Do you like Phil Collins?

I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds. But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist. This is Sussudio, a great, great song, a personal favorite.

Genesis was between 1969-1977. After Hackett had gone it was no longer GEnesis. It was Collinesis:))

As drummer and not as a songwriter

Collins is alright. Definitely not the superior singer but there are a few songs from his Genesis that are ok.

I'm all about Gabriel's Genesis and Bearded Phil Collins' Genesis. The pop stuff is just too much. Plus a hairless Phil Collins is like an alien. Honestly, I wish he'd grow a bitchin' beard again and throw away the Tarzan soundtrack, destroy all of his back catalogue except "In the Air Tonight" and start writing bitchin' prog music. Either that or he should just completely throw away pop music and start doing experimental music along the lines of John Cage. That'd be SICK!!

The Genesis that I first fell in love with was with Phil as the frontman on ABACAB. But I LOVE Peter Gabriel's Genesis just as much. I go through stages where I listen to one more than the other, then I switch.

I'm not a fan of Ray Wilson's era. No offense to him, he's a good singer, but it just didn't seem like Genesis to me.

I've about given up on a PG and SH reunion with Genesis. :(

I do like Phil, my favourite album with him is "A Trick Of The Tail"... but I don't prefer him, I prefer Gabriel... I think Gabriel era is better.... after a time they went too poppy with Phil :S But they still have some good albums with him, but Gabriel is the man for me :D And I do like Phil a lot as a drummer!

I strongly disagree with topicstarter.
The way the band evolved after Hackett left was sad.
Not that they became cheap or anything, it simply wasn't Genesis. Phil Collins is one excellent drummer and all, but I really don't like any of his solo albums nor genesis in the eighties or nineties. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but something happens with his voice after a while when you listen to it. Also I have to admit that the Tarzan soundtrack isn't really helping his image.
I guess they got just a little bit too much of that "popsound".
But, it should be said that I love the Turn it on again tour, for various reasons.The final answer is that I like Phil Collins on drums, and also on vocals - but the more genesis members you add to the stage with him - the better!

I started listening to Genesis when I was a kid. My father is a Phil Collins era fan (as well as his solo career fan too), so yes, I think Genesis w/ PC on vocals released some great stuff like A Trick Of The Tail, Duke and Invisible Touch.

I just love Phil's voice. People laughing about me, people hate me for that. He sings over 3 octaves and he's with full power, look at his face.;

Also I like his gentle and hippie look and I love him for being a normal person, not such a star.

Unbelivable, Collins was criticized for working with black brass musicians!

Some impressions...

The Roof Is Leaking - Perkins Place
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oWNazlbKW5s

Home By The Sea unplugged
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Z52LbKRjY08

I Cannot Believe It's True - Perkins Place
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=YNFAueOcwNg

Phil Collins Interview 1981
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3xlsZUt1viw

Phil Collins and John Goodsall interview (1979)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Amvm0Sw6u58

Phil's Genesis ok but solo songs nothing,Peter Gabriel presents Genesis in real light,powerful songs and powerful lyrics,although my favourite Genesis songs are Phil's Undertow and Many Too Many...

(Sorry if my english is bad, i'm not a natural)

Peter Gabriel era is Phil Collins era as well. Phil is a great drummer. A great singer. A great songwriter. Genesis' fans should learn to apreciate the best from each period.

I'll always prefer to listen an album of the 70s rather than an 80s.
Music changed. People changed. It's a matter of taste.

Allright, we all know that in the 70s music was more sofisticated, some might like it, others may not. In the 70s the demand from the public was as 'artsy' as the music turned out to be. In the 80s people changed and Genesis adapted.

I prefer not to talk about the 90s :)

Personnaly, I really like the Collins era because i think he did great song. But I think The Gabriel era was better because, acording to me, his song are better and when he was on the stage, he lived his music!