Phil Collins have been best known for his drumming in Genesis for a while, but his solo career has more than stood on its own. Since the 1980s, his distinctive voice, knack for melody, and emotionally direct lyrics have made him a staple on radio and streaming playlists alike.
He’s won eight Grammy Awards, an Oscar, and sold over 150 million records worldwide – not counting the millions who still hit play on his biggest hits today.
So which of his solo tracks have lasted the longest in the public imagination? Based on current Spotify streaming data, here are Phil Collins’ ten most played songs – ranked.
10 – A Groovy Kind of Love (2016 Remaster)
178,681,547 streams
Originally a 1965 hit for The Mindbenders, this cover became a major success for Collins when it featured in the 1988 film Buster, in which he also starred. His slower, orchestral arrangement gave the track a new emotional weight, replacing the original’s bouncy pop with something more heartfelt. It reached number one on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart and showed Collins could soften his sound without losing his core appeal.
9 – Sussudio (2016 Remaster)
183,103,379 streams
An undeniably ‘80s track, ‘Sussudio’ blends funk-pop with bright synths and a drum machine-led beat. Released in 1985 on No Jacket Required, the song’s unusual title was a made-up word that stuck during the writing process. Though often lightheartedly mocked for its lyrics, the track was a commercial hit and became one of his signature tunes. It also helped define the sonic look of the era – sleek, rhythmic, and danceable.
8 – Strangers Like Me
209,740,114 streams
Written for Disney’s 1999 animated film Tarzan, ‘Strangers Like Me’ captured the character’s curiosity and sense of wonder. The upbeat tempo and adventurous tone matched the film’s jungle setting, and the song became a highlight of the Grammy and Oscar-winning soundtrack. Collins performed the vocals in multiple languages for the international releases, further broadening its reach and legacy.
7 – One More Night (2016 Remaster)
236,981,492 streams
This soft, synth-laced ballad from No Jacket Required became a number one hit in the US in 1985. Collins wrote the track in a single evening using a Roland drum machine and keyboard, and its minimal, tender tone stood in contrast to the more upbeat hits from the same album.
6 – Easy Lover (with Philip Bailey)
445,157,616 streams
A duet with Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey, ‘Easy Lover’ came out of a studio jam session and was released in 1984. The combination of Bailey’s falsetto and Collins’ drums created a song that was both high-energy and polished. It hit number one in the UK and reached number two in the US. Though technically a collaboration, it’s one of the most recognisable tracks of either artist’s career – and remains one of Collins’ most streamed songs globally.
5 – You’ll Be in My Heart
468,222,038 streams
Another standout from the Tarzan soundtrack, this ballad won Collins the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2000. It’s a lullaby of sorts, with a gentle rhythm and lyrics about unshakeable love. Written for a scene between Tarzan’s adoptive mother and her human child, it went on to become a standalone hit – charting in the US and several other countries.
4 – Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) [2016 Remaster]
536,099,327 streams
Originally written in a matter of days for the 1984 film Against All Odds, this piano-led ballad showcases Collins at his most dramatic. The lyrics express longing and resignation, and his vocal performance is notably raw and powerful. The track hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned an Academy Award nomination. Over the years, it’s been covered by numerous artists.
3 – Another Day in Paradise (2016 Remaster)
603,907,726 streams
Released in 1989 as the lead single from …But Seriously, this song took on the topic of homelessness – a subject rarely addressed in mainstream pop at the time. The track blends a laid-back melody with a quietly urgent message, and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1991. It was also Collins’ final US number one single. Despite some criticism over a millionaire pop star addressing poverty, the song connected widely and still finds an audience today.
2 – You Can’t Hurry Love (2016 Remaster)
706,575,095 streams
Originally a hit for The Supremes in 1966, Collins’ cover brought the Motown classic to a new generation when it appeared on his 1982 album Hello, I Must Be Going!. Faithful to the original arrangement, it was recorded as a tribute to the sound he grew up with. It became Collins’ first UK number one single as a solo artist.
1 – In the Air Tonight (2015 Remaster)
848,218,955 streams
‘In the Air Tonight’ is Collins’ most famous track, and by a wide margin. Released in 1981 as his solo debut single, it’s known for its atmospheric build, haunting lyrics, and one of the most famous drum breaks in pop history. The song’s minimal, moody opening eventually explodes into a moment of catharsis – and it’s been used in countless films, TV shows, and even viral videos ever since. While myths about the song’s inspiration abound, Collins has clarified that it came out of the emotional turmoil of his divorce.