This was the first Phil Collins CD I hadn't previously bought on Vinyl and one of my first 'CD Only' purchases.

I had bought his previous two solo albums [and the CDs when they came out] and, like many people at that time, revelled in the cynicism and self pity inspired by his acrimoniuos private life.

'No Jacket Required' was a different kettle of fish entirely; a much more upbeat and happier affair.

The CD quite literally bursts into life with 'Sussudio' sounding (to me anyway) rather like 'Jump' by the Pointer Sisters. This sort of lurches into 'Only You Know And I Know' (one of the better tracks on the CD) which falls into... Well, you know what I mean?

What I'm trying to say is, the album doesn't flow. It is rather 'bitty', chopping and changing from frenetic to ballard to love song to rock with each change of the track, lacking both cohesion and direction. Not so much a carefully thought out album as a collection of [albiet nice] songs shoved together for convenience's sake.

I remember liking this CD a lot when I first got it but on listening again for this review can't honestly say I would go and buy it today. There are some good tracks and a great one [mainly thanks to Sting] but on reflection, and despite the good tracks, it has not stood the test of time...

My favourites tracks are; 'Long, Long Way To Go', 'One More Night' 'Don't Lose My Number', 'Doesn't Anybody Stay Together Anymore' and 'Take Me Home'. If pushed, I would have to go with 'Long, Long Way To Go' partly for the ethereal melody, partly for the haunting lyrics but mainly for Sting's distinctive backing vocals. But 'Take Me Home' comes a close second.

'Sussudio' (the number one hit single) must be the outstanding dud of the bunch having dated so much more than the rest. Hearing it again was somewhat akin to opening a wardrobe, seeing some previously prized fashion item and clapping your hand to your mouth to smother a horrified scream [or a howl of scornful laughter]!

The cover notes feature a typically self indulgent full length photo of Phil instead of the printed lyrics everyone would rather have. I really do hate it when they do that!

A lot of things have changed in 20 years, myself included, and looking at this CD from both viewpoints I guess I can sum this up in a dozen words.

"A once great album now looking a little long in the tooth ..."

Regards
tbod