What is the best Phil Collins album to start with?

The best album to start with is "No Jacket Required" (1985). It's the most representative of what makes Phil Collins worth hearing.

What are the best Phil Collins albums?

The essential Phil Collins albums include "Easy Lover" (1984), "No Jacket Required" (1985) and "Brother Bear – An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack" (2003).

How many albums does Phil Collins have?

Phil Collins has 64 releases in their discography, including 18 albums and 1 EP.

Photo: Raph_PH · CC BY 2.0

Phil Collins

Q: Who is Phil Collins for?

If you're into jazz fusion and pop rock, Phil Collins is worth your time. Collins’ music features tight grooves interwoven with melodic refrains that create an engaging tension between rhythmic drive and emotional release.

Collins’ music features tight grooves interwoven with melodic refrains that create an engaging tension between rhythmic drive and emotional release.

jazz fusion · pop rock · progressive rock · soft rock

United Kingdom

Read about Phil Collins on Bookshop

Start here

The album

No Jacket Required album by Phil Collins

No Jacket Required (1985)

Captures Collins’ signature sound with a mix of pop and rock elements, showcasing his range in a cohesive and accessible way.

The song

“In the Air Tonight”

Immediate hook and iconic drum break make it a standout introduction to Collins' style, encapsulating his emotional depth and rhythmic drive.

See the full guide

About Phil Collins

Phil Collins matters as a defining voice in the evolution of pop and rock music, bridging the emotional intensity of ballads with the rhythmic complexity of funk.

His work not only reflects personal struggles and triumphs but also resonates universally, influencing generations of artists who navigate vulnerability and strength within their own narratives. Collins' approach is characterized by his ability to seamlessly merge intricate rhythms with accessible melodies, creating a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. His use of layered instrumentation often builds a rich tapestry where each element interacts thoughtfully, inviting listeners into a dynamic auditory landscape that evolves with each listen. This craftsmanship allows for an immersive experience, making the listener feel as though they are part of the unfolding story. In his songwriting, Collins often explores themes of love, loss, and self-reflection through a sincere lens, leaning towards storytelling that balances personal introspection with broader societal observations. His lyrical voice exudes authenticity, presenting emotions in a way that is relatable yet profound. The tone often shifts between earnestness and irony, providing a complex texture to his narratives.

18 studio albums· 64 total releases· 5 decades· United Kingdom

Full discography

Phil Collins's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

64 releases • 18 albums • 1 EP • 1966–2018

Type:

Studio albums ()

Plays Well with Others album by Phil Collins

EPs ()

12"ers

Singles (45)

Grouped by decade — 4 eras.

2000s ()

No Way Out (Theme From Brother Bear) album by Phil Collins

1990s ()

1980s ()

Another Day in Paradise album by Phil Collins

1960s ()

Goin' Back

1966

No releases match the current filters.

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Look Through My Eyes" — from Brother Bear – An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack (2003)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)" — from Going Back (2010)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Wake Up Call" — from Testify (2002)

establishes the sonic palette early

Continue your journey

If you liked Phil Collins, start with Steely Dan

A guided entry point we think you'll like.

Listen

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Reference

Official site Wikipedia MusicBrainz Wikidata

Phil Collins

About Phil Collins

Full discography

Studio albums ()

Plays Well with Others

Going Back

The Platinum Collection

Love Songs: A Compilation... Old and New

Brother Bear – An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

Urban Renewal

Testify

Tarzan – An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack

A Hot Night in Paris

...Hits

Both Sides

Serious Hits… Live!

…But Seriously

Buster

No Jacket Required

Hello, I Must Be Going!

Face Value

The Singles

EPs ()

12"ers

Singles (45)

2000s ()

No Way Out (Theme From Brother Bear)

The Least You Can Do

Wake Up Call

Come with Me

Look Through My Eyes

Can't Stop Loving You

In the Air Tonite

Two Worlds

Son of Man

1990s ()

Strangers Like Me

You'll Be in My Heart

The Same Moon

Wear My Hat

No Matter Who

It's in Your Eyes

Dance into the Light

We Wait and We Wonder

Everyday

Both Sides of the Story

Hero

Who Said I Would

Do You Remember?

Hang in Long Enough

That's Just the Way It Is

Something Happened on the Way to Heaven

I Wish It Would Rain Down

1980s ()

Another Day in Paradise

Two Hearts

Separate Lives (Love Theme from White Nights)

Take Me Home

Don't Lose My Number

One More Night / I Like the Way

Sussudio / I Like the Way

Easy Lover

Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)

Why Can't It Wait 'Til Morning

Don't Let Him Steal Your Heart Away

I Don't Care Anymore

Like China

You Can't Hurry Love

Thru These Walls

If Leaving Me Is Easy

I Missed Again

In the Air Tonight

1960s ()

Goin' Back

Songs to start with