Phil Collins, the legendary musician and former Genesis vocalist, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his iconic hits like "In the Air Tonight" and the Tarzan soundtrack. However, his creative influence extends far beyond his own discography. Collins has also penned songs for other artists, showcasing his versatility and talent as a songwriter. Here's a closer look at four lesser-known songs that Phil Collins wrote for other artists, each with its own unique story and impact.
1. "Hero" by David Crosby
"Hero" is a powerful ballad that showcases the close friendship between Collins and Crosby. The song, released on Crosby's final studio album, "Thousand Roads" in 1993, is a testament to their musical collaboration. Collins not only co-wrote the song but also provided vocals and played the drums, adding his signature style to the track. The duo's friendship and mutual admiration are evident in their consistent praise for each other over the years, with Collins even paying for Crosby's liver transplant in 1994. This collaboration highlights Collins' ability to work seamlessly with other artists, creating a memorable song that has stood the test of time.
2. "Loco in Acapulco" by The Four Tops
In the 1988 film "Buster," Collins showcased his songwriting prowess by co-writing two songs with Motown star Lamont Dozier. One of these songs, "Loco in Acapulco," was recorded by The Four Tops and became a part of the film's soundtrack. The song takes listeners on a wild adventure through the Mexican city of Acapulco, showcasing Collins' ability to craft catchy and memorable melodies. His collaboration with Dozier resulted in a song that, while not as widely recognized as "Two Hearts," still holds a special place in the history of 80s pop music.
3. "Everything That I Am" by Alex Rutherford, Josh Strickland, and Merle Dandridge
Collins' songwriting talent extended beyond the realm of pop music. He wrote nine additional songs for the Broadway musical adaptation of Disney's "Tarzan," including the song "Everything That I Am." This song delves into Tarzan's existential crisis, exploring his journey and the challenges he faces. Collins' ability to capture complex emotions and tell a story through music is evident in this track, which has become a beloved part of the musical's soundtrack.
4. "Easy Lover" by Phil Collins and Phil Bailey
"Easy Lover" is a smooth and soulful collaboration between Collins and Earth, Wind, and Fire frontman Philip Bailey. Bassist Nathan East recalled the song's creation process, describing how Collins and Bailey spontaneously crafted the song in the studio. The result is a catchy and timeless duet that showcases Collins' versatility as a songwriter and performer. The song's success led to a collaboration between Collins and Bailey, further solidifying their place in the music industry.
In conclusion, these four songs demonstrate Phil Collins' remarkable ability to collaborate and create memorable music with other artists. His contributions to these tracks have left a lasting impact on the music industry, showcasing his talent as a songwriter and his versatility as an artist. Collins' work with Crosby, The Four Tops, Alex Rutherford, Josh Strickland, Merle Dandridge, and Philip Bailey continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day.
