Phil Collins, I Wish It Would Rain Down | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 117th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “I Wish It Would Rain Down” 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 117^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “I Wish It Would Rain Down” performed by Phil Collins.

“Now I, now I know I wish it would rain down, down on me!” Highly decorated musician extraordinaire Phil Collins (1951 – ) delivered another big-time pop hit with “I Wish It Would Rain Down”.  The track hails from his Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum, 1989 album, …But Seriously. “Another Day In Paradise” earned …But Serious its sole Grammy, but it was a big one – Record of the Year! But, this isn’t about paradise but rather rain! “I Wish It Would Rain Down” was nominated for no Grammys, but it was one of 14 top 10 pop hits for Collins. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990.

So, what makes “I Wish It Would Rain Down” such a special Phil Collins song? Phil Collins, first and foremost.  He delivers one of the best performances of his illustrious career. In the verses, he sounds sweet and nuanced, supported by fabulous vocal production. As the song progresses, from the second chorus and beyond, including the bridge, Collins shows off the sheer power and versatility of his instrument.  His performance is impressive to the nth degree.  Upping the ante vocally as well is the inclusion of a gospel choir, beginning during the second chorus. Instrumentally, “Rain” is beastly from the get-go.  Bright and dynamic, Eric Clapton provides a serious lift with his electric guitar playing.  Other instruments that stand out are the keyboards (Collins) and the bass (Pino Palladino). The sound is firmly planted in that late 1980s, early 1990s adult contemporary aesthetic. The songwriting can’t be neglected either.  “You know I never meant to see you again,” Collins sings in the first verse, continuing, “But I only passed by as a friend, yeah.” In the second verse, he informs her, “Ooh, I never mean to cause you no pain / But it looks like I did it again, yeah.” Oh, snap! The melodies are tuneful in the verses, as well as that precipitation-filled chorus! Shout out the bridge, where the contrast melodically and melodically keeps “I Wish It Would Rain Down” engaging to the nth degree. “But I know in my heart of hearts / I know I’m never gonna hold you again, no, no,” he asserts.  Adding to the excellence of the timeless “I Wish It Would Rain Down” is the high-flying outro, where Phil and the choir continue to implore rain.