Something Happened on the Way to Heaven

I have to admit that I wasn't a huge Phil Collins/Genesis fan in the 80s, but there were a couple of songs that sparked my attention back then.  Now that I am older, I can certainly appreciate his music and unyielding talent.  He is a true master of the musical craft.

So, something happened on the way to heaven, and the story unfolds through the lyrics.  Actually, it's quite simple -- he had a love, lost her, and now he wants her back.  How many times can he say he's sorry?!  Well, just a couple, and we hear it in the chorus -- which is also where Phil Collins is supported by the harmonies of his back-up singers.  Ah yes, the back-up singers...  Back in the day, many stars broke onto the scene via that route.  There certainly was no shame in that gig, because it either led to a solo career or the simple joy of joining forces with great singers day after day.  In addition to the supporting vocalists in this song, there is an amazing brass section that I just could not miss as an instrumentalist myself.  Wow.  That is some terrific trumpet and a really tight section.  Blows my mind that they make it seem so easy...  And speaking of easy, the intro of this song sounds quite similar to "Easy Lover," giving you the feeling that something of epic proportions is about to happen.  Will it be Phil Collins flying in on a plane with Phillip Bailey like in the "Easy Lover" video?  No, but it is something better -- song writing of epic proportions with a dynamite instrumental and vocal ensemble to support Mr. Collins.  Kudos big time here.   I don't quite get the whole dog thing in the video, although s/he is pretty cute.  I think the live performance element in the video would have been just fine by itself, but maybe something happened on the way to production, and the dog's role was born.  I'm not sure, but I certainly am curious...

Couldn't help thinking of Rowlf when the dog played the piano in this video.