Phil Collins, Another Day In Paradise | Throwback Vibez

In the 159^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Another Day in Paradise” 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 159^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Another Day in Paradise” performed by Phil Collins.  

Ooh-wee! Award-winning musician extraordinaire Phil Collins (b. 1951) delivered a surefire pop bop with “Another Day In Paradise”.  The song is the seventh track from his Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum, 1989 album, …But Seriously. “Paradise” earned …But Serious its sole Grammy, but it was a big one – Record of the Year!  The song, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marked Collin’s longest reign atop the pop charts at four weeks. Another fun fact: “Paradise” was the final number one hit of the ‘80s, as well as the first number one hit of the ‘90s.  Unsurprisingly, Collins earned gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for the single.

The nearly five-and-a-half-minute “Another Day in Paradise” begins enigmatically. After establishing itself, “Paradise” catches the ear with its keys, synths, and drum sequencing.  Other fabulous touches that make this a quintessential late ‘80s and early ‘90s song are the guitar riffs.  As always, Phil Collins shines vocally.  He sings expressively and sincerely, bringing the memorable lyrics and tuneful melodies to life. “She calls out to the man on the street / He can see she’s been crying,” he sings in the second verse, and continues, “She’s got blisters on the soles of her feet / She can’t walk, but she’s trying.” Help is needed in this thought-provoking, socially conscious pop song. The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the crème de la crème. Notably, it includes the recurring, unforgettable instrumental motive. The bridge marks a change of pace, common in Collins’ songs, as well as the music of the decade. “Oh, Lord / Is there nothing more anybody can do?” he petitions to God, and adds, “Oh, Lord / There must be something You can say.” Though the bridge drifts from the familiar, “Another Day in Paradise” returns to the familiar in the third and final verse, ultimately fading out in the outro post-chorus.  “Another Day In Paradise” is another masterpiece by a pop icon.

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Phil Collins on The Musical Hype 🔻

Phil Collins, Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now): Throwback Vibez No. 124 (2024) Phil Collins vs. Mariah Carey: Head 2 Head No. 35 (2024) Phil Collins, I Wish It Would Rain Down: Throwback Vibez No. 117 (2025)  Phil Collins, Sussudio: Throwback Vibez No. 134 (2025) Phil Collins, In The Air Tonight: Throwback Vibez No. 144 (2025)  Phil Collins, One More Night: Throwback Vibez No. 152 (2025)

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Phil Collins » …But Seriously » Philip Collins Ltd. / Rhino Entertainment Company » 1989

Phil Collins, Another Day in Paradise: Throwback Vibez No. 159 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Philip Collins Ltd. / Rhino Entertainment Company; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]

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