Boots to the nuts for him^ and P Collins. All these old stinkers that stinked up the 80s airwaves. There were alot of 40 year old pop stars who didn't even play anything. Eddie Money Peter Gabrielle, Steve winwood -theres way more of them, Rod stewart. I think they had the solid Coke connections or something.
Been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that I didn't really understand any of their work, it was too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch is 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 3 albums. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford and you can practically hear every nuance of every instrument.
In terms of lyrical craftsmanship and 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 1980's, 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. I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group than as a solo artist, and i stress the word artist!