Watch Phil Collins: Face Value

Phil Collins: Face Value (Classic Albums) is a fascinating look at the making of Phil Collins' first solo album after his departure from the band Genesis. The documentary, released in 1999, explores the inspiration behind the hit songs that came to define Collins' career and also delves into the musician's personal life during the time of its creation.

The film follows Collins and his creative collaborators as they discuss the recording process and various musical techniques used to create the groundbreaking album. In addition to Collins, the documentary features interviews with his longtime Genesis bandmate Tony Banks, producer Hugh Padgham, and other members of the album's creative team.

The film is a must-watch for any music lover or aspiring musician, as it provides insight into the creative process and brings to light just how much work went into creating this masterpiece of an album. Collins' work ethic and perfectionism are explored in-depth, showing how each and every note was carefully crafted to create the final sound.

The documentary also explores the personal struggles that Collins was going through at the time, including the dissolution of his marriage and his divorce. Despite the challenges he faced, Collins was able to channel that emotional turmoil into his music, which is evident in the raw and honest lyrics of songs such as "In the Air Tonight" and "I Missed Again". These tracks became instant classics, and helped establish Collins as a solo artist in his own right.

Away from the personal issues, Collins' innovative approach to music is also highlighted in the documentary. He was one of the first artists to use the drum machine as a musical instrument, and was known for experimenting with synthesizers and other electronic sound equipment. These experimental techniques can be heard throughout Face Value, as Collins created a unique and innovative sound that would go on to define his career.

The documentary also features a breakdown of the making of "In the Air Tonight", one of the most iconic songs of the 80s. This segment explains how Collins created the famous drum fill that punctuates the song's climax, showing how the artist's perfectionism led to the creation of one of the most memorable moments in music history.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are treated to live performances of songs from the album as well as archival footage of Collins at work in the recording studio. These musical segments add another layer of depth to an already engaging film, highlighting the power and emotion that runs through each of the tracks on Face Value.

Overall, Phil Collins: Face Value (Classic Albums) is an illuminating look at one of the most important albums of the 80s. It provides valuable insights into the creative process that brought the album to life, as well as the personal struggles that inspired its lyrics. Anyone who loves music, particularly fans of 80s pop and rock, will find much to enjoy in this fascinating documentary.

Phil Collins: Face Value is a 1999 documentary with a runtime of 50 minutes.