…But Seriously
Phil Collins · 1989
59 min · 12 tracks · jazz fusion
A blend of reflective lyrics and polished pop melodies that explore themes of social issues and personal introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hang In Long Enough Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Another Day in Paradise — This track addresses social issues directly, combining a catchy melody with poignant lyrics that critique societal indifference toward homelessness.
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I Wish It Would Rain Down — Featuring heartfelt vocals and emotional depth, this song highlights themes of regret and longing, showcasing Collins' ability to convey vulnerability.
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Do You Remember? — With its nostalgic tone and reflective lyrics, this track encapsulates the album's introspective spirit, inviting listeners to ponder their own memories.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends polished pop melodies with reflective lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, with prominent piano and synthesizers throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate a call-and-response vocal style, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the lyrical themes.
- The tempo varies significantly, with tracks like 'Another Day in Paradise' maintaining a slower pace while others like 'Hang In Long Enough' are more upbeat.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- gradual builds and payoffs
- contemplative emotional reflections
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Collins' reputation after earlier successes, achieving multi-platinum status.
- Themes
- homelessness critique· nostalgic reflections· personal regret
- Moods
- Melancholy· Introspective
- Career context
- When ...But Seriously was released in November 1989, Phil Collins was at the peak of his solo career, following the success of his 1985 album No Jacket Required. This album marked a transition toward more socially conscious themes, showcasing Collins' evolution as an artist while maintaining commercial appeal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Peter Gabriel· Genesis· Steely Dan
Tracklist
- 1 Hang In Long Enough Start here 4:44
- 2 That’s Just the Way It Is 5:20
- 3 Do You Remember? 4:36
- 4 Something Happened on the Way to Heaven 4:51
- 5 Colours 8:51
- 6 I Wish It Would Rain Down 5:28
- 7 Another Day in Paradise 5:22
- 8 Heat on the Street 3:52
- 9 All of My Life 5:35
- 10 Saturday Night and Sunday Morning 1:26
- 11 Father to Son 3:28
- 12 Find a Way to My Heart 6:11
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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