Testify

First all new collection of songs in six years highlighted by such tracks as 'Don't Get Me Started,' 'Testify,' 'Driving Me Crazy' and 'Least You Can Do.' Atlantic. 2002.

On his first album of new material since 1996, Phil Collins's crisp voice returns to the forefront, as does the booming rhythmic grooves and rich melodies. After taking time out to record his big-band tribute, A Hot Night in Paris, and the Tarzan original soundtrack, the former Genesis drummer-turned-frontman seek out more familiar territory on Testify. Collins successfully updates his soft rock sound with discreet electronic embellishments and spartan arrangements. It's simple stuff, but it's what Collins does best. Most intriguing is his silky cover of Billy Nicholls's "Can't Stop Loving You" (originally recorded by Leo Sayer on his 1978 self-titled album), but even originals like the effervescent "Wake Up Call" and the shadowy "Swing Low" echo the ambitious reach of his most popular work. --Aidin Vaziri