Phil Collins came out of the 1970s progressive rock tradition, but by the '80s his name became synonymous with the most polished, catchy pop music available on the open market. It's almost like he grew impatient with prog rock's sprawling arrangements and endlessly indulgent muscianship and felt like doing something akin to musical bonzai for him. And so he crafted, and he crafted some more. And when he had clipped everything away, he had the sound of the '80s sitting in front of him. The prog rock people call him a sellout. I call him Phil Collins. Because that's his name, sheesh. And "Phil Collins" writes fantastic pop. Sue him. Or better, divorce him; he will write another classic song about it.

The song form is tight, the verse chord progressions still quite complex comapred to today's chart pop but all highly functional, all the changes building to cathartic, defined choruses. Phil Collins wrote some of the best middle bridges ever, and this song is no exception - he even turns in a bonus guitar solo before going back for a fiery third verse.

If you want truly forward-looking pop drum sound, here it is for you. The '80s synths raise their hands for the roll call. Phil Collins, perpetually in that small room echo, gives a vintage intense vocal.