More than four decades ago, the British artist Phil Collins would get for first time he position number one on the list of musical hits most important in the United States with the remembered theme «Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)«.
He April 21, 1984, according to the American music magazine American Songwriter«Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)» reached the top del Billboard Hot 100the ranking of the songs most popular of the moment in the US, and remained at the top for three consecutive weeks.
This ballad—of the musical genre power ballad—, also called simply “Against All Odds,” was composed by Phil Collins for the American film of the same name of the same year —known in Latin America as «The power and passion«—, starring Rachel Ward, Jeff Bridges y James Woods.
The song was a success. Apart from topping the most relevant music charts of the time, Collins won in 1985 with this topic a Grammy award for best male pop vocal performance.
In turn, their work obtained a nomination in the category of best original song at the Oscars and Golden Globe.
The origin of the lyrics of «Against All Odds»
On the other hand, regarding the story behind the lyrics of the ballad, the established British musician from 75 years revealed that the he wrote while separating from his first wife.
«That song… I wrote it during my first divorce. My first wife and the kids were gone and I was left alone. So I wrote it based entirely on that experience.instead of being a hypothetical song,” he revealed in 2007 through an interview with the radio program This American Lifeof National Public Radio (NPR), according to American Songwriter.
Throughout his life, Collins demonstrated his talents as a drummer, singer, songwriter and record producer.
Who is Phil Collins
Born in London in 1951the artist of 75 years let his mark on music. In the early 1970s, he began working as the drummer for the British progressive rock group Genesis. In 1975after the departure of the then main vocalist of the group, Peter GabrielPhil Collins became the lead singer and achieved worldwide fame.
From 1996the multi-award-winning musician left Genesis and dedicated himself completely to his solo career, in which he also achieved success.
Además de «Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)», entre sus sencillos más destacados se encuentran «In the Air Tonight», «Another Day in Paradise», «One More Night», «Sussudio», «You Can’t Hurry Love», «I Wish It Would Rain Down» y «Two Hearts».
«Throughout his career, Collins was recognized for his indelible contributions to the pop music canonboth as a soloist and a member of Genesis. Among other accolades, his solo work earned him eight GRAMMY® Awards, an Oscar, six BRIT Awards, and six Ivor Novello Awards. In 1999, he received a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was included in the Songwriters Hall of Fame four years later, while in 2010 it was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis,» it was reported in his official biography.
