The top 3 greatest Phil Collins songs 

Here are our top three picks!  

• “In the Air Tonight” (1981)
• “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” (1984)
• “Sussudio” (1985)

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The best Phil Collins songs 

1. “In the Air Tonight” (1981) 

“In the Air Tonight” was the lead single from Face Value, Phil Collins’ debut solo album. It’s haunting, sparse in its production, and slow to get going. But that’s what makes it so gripping. It’s simply iconic. 

Of course, what really makes the track unforgettable is that drum fill. Collins started off with a Roland CR-78 drum machine in the verses, building tension before unleashing one of the most legendary drum fills in music history. You can use the Behringer RD-78 Analog Drum Machine to replicate the verse’s loop.  

He used a Gretsch drum kit with six concert toms and added the huge, gated reverb sound that became his signature. If you want to achieve this iconic sound, check out the Gretsch Catalina Maple 22” 7pc Shell Pack, Black Stardust. The song was a massive hit, reaching number two in the UK and topping charts across Europe. 

2. “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” (1984) 

“Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” became the title track for the romantic thriller Against All Odds, but Phil Collins started writing it while working on his debut solo album, Face Value.

What makes this song so powerful is its soaring melody that you can’t help but sing along to, pouring out pure powerful emotion. And of course, Collins’ signature concert toms add extra depth to the power ballad. 

The song went on to become his first number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal. It’s a true classic. 

3. “Sussudio” (1985) 

Released in January 1985 as part of No Jacket Required, “Sussudio” is one of Phil Collins’ most infectious and feel-good hits. Inspired in part by Prince’s 1999, the track began with a drum loop from a Roland TR-909. As Collins played around with lyrics, he randomly came up with the word “Sussudio” to use as a placeholder – but it had a certain charm that made it stick.

Rather than swapping it out, he embraced it, turning nonsense into a name that fans would be singing for decades. The song shot to number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and landed at number 12 on the UK charts, proving that sometimes, a made-up word can make for a massive hit.

4. “You’ll Be In My Heart” (1999) 

“You’ll Be in My Heart” is easily one of Phil Collins’ most unforgettable songs, and for good reason. Featured in Disney’s Tarzan in 1999, it actually started out as a simple lullaby he wrote for his daughter – a lovely personal touch. And unlike most Disney films, where the characters’ voice actors sing the big numbers, Collins performed all the songs himself, making Tarzan stand out from the crowd.

The track didn’t just tug at heartstrings – it went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy. Plus, with its jungle-inspired percussion, it was the perfect showcase for Collins’ drumming skills, adding even more depth to an already emotional anthem.

5. “Another Day in Paradise” (1989) 

“Another Day in Paradise” isn’t your typical Phil Collins hit – it takes on a much heavier topic than usual: homelessness. As the lead single from …But Seriously, it paints a stark contrast between wealth and poverty and inspires a conversation about social responsibility. When this was released, it wasn’t just a song; it was a wake-up call.

Listeners around the world took notice, and the track shot to number one in multiple countries. It even won a Grammy for Record of the Year and a Brit Award for Best British Single. With its moody synths and Collins’ heartfelt vocals, it’s one of those songs that still hits hard today.

6. “Something Happened on the Way to Heaven” (1990)  

7. “I Cannot Believe It’s True” (1982) 

“I Cannot Believe It’s True” is Phil Collins at his grooviest. Released in November 1982 as part of Hello, I Must Be Going!, this track is filled with energy, thanks in no small part to the Phenix Horns – the brass section from Earth, Wind & Fire. Their punchy horn blasts, combined with Collins’ signature drumming, give the song a vibrant, upbeat feel that sets it apart from his moodier ballads.

Speaking of drums, Collins didn’t hold back. He paired his Pearl BLX drum kit with a Roland TR-808 drum machine, locking in a tight, infectious rhythm that makes the track impossible to sit still to. It may have only reached number 79 on the US Billboard Hot 100, but let’s be real – some songs are just built for the fans, and this is one of them.

8. “Easy Lover” (1984) 

Released in 1984, “Easy Lover” is a powerhouse collaboration between Collins and Philip Bailey. It blends rock and funk seamlessly, with both singers giving it their all to create such an electrifying sound. It became a massive hit, reaching number one in multiple countries and peaking at number two in the US.  

Collins played drums and keyboards on the track, with the standout moment being those signature drum fills. The unforgettable intro was achieved with Sabian cymbals – including an HH 16″ Medium-Thin Crash and an HH 21″ Raw-Bell Dry Ride.  It’s one of the most recognisable hits of the 1980s. 

9. “One More Night” (1985) 

The single from No Jacket Required, “One More Night” is a soft rock ballad that became Phil Collins’ second US number one. Built around the Roland TR-808 drum machine, the track has a smooth, atmospheric feel, with lyrics that blend optimism and longing. It’s packed with raw emotion. If you want to replicate Collins’ classic TR-808 loops, check out the Behringer RD-8 MKII Drum Machine. 

The song spent 23 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and broke into the UK top 10. Its deeply emotive chorus made it one of Collins’ most memorable ballads.  

10. “Two Hearts” (1988) 

“Two Hearts” was released in 1988 as part of the Buster soundtrack. It’s one of those songs that instantly lifts your mood, with its upbeat melody and that irresistible Motown-inspired groove. You can really hear the influence of classic soul records. It’s no surprise that it became one of Collins’ biggest hits – spending two weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number six in the UK.

The song won a Golden Globe and a Grammy for Best Original Song. With its rich string arrangements and infectious rhythm, “Two Hearts” is the kind of track that just sticks with you. 

11. “On My Way” (2003) 

If you grew up in the early 2000s, chances are you first heard of Phil Collins through Disney. “On My Way” was written for the Brother Bear soundtrack, which Collins wrote several songs for. In the film, the voice actors took over singing vocals, so the characters appear to be singing on screen. 

The song has such a feel-good, adventurous vibe, with its rhythmic drums and warm melodies. And of course, Collins played the drums and added his signature touch. It instantly takes you back to the world of Brother Bear – and honestly, it still holds up as one of the best Phil Collins songs today. 

12. “Take Me Home” (1985) 

Released in 1985 as part of No Jacket Required, “Take Me Home” is one of those songs that pulls you in with its dreamy synths and almost hypnotic drums. Collins started with a Roland TR-909 and Simmons drum pads, then slowly faded into live drums.

It reached number 19 in the UK and number seven in the US. The introspective lyrics, the haunting feel, and the mix of electronic and acoustic drums give “Take Me Home” its signature sound. 

13. “I Don’t Care Anymore” (1983) 

Released in 1983 as part of Hello, I Must Be Going!, “I Don’t Care Anymore” finds Phil Collins at his rawest. Frustration seeps through every lyric, reinforced by the song’s dark, brooding tone. Then there are the drums – Collins shifts between a standard studio sound and his signature gated reverb effect. The result is a punchy, almost haunting atmosphere.

With minimal synths and sharp guitar riffs, the track is relentless in its percussion and raw emotion.

14. “Two Worlds” (1999)

“Two Worlds” kicks off Tarzan. Collins went all in on the jungle theme-inspired rhythms, layering bongos, congas, and toms to create that bold, cinematic sound. It really added to the tension on the screen. He used Remo drumheads to get that perfect deep sound – specifically, Remo’s Emperors.

The song shows off Collins’ range, mixing his classic songwriting style with world music influences, creating a masterpiece that defines one of Disney’s most unforgettable soundtracks. 

15. “I Wish It Would Rain Down” (1990) 

Released in 1989 as part of But Seriously, “I Wish It Would Rain Down” is one of Phil Collins’ most emotional tracks – and he brought in some star power for it. With Eric Clapton on guitar and a full gospel choir backing him, the song captures the experience of old emotions flooding back, even when you thought you’d moved on. 

The track reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became Canada’s biggest song of 1990.  

16. “No Way Out” (2003) 

“No Way Out” was released for the Brother Bear soundtrack and plays a big role in the film’s story. Collins actually recorded two versions for the film – one with a rockier edge and another that’s more stripped-back and mellow. In the movie, the characters join Collins in singing the song, while on the main soundtrack, Collins sings alone. 

The song starts soft and reflective but gradually builds into this huge, emotional climax. The lyrics do a lot of heavy lifting in the storytelling, perfectly capturing the film’s themes of loss and redemption – he really brought the characters’ emotions to life. With its slow build, intense emotion, and Collins’ signature vocals, “No Way Out” is easily one of the most powerful moments on the soundtrack.  

17. “Who Said I Would” (1991) 

Originally recorded for No Jacket Required in 1985, “Who Said I Would” was released as a single for Phil Collins’ live album in 1991. He recorded a remixed studio version later for 12”ers, which used ’80s-inspired synths and drum machines. It’s super catchy. 

With its punchy horn section, soul-inspired backing vocals, and funky groove, “Who Said I Would” became a fan favourite at his live shows. The way those sharp horn stabs line up perfectly with the kick gives it a tight, syncopated feel that made it a standout on his setlists.  

18. “Both Sides of the Story” (1993) 

Released in October 1993 as the lead single from Both Sides, “Both Sides of the Story” is pure Phil Collins – he wrote it, played every instrument, and produced it himself. The song reached number seven in the UK charts and climbed to number two in Canada. It was his biggest hit from the album. 

19. “The Los Endos Suite” (1999)  

“The Los Endos Suite” saw Phil Collins getting back to his roots – behind the drum kit. Released as part of A Hot Night in Paris, this instrumental track is a jazz-infused reimagining of Genesis’ “Los Endos”, performed by the Phil Collins Big Band. It gave him the chance to dive into American-style big band music, showing just how versatile a musician he is.

During live performances, he used a Gretsch kit for that classic vintage sound, a Speed King pedal for those rapid kick flourishes, and a pair of Promark 5A, which is a brand Phil Collins swears by – he even designed a signature pair! 

20. “All of My Life” (1989) 

“All of My Life” is one of Phil Collins’ most personal and reflective songs. Unlike his big, chart-topping hits, this one feels like a quiet conversation – raw, honest, and deeply emotional. Written as he processed the loss of his father, you can feel the weight of his grief in every note. It’s not just a song, it’s a moment of reflection, of looking back and making sense of it all.

The rich vocal harmonies and layered instrumentation make it both grand and intimate at the same time. There’s also the choir which lifts and amplifies the emotion, making every lyric land that much harder. It’s one of those tracks that stays with you long after it ends.

21. “Behind the Lines” (1981) 

Originally a Genesis track from their 1980 album Duke, “Behind the Lines” had a total reinvention when Phil Collins reworked it for his solo debut, Face Value. The Genesis version was all drama – big, proggy, and intense – but Collins took a completely different approach. He turned it into a funk-driven groove that felt fresh and full of life.

To make that funk really pop, he brought in the Phenix Horns. They give the song an irresistible energy. Lyrically, it touches on lost love, which fits perfectly with the emotional tone of Face Value. By cranking up the tempo and adding those tight, punchy horns, Collins transformed the song. It’s the kind of reinvention only he could pull off.

FAQs 

How many top 10 hits does Phil Collins have? 

Phil Collins achieved 14 top 10 hits throughout his solo career. In the United States, he secured seven number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 during the 1980s. Additionally, he had multiple top 10 entries in both the US and UK charts, further solidifying his status as a leading artist of the decade. 

What was Phil Collins’ greatest hit? 

Phil Collins’ greatest hit is “In the Air Tonight”. Released in 1981 as the lead single from his debut solo album Face Value, the song showcases his distinctive style and has remained one of his most iconic tracks. It’s instantly recognisable, with those incredibly powerful drums and haunting melody. 

What was Phil Collins’ most successful album? 

Phil Collins’ most successful album is No Jacket Required. Released in 1985, it reached number one in several countries, including the US and UK. The album features hit singles like “Sussudio” and “One More Night”.

Final thoughts 

Phil Collins’ solo catalogue is packed with songs that stick with you – whether it’s the stadium-sized power ballads, slick ‘80s pop, or anthems driven by that unmistakable drum sound. But what makes the best Phil Collins songs isn’t just the production or the hooks but also Collins’ ability to blend emotional storytelling with incredible musicianship.

His signature gated reverb sound shaped drumming in the ‘80s, and his songwriting continues to inspire modern artists. No matter what kind of music you’re into, there’s a Collins track that you’ll love.

Want to learn more? Check out our other drum guides: 

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