Hello I Must Be Going - Phil Collins

This is Phil Collins' best solo album, in my oh! so humble opinion. I have most of his others, but none of them seem to capture a wonderful confidence quite so much as this one.

"I Don't Care Anymore". This is as scornful in tone as the title suggest. In a style and rhythm similar to his 'In The Air Tonight' classic, it would appear that Phil at this point in his life is still harbouring dark thoughts about his marriage break-up. ...
...Guaranteed to have you scowling while you sing along.

"I Cannot Believe It's True". Finger snapping and boppy track as this time he bounces along with his sadness. Clean and crisp drumming and nice horns.

"Like China". Like this one a lot. The lyrics and his voice add quite a comic angle to the song, and I think there's a touch of the Peter Gabriel's in his approach to how the track sounds. Very catchy ... more

This is Phil Collins' best solo album, in my oh! so humble opinion. I have most of his others, but none of them seem to capture a wonderful confidence quite so much as this one.

"I Don't Care Anymore". This is as scornful in tone as the title suggest. In a style and rhythm similar to his 'In The Air Tonight' classic, it would appear that Phil at this point in his life is still harbouring dark thoughts about his marriage break-up. As far as this track goes, it's a definite advantage. Guaranteed to have you scowling while you sing along.

"I Cannot Believe It's True". Finger snapping and boppy track as this time he bounces along with his sadness. Clean and crisp drumming and nice horns.

"Like China". Like this one a lot. The lyrics and his voice add quite a comic angle to the song, and I think there's a touch of the Peter Gabriel's in his approach to how the track sounds. Very catchy and toe-tappy.

"Do You Know, Do You Care?" Quick, call the doctor, Phil's getting desperately low with this slow and quite menacing track. I really like this one too, however, so being sad obviously gives Phil the edge in producing quality atmosphere along with good quality music. Different sort of beat to which the lyrics are performed brilliantly, and adds to the emotion being dragged out of him.

"You Can't Hurry Love". Yep this is the track made famous by the Supremes, and for those of us who are old enough, remember he had a very popular video that accompanied this cheeky-sounding little offering?? Very upbeat and catchy. Very karaoke.

"It Don't Matter To Me". Cheerful horns and professional drumming heralds the arrival of a track that you'll thoroughly enjoy, and because the happy horns are prevalent throughout this song it keeps it really upbeat and poppy.

"Thru These Walls". Back to the sad atmospherics with this track( and nice bass tones), but a very skilful sleazy feel is worked in with his vocals and lyrics. This is totally excellent which is probably a scary indictment on my psyche so I'll move swiftly on to the next track.

"Don't Let Him Steal Your Heart Away". This is so close to his personal mark that I actually feel very uncomfortable listening to this track. It's a beautiful song having said that. Lots of lovely piano playing and great melody, with the obligatory soulful break in Phil's voice. Almost makes you reach for the box of hankies. Slight relief with a more upbeat section in the middle that carries through to the end.

"The West Side". Big sound start to this, good percussion, echoey sax and horns. Very sexy blues/jazz tones run through this purely instrumental (except for the occasional yeeaah from Phil) piece. Kind of rocks out a bit at the end.

"Why Can't It Wait Til Morning". A piano and strings piece that sounds just about as wrung out as he must have been feeling. I'm not saying it detracts from the song, again, it adds to it. It's only 2 minutes long, but it's a gem.

It must have been very cathartic for Phil to write this album, and I for one am glad that he wore his heart on his sleeve, because this is a rare performance of genuine emotion for the entire time the album is playing. I didn't detect anything done purely for commercial gain, or was overly produced and flashy, or too clever-clever.

Just right.
 

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