The Essential Going Back - CD Music

Phil Collins (born 30 January 1951 in London, England) is an English singer, songwriter, drummer and producer. He is widely recognized as one of the most important figures in pop and rock music of the '70s, '80s, and '90s, both for his solo career and for his work as a member of the band Genesis.

Collins began his musical career as a drummer, joining Genesis in 1970. Initially, Collins was the band's sole drummer, but in 1975, following the departure of Peter Gabriel, Collins also took on the role of lead vocalist. Under Collins' leadership, Genesis shifted from a more progressive sound to a more pop direction, achieving international success with albums such as... And Then There Were Three... (1978), Duke (1980), and Invisible Touch (1986).

In parallel with his work with Genesis, Collins launched a hugely successful solo career. His debut album, Face Value (1981), included the single "In the Air Tonight", which became one of his biggest hits and is famous for his iconic drum break. This album revealed Collins as a high-impact solo artist with an innate ability to combine elements of pop, rock, and R&B.

In the '80s and '90s, Collins continued to release a string of successful albums, including Hello, I Must Be Going! (1982), No Jacket Required (1985), and ... But Seriously (1989). Songs such as "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)", "Sussudio", "One More Night", and "Another Day in Paradise" have become classics in his discography. Collins' music often explored personal themes, such as relationships and social issues, and was known for its catchy melodies and polished productions.

In addition to his commercial success, Phil Collins is also one of the few artists to have sold more than 100 million albums both with his solo career and as a member of a band. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including several Grammy Awards, an Academy Award for his song "You'll Be in My Heart" for the Disney film Tarzan (1999), and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis.

Despite health problems that led him to announce his temporary retirement in the mid-2000s, Collins returned to the stage and remains an influential figure in music. His work, both solo and with Genesis, is celebrated for its versatility and the lasting impact it has had on popular music. Collins is known not only as a musician but also as a producer, having worked with a wide range of artists over the years.