About the Album: *...But Seriously* (1989)
Released in November 1989, ...But Seriously was Phil Collins' fourth solo studio album. It marked a deliberate shift in tone from his previous, more pop-focused album, the phenomenally successful *No Jacket Required* (1985). As the title suggests, the album tackled more mature and serious subject matter.
Key Themes and Sound: The album is most famous for its lead single, "Another Day in Paradise," which brought the issue of homelessness to the forefront of popular culture. The song was a global #1 hit and won the 1991 Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
Political Undertones: Tracks like "That's Just the Way It Is" addressed the ongoing Troubles in Northern Ireland, reflecting a sense of weariness and a plea for resolution.
Personal Relationships: While the album had serious themes, it still contained classic Collins songs about love and heartbreak, such as the soulful "I Wish It Would Rain Down" (featuring Eric Clapton on guitar) and the upbeat, regret-tinged "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven."
The Music: The sound was still distinctly Phil Collins—featuring his powerful vocals, signature gated reverb drum sound, and strong horn sections—but the production was often more atmospheric and somber to match the lyrical content.
Commercial Success:
Despite its heavier themes, the album was a massive commercial success. It was the best-selling album in the UK for 1990 and hit #1 in dozens of countries, including the US. It cemented his status as one of the world's biggest musical artists.
About the Artist: Phil Collins (at the time)
By 1989, Phil Collins was at the zenith of his fame. He had spent the 1980s as a ubiquitous figure in music, both as the lead singer and drummer for the progressive-rock-turned-pop-supergroup **Genesis** and as a solo artist. His work on the *Miami Vice* soundtrack, his participation in **Live Aid** (famously playing in both London and Philadelphia on the same day), and his string of solo hits made him a household name.
Cultural Relevance for the Time (Late 1980s)
*...But Seriously* landed at a pivotal cultural moment. The fall of the Berlin Wall happened just two weeks before the album's release, symbolizing the end of the Cold War era. The 1980s, often characterized by consumerism and excess, were drawing to a close, and there was a growing appetite for more socially conscious art.
While some critics accused Collins, a wealthy superstar, of being preachy or hypocritical for singing about homelessness, the immense popularity of "Another Day in Paradise" undeniably forced a global conversation on the issue. It was part of a larger trend of "conscious pop" where mainstream artists like U2, Sting, and Peter Gabriel were using their platforms to address social and political issues. The album captured this reflective mood perfectly, serving as a somber, introspective soundtrack for the end of a decade.
The **"Remastered"** version you're listening to is likely from the 2016 reissue campaign, which updated the album's sound for modern systems and often included bonus discs with demos and live recordings.