Phil Collins, Two Hearts | Throwback Vibez

In the 185^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Two Hearts” by award-winning pop-rock singer-songwriter Phil Collins.

[nx_dropcap]T[/nx_dropcap]he 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 185^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Two Hearts” performed by Phil Collins.  

[nx_pullquote]“She knows / There will always be a special place / In my heart for her.”[/nx_pullquote] Phil Collins (b. 1951) had no shortage of hits in the 1980s.  Among many unforgettable songs is “Two Hearts”, which appears on the second disc of Collins’ greatest hits compilation, The Singles (Expanded), released in 2016.  It originally appeared in the soundtrack to the 1988 film Buster. “Two Hearts” spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989. Collins penned and produced the hit with a legend: Lamont Dozier (1941 – 2022).  A decorated hit, Collins and Dozier won a Golden Globe (Best Original Song) and a Grammy (Best Song Written Specifically For A Motion Picture).  They were also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, though they lost to Carly Simon for “Let The River Run” from Working Girl. 

“Two Hearts” is nothing short of a surefire vibe.  It sounds bright and enthusiastic, set in an optimistic major key.  The soulful pop vibes are perceptible from the jump.  Those soulful pop vibes comprise Motown influence, unsurprising given the co-writing and co-production of Lamont Dozier.  The musical accompaniment is picturesque, with an updated Motown sound (keys, bass, guitar, busy drums, and strings). Beyond the backdrop, Phil Collins impresses with his expressive, jubilant, and spirited vocals.  “Well, there’s no easy way to / To understand it,” he sings in the second verse, and adds, “There’s so much of my life in her / And it’s like I’m blinded.” Oh, snap! Supportive background vocals amplify Collins’ lead.  He delivers tuneful melodies in the verses, pre-chorus (“‘Cause she’s always there behind you / Just to remind you”), and particularly in the chorus.

“Two hearts

Living in just one mind

Beating together

Till the end of time

You know we’re two hearts

Living in just one mind

Together forever

Till the end of time, oh.” 

The bridge, excerpted earlier, distinguishes itself from the other sections. It features a different harmonic scheme and a key modulation. As the quick-paced, peppy record progresses, Collins provides even more oomph. All told, “Two Hearts” is another epic pop joint from one of the best to do it.  Fun and unforgettable, these hearts never grow old or stale!