collins returns to earth, a little tired

Review Score: (6/10)
This album got lost and was almost immediately irrelevant upon release, given that music in the early 90s was all about stamping out pop commercial artists just like phil collins. Given the string of amazing success Collins had in the 80s both as a solo artist and with Genesis, it was about time for him to land on earth again. Both Sides is a little quieter and more reflective than some of his previous work, almost like he's catching his breath (or, when you consider the further decline that was called Dance Into the Light, maybe he just was on his way out). Still, songs like EVERYDAY and BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY (more social consciousness a la "Another Day in Paradise") echo that pop hook that made him such a success in 80s (but seemd suddenly tired when reflected against the new rage of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, etc). Some songs just seem lost and questionable for their inclusion on the album - the meandering CAN'T FIND MY WAY (how appropriately titled) or the preachy WE'RE SONS OF OUR FATHER. however, i really do love the dark, moody I'VE FORGOTTEN EVERYTHING, conjuresd up images of some of the quiet, inspired peices from his earliest solo work. Almost all of the 2nd half of the CD is mediocre at best, though WE WAIT AND WE WONDER has some spark. I am a huge Collins fan, but objectively, if you're looking for his best, it's not here - and not just because it didn't chart well (i think his first two albums were better than his huge sellers that followed them) - but because it's almost like he ran out of things to say.

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