Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight

About

"In the Air Tonight" is a seminal song by Phil Collins, released in January 1981 as the lead single from his debut solo album, Face Value. The song is renowned for pioneering the gated-reverb drum sound, which became a hallmark of 1980s music. Co-produced with Hugh Padgham, it features a distinctive drum fill that has become one of the most recognizable in music history. The song's atmospheric and haunting quality is complemented by its ominous chords and processed electric guitar sounds. The song's lyrics were written during a tumultuous period in Collins' life, following his divorce from Andrea Bertorelli. Despite urban legends surrounding its meaning, Collins has clarified that it reflects his emotional state at the time. "In the Air Tonight" achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top of charts in several countries and becoming a staple of classic rock radio. Its influence extends beyond its own era, with the gated-reverb sound shaping the music of the 1980s and beyond.