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„Preview
Review“ of Phil Collins’ new album Testify
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Phil Collins: “I’m very happy with Testify. Now I release the album to the world outside to see whether it will float or sink. […] The songs are very optimistic. They reflect where I am in my life at the moment. I am very happy. There were times when I wondered: ‘Why should I release these songs at all?’ […] ‘Why should I expose myself to criticism?’ “ Long-time Collins fans will be pleased at Phil’s decision not to let Testify gather dust in some drawers in his new home in Switzerland. When you first listen to it, Testify seems peculiar, but the more familiar you become with it the more you enjoy the album. Testify is a kind of Both Sides Part Two. It is made up of re-worked computer home demo versions. Unlike Both Sides, Phil Collins did not record Testify all on his own. On the guitar he is supported by Tim Pierce. Paul Bushnell plays bass, James Sanger took care of the programming on Swing Low, Eric Rigler (known from True Colours) plays the bagpipes on Least You Can Do. Daryl Stuermer plays brief but precious guitar additions on the same song. The album opens with a lively Wake Up Call that if followed by a “tender and hypnotic” (Collins) Come With Me in 3/4 and the heavy-duty soulful title song Testify. Don’t Get Me Started is a very positive and angry number and a real catchy tune. Two softly grooving songs called It’s Not Too Late and Swing Low (complete with a quote from In The Air Tonight) are followed by This Love, This Heart. This fine ballad has a wonderful closing section. The verses of Driving Me Crazy sounds almost like ska and has nothing to do with the 80s hit by Shakin Stevens. Driving Me Crazy is a song with real radio potential. Daryl Stuermer wrote the music for the melodious
gem Least You Can Do, but it still is a Collins classic from the first
second onwards! Can’t Stop Loving You was put out as a single.
The ancient country ballad sung by Leo Sayer was overhauled completely,
the time signature was changed from 3/4 to 4/4 and the whole song was
recorded faster. Thru My Eyes is the only song with a Collins-style
brass section and resembles the Philip Bailey song Chinese Wall that
Phil Collins produced in the 80s. A walk Phil took with his little son
Nicholas was where the final song on the album began to develop. You
Touch My Heart is also dedicated to Nicholas. A malicious rumour has
it that little Nicholas also played the “beep” keyboard
solo. To sum it all up: Testify is certainly no milestone like Face Value, but if you pay attention to the album you’ll find: Testify floats! Author – Bernd Vormwald |