12"ers cover

12"ers

Phil Collins

40 min · 6 tracks · jazz fusion

A vibrant blend of funky grooves and polished pop melodies that exemplify 80s musical craftsmanship.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Sussudio — As one of Collins's signature songs, its infectious groove and horn-driven arrangement exemplify the upbeat sound of the era while showcasing his knack for catchy melodies.
  • →
    Take Me Home Start here — This track combines emotional depth with an anthemic chorus, highlighting Collins’s ability to weave personal storytelling into accessible pop music.
  • →
    One More Night — A ballad that emphasizes Collins's softer vocal delivery, this song's lush instrumentation and romantic themes showcase his range beyond upbeat tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases polished craftsmanship typical of the era but lacks deep compositional innovation.

What we noticed

  • The EP features a consistent use of synthesizers and brass arrangements, creating a polished sound characteristic of 80s jazz fusion.
  • Each track maintains a mid-tempo groove, with rhythmic variations that keep the listener engaged throughout its duration.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady rhythmic journey throughout
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs
  • for upbeat gatherings
  • nostalgic vibes with vibrant energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer shorter standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Showcases hits that solidified Collins' mainstream success in the mid-80s.
Themes
80s pop nostalgia· California nightlife· horn-driven grooves
Career context
Released in 1985, '12"ers' captures Phil Collins at a point of significant solo success following his acclaimed album 'No Jacket Required.' This compilation showcases some of his most popular tracks from his burgeoning solo career, solidifying his transition from Genesis frontman to a dominant pop figure.
Stylistic neighbors
Peter Gabriel· Genesis· Steely Dan

Tracklist

  • 1 Take Me Home Start here 8:07
  • 2 Sussudio 6:35
  • 3 Who Said I Would 5:51
  • 4 Only You Know and I Know 6:56
  • 5 Don’t Lose My Number 6:36
  • 6 One More Night 6:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata