Phil Collins – ...But Seriously

I’m wondering why there are no words about the production, mastering, sound of that LP here. It has an impressive detailed, warm sound with deep bass and perfectly natural sounding high notes. For me a clear reference record, not for the commercial songs, but for the outstanding sound that reminds to Phil’s debut.

Just wondering if anyone else's copy states Master Disk on the runout ?

Arguably his last solo album to be a true global blockbuster, But Seriously found Phil Collins following in many of his peers’ footsteps by addressing more political, real-world issues. He also addresses one of the most common criticisms of its predecessor No Jacket Required, by toning down his use of radio-friendly synthesisers.

Despite material not being as consistent as No Jacket Required, there are still plenty of highlights displaying Collins’ talent as a master of relatable songs. One of the biggest standouts has to be the incredible ‘I Wish It Would Rain Down’, which features a great guest performance from Eric Clapton and the rich vocals of a gospel choir. Other highpoints are one of his best ballads in ‘Do You ?’ and the big hit of the album ‘Another Day In Paradise’. Tracks like ‘All Of My Life’ and ‘Find A Way To My Heart’ also manage to be direct yet not cheesy. However, other moments (’That’s Just The Way It Is’, ’Father to Son’) foreshadow the more bland, AC sound he would adopt in his late career, while ’Colours’ is a bit too lyrically obvious to warrant its experimental style.

It has to be said that a less commercial-sounding production this time around was a smart choice. The sharp, energetic horn arrangements and drumming elevate the listening experience of ’Hang In Long Enough’ and ‘Something Happened On The Way To Heaven’, as does an electric grand piano instead of synthesisers on tracks like ‘Do You ?’. Collins’ vocals are pretty strong throughout, and through this you can tell the lyrics are truly from the heart.

As an entity, the result is a step forward in of production compared to its predecessor, but a slight step back in of material. The album’s duds are not particularly poor, just a bit bland to listen to. However, many other songs have more of a timeless feel than No Jacket Required, with some very impressive highlights.

The last what most of us consider Phil's "Classic" solo albums. "But Seriously", keeping with it's title, is an album with a melancholy overall vibe with it's music and lyrics. This is one of his overall strongest albums IMO--was pretty much all downhill after this one.

The CD is the master release, they had to omit two songs for the LP because of time constraints.

Omnipresent in 1989 so much so that not long after it was released there was already a house dance versions of one of the tunes in the pop charts. One of those records that like 'Brothers In Arms' by Dire Straits, and 'What's The Story Morning Glory' by Oasis did that rare thing of being bought by 'geezers' on building sites, blokes over 25 or maybe 30 that never really bought records.