Phil Collins has revealed that much of In the Air Tonight came together without a detailed plan. In a recent interview, the singer and drummer said roughly 80% of the song was improvised, including much of the first verse.
Collins explained during the conversation that the track began with a keyboard sound and a drum-machine pattern. From there, he started singing without a fixed lyrical subject in mind. The spontaneous performance eventually became very close to the version released on his 1981 debut solo album, Face Value.
The song has since become one of Collins’ best-known recordings, helped by its atmospheric production and famous drum entrance. His comments also offered a look at the way he often approaches songwriting.
Collins said he frequently begins at the piano and allows melodies and words to develop naturally. That method differs from projects such as Disney’s Tarzan, where the songs had to fit specific scenes and story points.
Decades later, In the Air Tonight remains closely associated with Collins’ solo career.