Album of the Day

Already a star with prog-rockers Genesis, Phil Collins launched his solo career in spectacular fashion with 1981's “In The Air Tonight.” Co-produced by Hugh Padgham (who would become a regular Collins collaborator), the single reached #2 on the chart in the singer's native England, and through frequent use in film and TV soundtracks and samples it has become one of the performer's most recognizable hits. The track's stark atmosphere reflects the anger and recrimination of the lyrics, written in the aftermath of a wrenching divorce, and makes the famous gated reverb drum solo particularly cathartic. As Phil pointed out in a much-retweeted message, if you start the recording at 11:56:40 on December 31^st, that drum break will play just as the clock strikes midnight. To get your New Year going, “In The Air Tonight” is our Song of the Day.