Phil Collins, Against All Odds | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 124th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” by Phil Collins.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 124^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” performed by Phil Collins.

“How can I just let you walk away? / Just let you leave without a trace?” That is a fair question, Phil Collins.  Those lyrics commence the beloved English musician’s gold-certified classic, “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)”.  Notably, it is the titular track from the Against All Odds (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). “Against” is one of 14 top 10 hits by the decorated musician.  Even more elite, it marks one of seven no. 1 hits.  It spent three weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. He penned the classic while Arif Mardin produced it.

“Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” begins with a sweet instrumental intro that recurs in the outro. The classic features a memorable, instantly recognizable melody that graces all three verses and a marvelous chorus.  Harmonically, it shines using some fabulous chords.  The production is lush, characteristic of the 1980s with the use of keys and strings. The drums enter the mix following the chorus before the final verse, giving “Against” even more oomph.  The songwriting is memorable, evidenced by moments like “I wish I could just make you turn around / Turn around and see me cry / There’s so much I need to say to you / So many reasons why” (final verse), and the refrain/pre-chorus, “You’re the only one who really knew me at all.” Of course, the chorus is where Collins’ bread is buttered – easily the section of the song to beat:

“So, take a look at me now

Well, there’s just an empty space

And there’s nothin’ left her to remind me

Just the memory of your face

Now, take a look at me now

‘Cause there’s just an empty space

But to wait for you is all I can do

And that’s what I’ve got to face.”

Collins’ most powerful vocals occur during the chorus. After reaching a fever pitch, Collins brings things down superbly at the end. “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” = EPIC. Unsurprisingly, it won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male, in addition to a nomination for Song Of The Year.   

Various Artists // Against All Odds (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) // Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. / Atlantic // 1984

Phil Collins, Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 124 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. / Atlantic; OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]