Expert: Ilya Yakovlev - 11/15/2001

Question
Hi Ilya
       How many copies of each album has Phil sold globally? Which album or compilation do u recommend? Thanks very much.

Answer
Hi Scott,

I am sorry but I don't have the stats available. You might find them at one of the sites I have listed on my homepage, http://www2.uwsuper.edu/personal/facstaff/iyakovle/

I think Phil's compilations "Hits" and "Serious Hits Live" do a good job representing his best solo work. As to his individual albums, I have to admit I like most of them for different reasons.

Face Value is his first solo work that contains mostly sad, haunting tunes, as a result of a failed marriage. It truly is a moody album, with In The Air Tonight being the main song. Hello, I Must Be Going is a cheerful album, almost an opposite of Face Value, as Phil found his new love. It contains his famous remake of You Can't Hurry Love. No Jacket Required is not my favorite album as hits like Sussudio and Don't Lose My Number have been played over and over again on the radio. My favorite tune on that one is the song available only on the CD, a remake of The Beatles' We Said Hello Goodbye. I believe this album has gone at least platinum. Phil is collaborating with Sting on one of the tracks.

...But Seriously is an incredibly good album. It has that famous song that went #1 in the States, Another Day In Paradise. Phil is big on charity an this song is testament to that. I Wish It Would Rain down has Eric Clapton helping Phil on the guitar. Something Happened on the Way To Heaven is a great, fun, cheerful song on that album.

Both Sides of the Story is a good album. Phil plays all of the instruments on it himself. Everyday is a lovely song.

Dance into the Light is another album that I don't listen to very much. It is meant to be a very positive album but is perhaps too much so. One neat tune is a remake of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A'Changin'

If I were to start my Phil collection over again, I'd get those two compilations first and maybe ...But Seriously.

Good luck and welcome to the world of Phil's music! I can guarantee you will make some fun discoveries.

Ilya.