Phil Collins

Face Value

"Collins' first, best, most well rounded album"

Review Score:

(8/10)
To those unfamiliar with Collins-Genesis history, this album was recorded after Collins took a break from Genesis to dwell on his recent divorce. That is reflected painfully throughout this album in the lyrics to his own songs, and the covers he chose to include, such as the Beatles "Tomorrow Never Knows". In no future albums would Collins recapture the soul put into this album, though "Hello, I Must Be Going" might be a better album. Painful ballads are balanced by R&B selections like "Missed Again," the pulsating "Hand in Hand," or the jazzier version of the Genesis tune "Behind the Lines". Yet the best selections are indeed the ones that let him bleed from his divorce. The jazzy, smoky, 'light your cig standing under the corner streetlight' sound of "If Leaving Me Is Easy", should be an accompaniment to any dark, candle lit dinner. And "You Know What I Mean-Thunder and Lightning" seems the theme to Collins' failed marriage. "This Must Be Love" poses those questions we ask ourselves about our relationships. Of course, we all know about the tune "In the Air Tonight". This album had a 2-fold effect - the introduction of Collins as a genuine soloist, and the rise, or fall (depending on how you look at it) of Genesis. Future Genesis albums would pack more radio play wallup, but at the cost of departing from their progressive roots. There have always been 2 such camps in Genesis following, though their earlier fans are more passionate obout that era than the newer fans are about their newer music. Anyone looking for a Genesis type album, look elsewhere. This album was to get away from that so Collins could express himself without any Genesis conflicts. Regardless, anyone who's ever had their heart broken or just likes to indulge into some brooding, Face Value is a sumptuous listen.

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