Released in 1981, Face Value transformed Phil Collins from the drummer of Genesis into a global solo phenomenon. The album is an intensely personal piece of work written around the time of his divorce from his first wife. Rather than opting for pure pop escapism Collins leaned into raw vulnerability, expertly blending elements of soul, art-pop, and R&B into a cohesive, personal masterpiece.
The record is perhaps most famous for its revolutionary production, specifically the "gated reverb" drum sound that went on to define the sonic aesthetic of the 1980s. This is best heard on the centerpiece, "In the Air Tonight," which remains the most celebrated drum fill in rock history.
Collins showcased remarkable range by incorporating the Phenix Horns (of Earth, Wind & Fire) to bring a vibrant funk influence to tracks like "I Missed Again." This genre-bending approach allowed him to balance the minimalist folk of "The Roof Is Leaking" with an experimental cover of The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows." Ultimately, Face Value didn't just launch a solo career; it proved that a "divorce record" could be both deeply avant-garde and commercially massive.
The album will be next of Phil's solo records to be released as a deluxe vinyl boxset, featuring highlights such as:
- A brand-new interview with Phil talking about the album
- Rare, stripped back performances of In The Air Tonight and The Roof Is Leaking from The Other Secret Policeman's Ball featuring Phil and guitarist Daryl Stuermer
- Two previously unreleased live performances from Perkins Palace in 1982 and Irvine Meadows in 1985
- An unreleased outtake of Phil's experimental cover of The Beatles' Tomorrow Never Knows
- An previously unreleased full version of Over The Rainbow, of which there is an excerpt at the end of the original album
A Blu-ray will also be released on the same day featuring a brand new Dolby Atmos, 5.1 and stereo mix of the album by Steven Wilson. The Atmos will also be avaliable digitally on the same day.
