Do you love Phil Collins? Fans around the world have spoken, and now there's a definitive list of the best Phil Collins albums! This ranked list features every studio album Collins released, as well as a couple of noteworthy soundtracks. The collection has been crowd-ranked, making it a great way to settle those debates among friends about which album truly stands out. Whether you're new to his music or a longtime admirer, this list celebrates the evolution of an artist who shifted from the dynamic drummer of Genesis to a legendary solo rock icon. Dive into this ranking and find out which albums topped the charts and captured the hearts of fans.
From his emotive solo debut Face Value to the socially aware ...But Seriously, each album showcases Collins' versatility, blending soulful melodies with poignant lyrics. Face Value made waves with tracks like "In the Air Tonight," renowned for its thunderous drum break. No Jacket Required, released in 1985, embraced dance-pop and infectious hooks, earning it the Grammy for Album of the Year. The introspective Both Sides found Collins playing every instrument, delivering a raw, emotional journey. The upbeat vibes of Dance Into the Light feature worldbeat rhythms influenced by African music. Each album on this list is a testament to Collins' ability to reinvent himself while maintaining a solid fan base.
Your opinion matters! This ranked discography is shaped by the votes of fans like you, so make sure to participate and cast your vote. Scroll through the list, reminisce about your favorite tracks, and let others know which Phil Collins album deserves the top spot. Whether it's his soulful R&B hits, dance-pop anthems, or heartfelt ballads, your vote can change the rankings. Get involved and let’s see which album reigns supreme in the world of Phil Collins.
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- Virgin, Atlantic
Following extensive tours with Genesis and collaborations with Eric Clapton, Phil Collins's third solo album surged to the top of charts worldwide, holding No. 1 spots for seven non-consecutive weeks in the US. Garnering Album of the Year at the Grammys, its standouts include the chart-toppers "Sussudio," "One More Night," and "Take Me Home." Collins’s pivot toward a dance-pop style infused energetic beats crafted with Hugh Padgham. Tracks like "Don't Lose My Number" and "Take Me Home" emerged from studio improvisations, blending personal and political themes. Critics praised the album's infectious hooks and polished production.
Tracklist:
1. Sussudio
2. Only You Know and I Know
3. Long Long Way to Go
4. I Don't Wanna Know
5. One More Night
6. Don't Lose My Number
7. Who Said I Would
8. Doesn't Anybody Stay Together Anymore
9. Inside Out
10. Take Me Home- Release Date: 1985
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- Virgin, Atlantic
Released during a turbulent period in Phil Collins's life, his debut album captivated audiences and critics alike, catapulting to No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and peaking at No. 7 in the US. Awarded multiple platinum certifications globally, it transformed Collins from Genesis drummer to a pop-rock powerhouse. Its lead single, "In the Air Tonight," became famous for its thunderous drum break. Face Value's creation involved meticulous production with Hugh Padgham and featured collaborations with stars like Eric Clapton. Tunes swung from soulful R&B to poignant ballads and experimental instrumentals, mirroring Collins's own tumultuous emotional journey.
Tracklist:
1. In the Air Tonight
2. This Must Be Love
3. Behind the Lines
4. The Roof Is Leaking
5. Droned
6. Hand in Hand
7. I Missed Again
8. You Know What I Mean
9. Thunder and Lightning
10. I'm Not Moving
11. If Leaving Me Is Easy
12. Tomorrow Never Knows
13. Over the Rainbow- Release Date: 1981
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- Virgin, Atlantic
Emerging from Phil Collins' transformative post-Genesis hiatus, his fourth solo album topped the UK and US charts, clinching Record of the Year at the Grammys with "Another Day in Paradise." A departure from his previous dance-pop style, it examined socio-political themes with moving tracks like "That's Just the Way It Is" and "Colours." Produced by Collins and Hugh Padgham, ...But Seriously embraced live instrumentation, featuring collaborators such as David Crosby and Eric Clapton. Critics praised its depth, and hits like "I Wish It Would Rain Down" and "Do You Remember?" continue to resonate with fans.
Tracklist:
1. Hang in Long Enough
2. That's Just the Way It Is
3. Do You Remember?
4. Something Happened on the Way to Heaven
5. Colours
6. I Wish It Would Rain Down
7. Another Day in Paradise
8. Heat on the Street
9. All of My Life
10. Saturday Night and Sunday Morning
11. Father to Son
12. Find a Way to My Heart- Release Date: 1989
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- Virgin, Atlantic
Hello, I Must Be Going! - Phil Collins's second solo album - emerged from a period of personal turmoil in his life, including a divorce, but it successfully engaged listeners with its introspective lyrics and genre-blending tracks. Released in 1982, it swiftly climbed to No. 2 on the UK charts and No. 8 in the U.S. Critics appreciated its rich melodies and raw emotion, with standout singles like "You Can't Hurry Love" hitting No. 1 in the UK. The record secured a Brit Award nomination for British Male Artist, while "I Don't Care Anymore" earned a Grammy nod. Produced by Collins and Hugh Padgham, it featured a mix of groove pop and sentimental ballads.
Tracklist:
1. I Don't Care Anymore
2. I Cannot Believe It's True
3. Like China
4. Do You Know, Do You Care?
5. You Can't Hurry Love
6. It Don't Matter to Me
7. Thru These Walls
8. Don't Let Him Steal Your Heart Away
9. The West Side
10. Why Can't It Wait 'Til Morning- Release Date: 1982
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- Virgin, Atlantic
Phil Collins's fifth solo album, crafted amid personal troubles, emerged as a tapestry of introspection and political commentary. Its release in November 1993 saw it rise to No. 1 in the UK and achieve platinum status in the US. Noteworthy tracks such as "Everyday" and "We Wait and We Wonder" are examples of Collins’s heartfelt narratives. Unlike previous collaborations, he self-produced Both Sides and played all the instruments, enriching the album's intimate sound. Although initially met with mixed reviews, it went on to become acclaimed for its emotionally raw depth.
Tracklist:
1. Both Sides of the Story
2. Can't Turn Back the Years
3. Everyday
4. I've Forgotten Everything
5. We're Sons of Our Fathers
6. Can't Find My Way
7. Survivors
8. We Fly So Close
9. There's a Place for Us
10. We Wait and We Wonder
11. Please Come Out Tonight- Release Date: 1993
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- Virgin, Atlantic
Born in the aftermath of Phil Collins' departure from Genesis, his sixth solo album was released in 1996, climbed to No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart, and achieved gold status in the US. Critics praised tracks like the upbeat "Dance into the Light" and the tender "It's in Your Eyes," though the album lacked American Top 40 hits. With producer Hugh Padgham, Collins infused worldbeat rhythms and live instrumentation, drawing inspiration from African music. Despite its commercial underperformance, the album's tour was a major success.
Tracklist:
1. Dance into the Light
2. That's What You Said
3. Lorenzo
4. Just Another Story
5. Love Police
6. Wear My Hat
7. It's in Your Eyes
8. Oughta Know by Now
9. Take Me Down
10. The Same Moon
11. River So Wide
12. No Matter Who
13. The Times They Are a-Changin'- Release Date: 1996
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- Face Value, Atlantic
Testify, the seventh solo studio album of Phil Collins, took shape over two years in Switzerland and was recorded in France and Los Angeles. Released in 2002 after a six-year hiatus, it debuted at No. 30 on the US Billboard 200, peaked at No. 15 in the UK, achieved platinum status in France and gold in several other countries. The single "Can't Stop Loving You" topped the Adult Contemporary charts. With heartfelt tracks like the love song "Testify" and the political "Don't Get Me Started," the record was produced with Rob Cavallo and featured Collins returning to drum machines for a polished, introspective sound.
Tracklist:
1. Wake Up Call
2. Come with Me
3. Testify
4. Don't Get Me Started
5. Swing Low
6. It's Not Too Late
7. This Love This Heart
8. Driving Me Crazy
9. The Least You Can Do
10. Can't Stop Loving You
11. Thru My Eyes
12. You Touch My Heart- Release Date: 2002
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- Walt Disney
A collaboration between Phil Collins and composer Mark Mancina, the soundtrack for the 1999 Disney animated film Tarzan won both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song with "You'll Be in My Heart." The album peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and achieved double platinum in the US, solidifying Collins's return to the limelight. Featuring hits like "Two Worlds" and "Strangers Like Me," the soundtrack was notable for his recording versions in multiple languages. Critics praised its infectious melodies and emotional depth, reflecting the film's adventurous and heartfelt tone, with production handled by Collins, Mancina, and Rob Cavallo.
Tracklist:
1. Two Worlds
2. You'll Be in My Heart
3. Who Better Than Me
4. No Other Way
5. I Need to Know
6. Son of Man
7. Sure as Sun Turns to Moon
8. Waiting for This Moment
9. Different
10. Trashin' the Camp
11. Like No Man I've Ever Seen
12. Strangers Like Me
13. For the First Time
14. Who Better Than Me? (reprise)
15. Everything That I Am
16. You'll Be in My Heart (reprise)
17. Sure as Sun Turns to Moon (reprise)
18. Two Worlds (finale)
19. Everything That I Am- Release Date: 1999
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- Atlantic
Following an extended break from his solo career, Phil Collins's eighth album, released in 2010, represented an homage to 1960s Motown and soul. Despite his physical challenges, Collins recreated the era's magic, achieving a UK No. 1 and landing in the top five in 16 countries. Critics offered mixed reviews, but praise was unanimous for the authenticity of tracks like "(Love Is Like a) Heatwave" and "Going Back." Featuring Collins's home studio demos and collaboration with Motown legends The Funk Brothers, the record celebrated nostalgia and meticulous craftsmanship.
Tracklist:
1. Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)
2. (Love Is Like A) Heatwave
3. Uptight (Everything's Alright)
4. Some of Your Lovin'
5. In My Lonely Room
6. Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me for a Little While)
7. Blame It on the Sun
8. Papa Was a Rolling Stone
9. Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer
10. Standing in the Shadows of Love
11. Do I Love You
12. Jimmy Mack
13. Something About You
14. Love Is Here and Now You're Gone
15. Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever
16. Going to a Go-Go
17. Talkin About My Baby
18. Going Back- Release Date: 2010
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- Walt Disney
10Brother Bear
Inspired by the majestic landscapes and cultural themes of the 2003 Disney animated film Brother Bear, this soundtrack brought Phil Collins and Mark Mancina together in a harmonious collaboration. The album peaked at No. 52 on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Soundtracks chart; critics appreciated the storytelling through music. Produced by Collins, Mancina, and Rob Cavallo, it comprised a blend of pop songs and orchestral pieces. Notable tracks such as "Look Through My Eyes" and "No Way Out" demonstrated Collins's vocal prowess and songwriting skills, earning nominations for prestigious awards and reinforcing the album's emotional depth.
Tracklist:
1. "Look Through My Eyes"
2. "Great Spirits"
3. "Welcome"
4. "No Way Out (Theme from Brother Bear)"
5. "Transformation"
6. "On My Way"
7. "Welcome"
8. "No Way Out (Theme from Brother Bear)"
9. "Transformation"
10. "Three Brothers"
11. "Awakes as a Bear"
12. "Wilderness of Danger and Beauty"- Photo:
