August 1981: Phil Collins' IN THE AIR TONIGHT Peaks at #19 on the Hot 100

It was in 2020 when Phil Collins made a massive resurgence on pop culture and public consciousness at large thanks to a viral reaction video: the Williams' twins reacting to the 1981 single, "In the Air Tonight," for the very first time. The Indiana natives' stunned reaction to the track--and Collins' legendary drum breakdown--made the clip a social medial feel-good favorite.

Rewinding time back more than 40 years, it was January 9, 1981, when Phil Collins first released "In the Air Tonight." The song served as his debut solo single, and the lead track from his debut LP, Face Value. The song was a hit around the world, peaking at #2 on the UK singles chart. Collins was only blocked from #1 by John Lennon's "Woman," which was enjoying a bittersweet resurgence, with record buyers still reacting to the ex-Beatle's tragic murder in December 1980. A top 10 hit in several European countries, the booming track hit #1 in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Sweden.

As for America, "In the Air Tonight" peaked at a respectable #19 on the Hot 100 for the week of August 15, 1981. The #1 song in America that week: Diana Ross and Lionel Richie with "Endless Love.

FUN FACT: helping propel "In the Air Tonight" up the charts and deep into the fabric of American pop culture: a pivotal moment in the very first episode of MIAMI VICE. The two-hour movie entitled "Brother's Keeper."