age groups. The track’s success proved that Genesis could continue creating relevant music while maintaining their distinctive identity. The song represents the perfect balance between Collins’ solo sensibilities and his collaborative work with Genesis.
Something Happened on the Way to Heaven
This 1990 hit from “…But Seriously” featured backing vocals from Daryl Stuermer and demonstrated Collins’ continued evolution as a songwriter. The track’s spiritual undertones and gospel-influenced arrangement showcased Collins’ appreciation for African American musical traditions. The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and proved that Collins could successfully incorporate different musical styles while maintaining his commercial appeal.
The track’s uplifting message and infectious rhythm created perfect radio material while its deeper spiritual themes added substance to its commercial appeal. Collins’ vocal performance balanced sincerity with accessibility, creating a song that worked equally well on pop and adult contemporary radio. The track represents Collins’ ability to find hope and positivity even within complex emotional landscapes.
Land of Confusion
This 1986 Genesis hit featuring Collins became the band’s only number-one single in the US and showcased their ability to address political themes while maintaining commercial appeal. The song’s commentary on global tensions and social issues reflected the band’s growing willingness to engage with serious subjects. The track’s memorable music video featuring Spitting Image puppets won MTV recognition and became a cultural phenomenon.
The song’s success demonstrated Genesis’s continued relevance during their most commercially successful period while highlighting Collins’ role as the band’s primary voice. The track’s blend of social commentary and accessible rock production created a template for politically conscious pop music. The song earned Genesis their only Grammy Award and represents the peak of their mainstream success.
Both Sides Now
This recent addition to Collins’ catalog represents his continued exploration of mature themes and personal reflection. The song demonstrates that even in his later career, Collins maintains his ability to create emotionally resonant music that speaks to universal experiences. The track showcases his evolved vocal style and his continued commitment to meaningful songwriting.
Recent reports suggest that Collins has been updating his home studio, with music executive Simon Napier-Bell hinting at possible new music in development as of 2024. However, in February 2025, Collins stated he wasn’t “hungry” enough to create new music due to ongoing health issues. Despite these challenges, Collins’ legacy continues to influence new artists and his catalog remains as relevant as ever for discovering the best songs across all genres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phil Collins’ most successful song?
“In the Air Tonight” is widely considered Phil Collins’ most successful and iconic song. Released in 1981 as his debut solo single, it reached number two in the UK and became a global phenomenon. The song’s distinctive drum break and atmospheric production have made it one of the most recognizable tracks in popular music history, with its influence extending across multiple generations of artists and listeners.
How many number-one hits did Phil Collins have?
Phil Collins achieved seven number-one singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 during the 1980s, making him one of the decade’s most successful artists. His chart-toppers included “Against All Odds,” “One More Night,” “Sussudio,” “Two Hearts,” “A Groovy Kind of Love,” “Another Day in Paradise,” and “I Wish It Would Rain Down.” Additionally, he had multiple number-one hits in the UK and other international markets.
Is Phil Collins still making music?
Recent reports from 2024 suggested Collins was updating his home studio with possible new music in development. However, in February 2025, Collins stated he wasn’t “hungry” enough to create new music due to ongoing health issues. While he has been releasing anniversary editions and remastered versions of his classic albums, no new original material has been confirmed for release.
What was Phil Collins’ last album?
Phil Collins’ last album of original solo material was “Testify” released in 2002. His most recent studio work was the 2010 covers album “Going Back,” which featured R&B and soul standards. He also contributed songs to Disney’s “Brother Bear” soundtrack in 2003. Despite rumors of new material, Collins has not released a new studio album in over two decades.
Why did Phil Collins stop performing live?
Phil Collins retired from live performance due to serious health issues, particularly spinal problems that have affected his mobility and ability to play drums. During Genesis’s farewell tour in 2021-2022, Collins performed seated and relied on his son Nicholas to handle drumming duties. The combination of his physical limitations and age led to his decision to end his touring career after Genesis’s final concert in March 2022.