...But Seriously is the fourth solo studio album by English singer-songwriter Phil Collins. It was recorded at The Farm, Surrey, England, and at A&M Studios, Los Angeles, United States. It was released on 24 November 1989, on Virgin in the UK and Ireland, Atlantic in the US and Canada, WEA Records (now Warner Music Group) for the rest of the world. It was the best-selling album of 1990 in the UK.
While much of the album follows the same formula as Collins' previous album, No Jacket Required (1985), there was also a move towards more organic production as Collins chose to utilise live drums instead of the drum machines used heavily on No Jacket Required. He also prominently used keyboards and electric piano but fewer synthesizers. The album also features a sole instrumental track, "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning", which recalls the jazz-influenced instrumentals featured on his first two albums, Face Value and Hello, I Must Be Going.
The tone of the album is serious, as the title suggests. Instead of focusing entirely on personal relationships, dark psychedelics, and simple fun, Collins expands his focus to the exploration of socio-economic and political themes. There is great emotional turmoil underneath the polished studio production, and many of the songs are unambiguous and unveiled in their melancholy.
Well, you've gotta shout
If you've got something to say.
I know it's getting bad. You read it everyday.
And you, you can try your best to fight it,
But you won't make it on your own.
Oh, someone better tell the people up there.
I think they ought to know
The bubble's just about to burst.
Tell them they'd better beware.
The word is on the street.
Get up on your feet and shout out.
The kids out there don't know how to react.
The streets are getting tough,
And that's a matter of fact.
And I, I can't take this any longer,
But we can't make it on our own.
Oh, the people up there find it hard to relate.
They don't know how it feels
To be standing there on your own.
Believe me, it's never too late.
It's time to make a move.
Get up on your feet and shout...
Stop. Look down.
Everybody, do you see what's going on around you?
Stop. Look down.
Everybody, do you see what's going on around you?
Stop. Look down.
Everybody, do you see what's going on around you?
Stop. Look down.
Everybody, do you see what's going on around -
Shout out. Shout it out. Shout loud.
Oh, shout out. Shout it out. Shout loud.
There are people who give
And there are people who take.
Oh, and I believe it's gonna get better.
Realize what a difference you make.
And don't turn away. Hey! I'm talking to you.
So there's only the one solution.
Stop and think what's going on.
And you can draw your own conclusions,
But we won't make it on our own.
Oh, someone better tell the people up there.
I think they ought to know
The bubble's just about to burst.
Tell them they'd better beware.
The word is on the street.
Get up on your feet and shout...
Stop. Look down.
Everybody, do you see what's going on around you?
Stop. Look down.
Everybody, do you see what's going on around you?
Stop. Look down.
Everybody, do you see what's going on around you?
Stop. Look down.
Everybody, do you see what's going on around you?
Stop. Look down. Look down.
It's going on around you.
Stop. Look down. Look down.
...But Seriously is the fourth solo studio album by English singer-songwriter Phil Collins. It was recorded at The Farm, Surrey, England, and at A&M Studios, Los Angeles, United States. It was released on 24 November 1989, on Virgin in the UK and Ireland, Atlantic in the US and Canada, WEA Records (now Warner Music Group) for the rest of the world. It was the best-selling album of 1990 in the UK.
While much of the album follows the same formula as Collins' previous album, No Jacket Required (1985), there was also a move towards more organic production as Collins chose to utilise live drums instead of the drum machines used heavily on No Jacket Required. He also prominently used keyboards and electric piano but fewer synthesizers. The album also features a sole instrumental track, "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning", which recalls the jazz-influenced instrumentals featured on his first two albums, Face Value and Hello, I Must Be Going.
The tone of the album is serious, as the title suggests. Instead of focusing entirely on personal relationships, dark psychedelics, and simple fun, Collins expands his focus to the exploration of socio-economic and political themes. There is great emotional turmoil underneath the polished studio production, and many of the songs are unambiguous and unveiled in their melancholy.