In the Air Tonight
Phil Collins | Artist Essentials
First released: 1981 (year verified)
Original 1981 studio recording
MusicAtlas editorial note: Listen to the space around the voice before the drums transform the scale of the arrangement.
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Release evidence and recording details
First released: 1981 (year verified)
Original recording released in 1981; year precision retains the original album/single cycle without assigning a later reissue or annual-list date.
Recording: Original 1981 studio recording
Credit: Phil Collins
Role in this collection: Primary artist
Original album: Face Value
Original album association; an earlier single within the same year does not change the verified year.
Phil Collins - Face Value and Both Sides original programs
Rhino identifies original years 1981 and 1993 and separates each original album program from live and demo bonus tracks. The 2016 reissue date is not the first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-17
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About Phil Collins
Phil Collins is a British singer, drummer and songwriter who worked as a child actor before joining Genesis as a drummer. His solo career developed alongside the band, with In the Air Tonight and albums including Face Value and No Jacket Required. Film work became another strand of his writing and performing, from Against All Odds to Disney's Tarzan. He sang the Tarzan songs himself, including You'll Be in My Heart, and later worked with composer Mark Mancina on Brother Bear.
Artist background sources
Walt Disney Archives D23: Phil Collins
Supports British childhood acting, Genesis drums, separate solo repertoire and Disney film-song work with Mancina; erroneous Face Value year in source omitted. | Retrieved 2026-10-17
Profile reviewed: 2026-10-17. Artist background does not establish a song's creative origin or release date.
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