Although Phil Collins first achieved fame as the drummer of Genesis, which was a very Progressive Rock band in the 60s and 70s, he also became a huge Pop star as a solo artist. His path to stardom started after Peter Gabriel decided to leave the group in 1975, making him also be the group’s vocalist. Things changed again after the guitarist Steve Hackett also left and as the band’s 1978 album says “. And Then There Were Three”, because there was only Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks left.
Collins continued as the drummer and singer, Rutherford also had double duties playing the bass and guitar and Banks continued to play the keyboards. Their sound became more commercial and as the result they became one of the best-selling bands of all time. In 1981 Collins released his debut album “Face Value” which was the start of many hit records that made him one of the most important artists of the 80s.
That was really good for Pop music and there were many other incredible artists like Prince, who Collins admired. Over the decades he talked sometimes about the late American artist. He even mentioned 3 tracks that he thinks are fantastic.
The 3 Prince songs that Phil Collins listed as fantastic ones
“Little Red Corvette”
In an interview with David Sheff, Collins was asked about Prince and revealed that he is a big fan of the artist, mentioning the three songs he thinks are fantastic. “I’m a big fan. I just wish he weren’t quite like he is sometimes. (So) I mean, he came to some British awards here and made his way up to the stage to get his awards with a huge bodyguard who stood there while he said, “Thanks a lot.”
“I just think it’s funny to pull that kind of thing off in this business. If you’re in front of 10,000 kids screaming at you, it’s one thing. But inside the business, it’s strange. Musically, Prince is great, though. I love his attitude,” Phil Collins said.
Written by Prince and released in 1983 on his famous album “1999”, “Little Red Corvette” was a hit at the time. It reached number 7 on the United Kingdom Singles chart. On the United States Billboard Mainstream Rock tracks was number 28.
“Take Me with U”
From Prince and the Revolution released the groundbreaking album “Purple Rain” in 1984. Besides the title-track, “Take Me With U” was also a big hit. The song, which is a duet with Apollonia Kotero, reached number 7 on the United Kingdom singles chart. On the United States it reached the position number 25.
Although they didn’t perform together, there was a connection between Prince and Collins at least for fans and critics. The reason is because his hit “Sussudio” from the 1985 album “No Jacket Required” is similar to Prince’s track “1999” from the album of the same name released in 1982.
“Purple Rain”
Collins also mentioned the smash hit “Purple Rain”, which is the most famous song released by Prince. Also from the album of the same name released in 1984, the song is often described as a power ballad. It mixes Rock and Roll, Rhythm and Blues, Gospel and Orchestral music.
At the time of its release, the track reached number 2 on the United States Billboard Hot 100, staying there for two weeks. It only wasn’t strong enough to take Wham‘s hit “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, which was in the first position.
The “Purple Rain” album was the soundtrack of the movie of the same name that was the acting debut of Prince. The Rock musical drama was directed by Albert Magnoli and became a cult classic. It cost a little more than 7 million dollars and was a huge success. It made more than 70 million dollars at the box office.
Prince is one of the most influential American artists in history and was active until his death in 2016. He died of accidental overdose of the opioid fentanyl when he was 57. Like Phil Collins, Prince had also sold an estimated amount of more than 100 million records worldwide.
