Phil Collins

Both Sides

One of Phil's best works

Review Score:

(10/10)
When I first purchased Both Sides, I'll admit that I didnt care for it much, after hearing 1989's "But Seriously," Both Sides seemed to be a bit of a disappointment. But being the die-hard Phil Collins fan that I am, I just couldn't let the album collect dust. After about 5 plays, I fell in love with it, and now I view it as one of Phil's best albums, and certainly one of his most unique. Both Sides was a very personal album for Phil Collins. It contains messages of life, of love, sadness, heartbreak, and even growing old. In this way, Phil Collins truly helps us get to know the man behind the music, and that says something. Not to mention the fact that Phil played every instrument himself, and even recorded every song in the upstairs room of his house! Talk about a personal album! Phil even speaks to the listener personally in the sleeve notes of this album, and provides a description of each song's meaning under its title. In his own words:

"The reason....is to give the listener a direction or to maybe explain what the songs are about. Songs are all things to people but sometimes the wrong path is taken and the misinterpretation stays with your forever."

This personal touch really makes the listener feel as though he or she is truly part of the picture Phil has painted with this album, and the impact of that fact is incredible. Phil is indeed a real person.

Here is a description of each song an my own opinion on each one:

1. Both Sides opens with the incredible "Both Sides of the Story," a song that truly shows both sides of life, and sounds like it should have been on "But Seriously".

2. "Can't Turn Back the Years" is a song about growing old, about how we all wish we could go back and live again, but the past must remain the past.

3. "Everyday" also sounds like Both Sides material. This deeply moving song about love and heartbreak will bring tears to your eyes, it did for me. :) Definitely one of Phil's best songs ever.

4. "I've Forgotten Everything" is a slow moving song about closure, and how it sometimes can be hard to forget a past relationship..and the hurt with it. This is one of the weaker songs on Both Sides.

5. "We're Sons of our Fathers" is a good song in my opinion. Phil talks about how things have changed since he was a child, how todays youth are harder to control. The song has an excellent foundation, and could have been great if given a bit more attention.

6. "Can't Find My Way" is absolutely excellent. It carries a dark and atmospheric, In The Air Tonight-ish sound that makes for a very good song, one of the strongest on Both Sides!

7. "Survivors" is upbeat song about forgiveness, a fairly good song though not the strongest.

8. "We Fly So Close" is excellent! The song has an incredible opening that invokes images of waves crashing against a rocky shore, dark clouds and rain, which fade into the song itself. The imagery and FEEL of this song are indescribable, another In The Air Tonight-ish song, and definitely a must-hear! Buy Both Sides for this song if for nothing else!

9. "There's a Place For Us" is jazzy and slow, got a good sound to it, not strong yet not weak.

10. "We Wait and We Wonder" sounds similar to Both Sides of the Story, earlier in the album. Though not quite as good, one of the catchier and definitely one of the stronger songs on the album, I believe they even made a music video for this one.

11. "Please Come Out Tonight" gently eases the listener out of the album. The song has a gentle, melancholy mood to it, something to listen to when you are lovesick.

That said I highly recommend Both Sides to the devoted Phil Collins fan. It's a great album that will take a few listens to fully appreciate it, but once you do, you'll love it. I wouldn't recommend that the casual Phil Collins fan start with this album. Try getting his earlier works first, and then purchase Both Sides, as it is quite a departure from the radio friendly Phil that so many people know. After hearing his earlier work, it's incredible to come down to earth, relax, and get to know the man himself. Both Sides does that, and that's why it's a five-star album. You must get it. :)

More Reviews: