Phil Collins: From Pop Ballads to Broadway Showtunes - A Musical Journey
Phil Collins has always been a versatile artist, not confined to one genre. While Genesis started in prog-rock, Collins explored various genres throughout his career. He had a knack for sophisticated pop music, evident in his ballads like ‘Against All Odds’ and ‘You’ll Be In My Heart’. Surprisingly, he ventured into writing songs for the Tarzan soundtrack, showcasing his potential for musical theatre.
Despite his success in film soundtracks, creating Broadway showtunes was a new challenge for Collins. Drawing inspiration from classic musicals like West Side Story, he immersed himself in the world of show music to understand the essence of writing songs for Broadway. His lack of formal music theory training didn’t deter him, as he believed in absorbing the best of the musical theatre world.
Collins’ collaboration with Disney for the Tarzan musical required him to deliver songs that could rival the iconic Disney Renaissance hits. His approach to the Tarzan soundtrack was unique, blending pop sensibilities with a linear storyline. Songs like ‘Strangers Like Me’ showcased his ability to create grandiose yet catchy tunes that fit the narrative of the musical.
The success of the Tarzan musical raised questions about why Collins didn’t pursue a career in Broadway full-time. His talent for crafting engaging showtunes and his ability to infuse storytelling into his music made the Tarzan soundtrack a standout project in his discography. Despite his diverse musical journey, his foray into musical theatre proved to be a rewarding experience that showcased his versatility as an artist.