Phil Collins

Face Value

Not bad for a first try, but not great either

Review Score:

(6/10)
Face Value (1981.) Phil Collins' first solo album

In the seventies, Phil Collins began to make a name for himself as the drummer of the classic rock group Genesis. His popularity would skyrocket when vocalist Peter Gabriel left the band, and he would take over the band's vacant lead vocalist position. For several years, he released excellent songs with Genesis, but in 1981, he did something unexpected - he released a solo album (he was still a part of Genesis, though.) How does Phil's first solo effort, Face Value, measure up? Read on, and find out.

Phil starts his first solo album off with what would go on to become one of the most popular songs he ever did lead vocals on - In The Air Tonight. This is an excellent track that is worthy of its high reputation (in my area, this song gets more radio play than most other songs do.) Although Phil starts strong, he starts slipping as early as track two. If you were expecting twelve songs, all in the vain of In The Air Tonight, you're going to be disappointed. Most of these songs feature Phil attempting a jazz/rhythm and blues style, and for the most part, these songs just fall flat when compared to his Genesis material. Many of them are comparable to a post-eighties Michael Bolton, and that isn't a good thing. Still, these songs aren't terrible - you'll find many of them to be quite pleasing if you have an open mind. Mr. Collins redeems himself with the album's final track, a cover of the Beatles classic Tomorrow Never Knows. The "echoed voice" technique that worked so well for John Lennon fifteen years before works wonders for Phil. It's interesting that Phil would do an album with many jazz-styled songs, and then cover a song written by John Lennon - the man who once referred to jazz as sh*t music! Overall this is a good album, but it just can't compare to anything Phil did in Genesis.

My final verdict is a simple one - I recommend this album only if you're a step up from a casual fan. If you're a casual fan of Phil's stick with the Genesis and Phil Collins solo hits compilations - they'll be more than enough for you. Also, if you plan on buying this album, listening before you buy might not be a bad idea.

More Reviews: