What makes I Missed Again by Phil Collins notable?

The single reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying Collins' place as a successful solo artist separate from his Genesis roots. Its catchy melody and relatable themes of love and longing contributed to its commercial success and critical acclaim, paving the way for Collins' future hits in the early '80s. Released on March 7, 1981, 'I Missed Again' marked Phil Collins' first solo single after his success with Genesis. This period saw Collins transitioning into a full-fledged solo artist, building on the momentum of his debut album 'Face Value', which had established him as a significant voice in popular music.

How many songs are on I Missed Again?

I Missed Again has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

I Missed Again

Phil Collins · 1981

6 min · 2 tracks · jazz fusion

A vibrant blend of jazz-inflected pop and funk rock, driven by catchy hooks and smooth vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Missed Again — This track showcases Collins' signature blend of upbeat rhythms and emotional delivery, setting the tone for his successful solo career. Its infectious chorus and relatable lyrics about heartbreak resonate powerfully with listeners.
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I’m Not Moving — A deeper cut that highlights Collins' jazz influences, this track features intricate instrumentation and a laid-back groove that contrasts with the more mainstream appeal of the title track. It reflects his versatility and willingness to experiment within pop frameworks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong melodies and engaging rhythms but lacks depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The lead track features a prominent horn section that drives the melody, while the second track employs a more subdued arrangement with a focus on rhythm.
Both tracks utilize syncopated rhythms typical of jazz fusion, creating an engaging groove throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — First solo single that established Collins as a successful solo artist.
Themes: heartbreak narrative· jazz-inflected grooves· solo artist emergence
Moods: Energetic· Uplifting
Career context: Released on March 7, 1981, 'I Missed Again' marked Phil Collins' first solo single after his success with Genesis. This period saw Collins transitioning into a full-fledged solo artist, building on the momentum of his debut album 'Face Value', which had established him as a significant voice in popular music.
Stylistic neighbors: Peter Gabriel· Genesis· Steely Dan