...But Seriously
Studio album by Phil Collins
Released	November 7, 1989
Recorded	April - October 1989, at The Farm, England, and A & M Studios, USA
Genre	Rock / Pop
Length	54:16 59:35 (Japan)
Label	Virgin Atlantic
Producer	Phil Collins and Hugh Padgham
Professional reviews
All Music Guide link
Phil Collins chronology
12"ers (1987) ...But Seriously (1989) Serious Hits... Live! (1990)

... But Seriously is the fourth full-length studio album by Phil Collins. It was recorded at The Farm, Surrey, England, and at A & M Studios, Los Angeles, USA. It was released on November 7, 1989 on Virgin in the UK, Atlantic in the US and Canada, WEA Records (now Warner Music Group) in Europe, Australasia, Germany, Mexico, Brazil and Japan. The Japanese release features a different track listing as well as bonus tracks "Saturday Night And Sunday Morning" and "Heat on the Street". Image File history File links Phil_Collins-But_Seriously. ... A studio album is a collection of previously unreleased, studio-recorded tracks by a recording artist. ... Philip David Charles Collins (born January 30, 1951 in Chiswick, London) is an English singer, songwriter, drummer and actor. ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... This article or section needs additional references or sources to improve its verifiability. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Rock is a form of popular music, usually featuring vocals (often with vocal harmony), electric guitars, and a strong back beat; other instruments, such as the saxophone, are common in some styles, however saxophones have been omitted from newer subgenres of rock music since the 90s. ... For popular forms of music in general, see Popular music. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Virgin Records is a British recording label founded by British entrepreneur Richard Branson, and Nik Powell in 1972. ... Atlantic Records (Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American record label, and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group. ... In the music industry, a record producer (or music producer) has many roles, among them controlling the recording sessions, coaching and guiding the musicians, organizing and scheduling production budget and resources, and supervising the recording, mixing and mastering processes. ... Philip David Charles Collins (born January 30, 1951 in Chiswick, London) is an English singer, songwriter, drummer and actor. ... Hugh Padgham is a British record producer and audio engineer. ... The All Music Guide (AMG) is a metadata database about music owned by All Media Guide. ... Image File history File links 3_stars. ... Philip David Charles Collins (born January 30, 1951 in Chiswick, London) is an English singer, songwriter, drummer and actor. ... 12ers is a 1987 remix album released by Phil Collins. ... Serious Hits. ... Philip David Charles Collins (born January 30, 1951 in Chiswick, London) is an English singer, songwriter, drummer and actor. ... Should not be confused with Surry. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Unified  -  by Athelstan 927 AD  Area  -  Total... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Virgin Records is a British recording label founded by British entrepreneur Richard Branson, and Nik Powell in 1972. ... Atlantic Records (Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American record label, and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Musical style

While much of the album follows the same formula as Collins' previous album, No Jacket Required, there was also a move towards more organic production as Collins chose to utilise live instrumentation instead of drum machines and prominently used keyboards. No Jacket Required is an album by Phil Collins, released in 1985. ... A Boss DR-202 Drum Machine A drum machine is an electronic musical instrument designed to imitate the sound of drums and/or other percussion instruments. ... Synthesizer as used in music, is a term derived from a Greek word syntithetai < synthesis (συντίθεται < σύνθεσις) and is used to describe a device capable of generating and/or manipulating electronic signals for use in music creation, recording and performance. ...

Themes in the album

The tone of the album is serious, as the title suggests. Instead of focusing entirely on personal relationships, dark psychedelics, and simple fun, Collins expands his focus to the exploration of socio-economic and political themes. There is great emotional turmoil underneath the polished studio production, and many of the songs are unambiguous and unveiled in their melancholy.

"Another Day in Paradise" is a critical look at the plight of the homeless. The song was inspired by Collins' visit to Washington, D.C. There, he was struck with the widespread poverty in which so many people live, and the struggles that homeless people face. He was equally struck by the perfect abandonment of these needy people, and the complacency of the city as a whole, despite being the nation's center of government (hence the sarcasm used in the title of the song). A homeless person in Paris. ... Nickname: Motto: Justitia Omnibus (Justice for All) Location of Washington, D.C., in relation to the states Maryland and Virginia Coordinates: , Country United States Federal District District of Columbia Government  - Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D)  - District Council Chairperson: Vincent C. Gray (D) Ward 1: Jim Graham (D) Ward 2: Jack...

Another politically-themed song on the album is "Colours", which voices Collins' condemnation of the segregation and oppression of black and coloured people in South Africa under apartheid (see History of South Africa in the apartheid era). Arguably the song with the most progressive rock influence in this album, it's quite popular with some fans. But it did not see much commercial success as it is almost nine minutes long, and radio stations had no interest in playing it. The political theme is also evident in the second song on the album "That's Just The Way It Is", which deals with The Troubles of Northern Ireland. This was a minor chart hit in the summer of 1990 and in the lyrics Collins makes reference to the gridlock of Ulster's sectarian differences most notably in the line If we'd agree that we can disagree, we could stop all of this today. For the legal definition of apartheid, see Crime of apartheid. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... For other uses, see Troubles (disambiguation) and Trouble. ... Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom lying in the northeast of the island of Ireland, covering 5,459 square miles (14,139 km², about a sixth of the islands total area). ...

While incorporating political themes, ...But Seriously does not abandon the theme of relationships. But unlike some of his earlier work, Collins takes a more mature and reflective approach when looking at the relationships in his life. During the album's creation, he was dealing with a range of estrangements: from society, from his father, and from his wife.

These influences can be seen in the dramatic gospel-influenced track, "I Wish it Would Rain Down", which features Eric Clapton. Gospel music is a musical genre characterized by dominant vocals (often with strong use of harmony) referencing lyrics of a religious nature, particularly Christian. ... Eric Patrick Clapton CBE (born 30 March 1945), nicknamed Slowhand, is a Grammy Award winning English guitarist, singer and composer, who is one of the most successful musicians of the 20th century,[1] garnering an unprecedented three inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ...

"Father to Son" is another song in which Collins explores his connections with people, in this case, his own son. The song has a positive, inspirational tone (which some fans have described as "cheesy"), as he seeks to guide his son through some of the trials of life and love, and to reassure him that, "if you look behind you, I will be there".

Track listing

All tracks are written by Phil Collins, except where noted.

Japanese CD Release

1. "Hang In Long Enough" – 4:44
2. "That’s Just the Way it is" – 5:10
3. "Do You Remember?" – 4:36
4. "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven" (Collins / Daryl Stuermer) – 4:50
5. "Colours" – 8:51
6. "I Wish It Would Rain Down" – 5:28
7. "Another Day in Paradise" – 5:21
8. "Heat on the Street" – 3:51
9. "All of My Life" – 5:36
10. "Saturday Night And Sunday Morning" — (Collins / Thomas Washington) – 1:26
11. "Father to Son" – 3:34
12. "Find a Way to My Heart" – 6:08

Daryl Mark Stuermer (born November 27, 1952) is a musician who played lead guitar for Genesis during live shows. ... I Wish It Would Rain Down is a song by Phil Collins, from his 1989 album . ... Another Day in Paradise was the first single released from Phil Collins number-one album, ...But Seriously. ...

Original Release

1. "Hang In Long Enough" – 4:44
2. "That's Just the Way it is" – 5:10
3. "Find a Way to My Heart" – 6:08
4. "Colours" – 8:51
5. "Father to Son" – 3:34
6. "Another Day in Paradise" – 5:21
7. "All of My Life" – 5:36
8. "Something Happened On the Way to Heaven" (Collins / Daryl Stuermer) – 4:50
9. "Do You Remember?" – 4:36
10. "I Wish It Would Rain Down" – 5:28

Audio sample

Image File history File links Anotherogg. ... Software development stages In computer programming, development stage terminology expresses how the development of a piece of software has progressed and how much further development it may require. ...

Personnel

Instrumental contributions

1. "Hang In Long Enough"
   • Phil Collins — keyboards, drums, vocals
   • Nathan East — bass guitar
   • Daryl Stuermer — guitar
   • Dominic Miller — guitar
   • The Phenix Horns:
     • Don Myrick — saxophone
     • Louis Satterfield — trombone
     • Harry Kim — trumpet
     • Rhamlee Michael Davis — trumpet
   • Alex Brown — backing vocals
   • Marva King — backing vocals
   • Lynn Fiddmont — backing vocals
2. "That’s Just the Way it is"
   • Phil Collins — keyboards, percussion, vocals
   • David Crosby — vocals
   • Leland Sklar — bass
   • Daryl Stuermer — guitars
3. "Do You Remember?"
   • Phil Collins — keyboards, percussion, vocals
   • Pino Palladino — bass
   • Daryl Stuermer — guitars
   • Stephen Bishop — vocals
4. "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven"
   • Phil Collins — keyboards, drums, vocals
   • Nathan East — bass
   • Daryl Stuermer — guitar
   • Dominic Miller — guitar
   • The Phenix Horns
   • Alex Brown — backing vocals
   • Marva King — backing vocals
   • Lynn Fiddmont — backing vocals
5. "Colours"
   • Phil Collins — keyboards, drums, vocals
   • Leland Sklar — bass
   • Dominic Miller — guitars
   • The Phenix Horns
6. "I Wish it Would Rain Down"
   • Phil Collins — keyboards, drums, vocals, tambourine
   • Pino Palladino — bass
   • Eric Clapton — guitar
7. "Another Day in Paradise"
   • Phil Collins — keyboards, drums, vocals
   • David Crosby — vocals
   • Leland Sklar — bass
   • Dominic Miller — guitars
8. "Heat on the Street"
   • Phil Collins — keyboards, drums, vocals, tambourine
   • Leland Sklar — bass
   • Daryl Stuermer — guitars
   • The Phenix Horns
   • Alex Brown — backing vocals
   • Marva King — backing vocals
   • Lynn Fiddmont — backing vocals
9. "All of My Life"
   • Phil Collins — keyboards, drums, vocals
   • Leland Sklar — bass
   • Steve Winwood — Hammond organ
   • Dominic Miller — guitars
   • Don Myrick — alto saxophone
   • Alex Brown — backing vocals
   • Marva King — backing vocals
   • Lynn Fiddmont — backing vocals
10. "Saturday Night And Sunday Morning"
    • Phil Collins — drums, percussion
    • The Phenix Horns
    • Leland Sklar — bass
11. "Father to Son"
    • Phil Collins — keyboards, drums, vocals
    • Leland Sklar — bass
    • Daryl Stuermer — guitars
12. "Find a Way to My Heart"
    • Phil Collins — keyboards, drums, percussion, vocals
    • Leland Sklar — bass
    • Daryl Stuermer — guitars
    • The Phenix Horns

Synthesizer as used in music, is a term derived from a Greek word syntithetai < synthesis (συντίθεται < σύνθεσις) and is used to describe a device capable of generating and/or manipulating electronic signals for use in music creation, recording and performance. ... A drum kit (or drum set or trap set) is a collection of drums, cymbals and sometimes other percussion instruments arranged for convenient playing by a single drummer. ... Nathan (Nate) East (born December 8, 1955, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a jazz bass player. ... The electric bass guitar (or electric bass) is a string instrument played with the fingers by plucking, slapping, or using a pick. ... Daryl Mark Stuermer (born November 27, 1952) is a musician who played lead guitar for Genesis during live shows. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Dominic Miller is an Argentine-English guitarist. ... The saxophone (colloquially referred to as sax) is a conical-bored instrument of the woodwind family, usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece like the clarinet. ... The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. ... The trumpet is the highest brass instrument in register, above the French horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, and tuba. ... A percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound by being struck with an implement, shaken, rubbed, scraped, or by any other action which sets the object into vibration. ... David Van Cortlandt Crosby (born August 14, 1941) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. ... Leland Bruce Sklar (born May 28, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is an American bass player, singer and composer. ... Pino Palladino (born on October 17, 1957 in Cardiff, Wales, UK) is a noted rock and rhythm and blues electric bass player of Italian ancestry. ... Stephen Bishop (born November 14, 1951 in San Diego, California) is an American singer and guitarist. ... Eric Patrick Clapton CBE (born 30 March 1945), nicknamed Slowhand, is a Grammy Award winning English guitarist, singer and composer, who is one of the most successful musicians of the 20th century,[1] garnering an unprecedented three inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

Production and technical contributions

• Produced by Phil Collins and Hugh Padgham
• Engineered by Hugh Padgham
• Assisted by Simon Osborne
• Mixed by Hugh Padgham and Phil Collins
• Engineering assistance in LA by Ed Goodreau
• Horns arranged by Tom Tom 99
• Music prepared by Maurice Spears
• Cover photography by Trevor Key

Hugh Padgham is a British record producer and audio engineer. ...

Charts and awards

Album

• In the UK, the success of ...But Seriously was impressive. It spent 15 non-consecutive weeks at #1, including the whole competitive Christmas season, and became the third best-selling album of the year in the country.
• ...But Seriously also peaked #1 on the Billboard 200 during four weeks. It became the second best-selling album of 1990, according to Billboard.

The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. ... Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ...

Singles

...But Seriously contained a considerably large number of hits for a non-compilation album, including "Another Day in Paradise", "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven", "I Wish it Would Rain Down", "Do You Remember" and "That's Just the Way it is".

• "I Wish It Would Rain Down" peaked #5 on Mainstream Rock Tracks in 1989.
• "Do You Remember" peaked #4 on The Billboard Hot 100 in 1990
• "Hang In Long Enough" peaked #29 on Hot Dance Music/Club Play in 1990
• "Hang In Long Enough" peaked #23 on The Billboard Hot 100 in 1990
• "I Wish it Would Rain Down" peaked #3 on Adult Contemporary in 1990
• "I Wish it Would Rain Down" peaked #3 on The Billboard Hot 100 in 1990
• "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven" peaked 34 on Mainstream Rock Tracks in 1990
• "Hang In Long Enough" peaked #40 on Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales in 1991