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The Singles
Pop · 2016

The Singles

A comprehensive journey through three decades of high-gloss pop, defined by explosive drum fills, soulful synths, and raw, divorce-fueled emotional honesty.

October 14, 2016 · Craft Recordings

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The Singles is more than a mere hits collection; it is a masterclass in the architecture of 1980s pop. This compilation captures the exact moment when Phil Collins transformed from a prog-rock drummer into a global pop phenomenon, utilizing cutting-edge studio technology to broadcast deeply personal pain. The sound is defined by the legendary gated reverb drum sound: a massive, non-linear explosion of percussion that provides the backbone for both neon-lit dance tracks and somber, synth-heavy ballads. It feels like a late-night drive through a city of glass and steel, where every neon sign reflects a different shade of longing or regret.

Moments Worth Listening For
the iconic gated reverb drum fill in In the Air Tonight hitting with newfound remastered clarity
the punchy brass section driving the manic energy of Sussudio into a synth frenzy
the vulnerable and dry vocal delivery at the start of Against All Odds before the piano swells
the intricate polyrhythmic percussion layers that build the tension in Take Me Home
Reviews

How does The Singles sound next to the rest of Phil Collins's catalogue?

Nostalgic+1.0σ

Nostalgic saturates this record notably more than the artist's norm.

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