Going Back (Phil Collins album)
Encyclopedia
Going Back is Phil Collins
's eighth studio album. It was released on 13 September 2010 in the United Kingdom and 28 September 2010 in the United States. and features covers of 60s Motown & Soul
standards
. It also was his first full solo release in eight years, Collins having primarily concentrated on soundtracks, compilations, and his extensive touring as a solo artist and with Genesis
.
Collins has previously recorded and performed covers of Motown songs in his career. Most famously, his cover of "You Can't Hurry Love
" reached No.1 on the UK charts in 1982. In addition, the Motown-esque "Two Hearts
", written in collaboration with Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier
appeared on the original soundtrack album from Collins' 1988 film Buster
, and Smokey Robinson
& The Miracles
' "Tears of a Clown
" appeared as a B-side on the 2003 single "The Least You Can Do
", and a live version of "My Girl" first appeared on the Japanese release Live from the Board in 1995 and later on the 2004 album Love Songs: A Compilation... Old and New
.
There are two editions of the album; one with 18 tracks and a limited "Going Back Ultimate Edition" 25-track CD/29-song DVD set. Amazon.com also has an exclusive CD-R 25-track release. iTunes has an enhanced iTunes LP HD format release featuring 26 audio tracks, a music video and other enhanced content. The album was promoted with a series of live shows in the summer of 2010.
Collins indicated in interviews that Going Back would most likely be his final project, and that he was considering retirement from music permanently. Collins confirmed his retirement in a statement in 2011, making Going Back his final work.
in his right ear in 2000, and in 2003 announced his last solo tour. He called it the "First Final Farewell Tour", a tongue-in-cheek reference to the multiple farewell tours of other popular artists.
Since releasing his seventh solo album Testify
in 2002, Collins wrote the music for Brother Bear
and a Broadway production of Tarzan
. He remarked in several interviews during this time that he was in semi-retirement and even retired from recording music at one stage. Turn It On Again: The Tour
with Genesis
in 2007 included Collins on drums and vocals, but involved no new music or songwriting.
In September 2009, it was reported that Collins could no longer play drums, due to a recent operation to repair dislocated vertebrae in his neck. However, a statement from Collins on the Genesis band website said, "There isn't any drama regarding my 'disability' and playing drums. Somehow, during the last Genesis tour, I dislocated some vertebrae in my upper neck and that affected my hands. After a successful operation on my neck, my hands still can't function normally. Maybe in a year or so it will change, but for now it is impossible for me to play drums or piano. I am not in any 'distressed' state, stuff happens in life."
Despite these statements of retirement and the effects from his spinal operation, it was reported in October 2009 that Collins was to record a Motown covers album. He told a German newspaper, "I want the songs to sound exactly like the originals", and that the album would feature up to 30 songs.
In the summer of 2009, Daryl Stuermer
hinted Collins was in the studio working on an album. He was asked to send a transcript of a Temptations song for the album.
Bob Babbitt
, Eddie Willis
and Ray Monette were the musicians during recording. The three were a part of the famous The Funk Brothers
, session musicians who played on several Motown recordings from 1959 until 1972. Recording took place in Switzerland and work began on overdubbing 25 songs for the album on 11 January and finished on the 20th January. Phil said of having the Funk Brothers available to play on the album, "To be able to have three of the surviving Funk Brothers play on all the tracks was unbelievable. There was one moment when they were tracking 'Heat Wave' that I experienced a wave of happiness and wonder that this was actually happening to me!".
In January 2010, Chester Thompson
said that the album had been completed and would be released some time soon. He also revealed that Collins managed to play the drums on the album despite the adverse effects of his recent spinal operation. Collins confirmed he has had to tape drumsticks to his hands in order to play. Bob Babbitt on his forum stated that the album would be released in September, and has confirmed that a filmed showcase will take place in Europe and the US during the summer.
Speaking at the 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
ceremony, where Genesis were inductees, Collins said of the album: "You know, I mean, I started it for fun, really, and just chose all the Motown songs, the darker songs that I liked, the lesser known ones. And I ended up with about 40 of them and finished, I’ve actually finished about 29 of them".
Until early 2010, the album was going to be called 18 Good Reasons with the album cover stylised to recall the Motown era. But the chance discovery of a photograph of 13-year-old Collins playing drums in the Getty Images library caused a change in direction, resulting in the album being called Going Back. In an interview on NBC's Today Show in September 2010, Collins noted he had to pay for use of the cover image.
Collins decided to perform a series of live shows in the summer to promote Going Back. "Up Close & Personal: Phil Collins Plays 60's Motown & Soul" was exclusively devoted to the music from the new album and were not part of an upcoming world tour. The first of these shows were announced on the 14 April, to take place at New York's Roseland Ballroom for 3 nights from 23 June to 25 June. 2 nights in Philadelphia were then added to the list. On 29 April, it was confirmed that Collins was to be part of the opening night of 2010 Montreux Jazz Festival
. 2 days later, it was announced that Phil Collins would perform a one-off show in London on 28 June 2010. This show was broadcast live on ITV1
18 September 2010.
Collins was supported by an 18 piece band for the brief 6 show tour. The band included Funk Brothers bassist Bob Babbitt, guitarists Eddie Willis & Ray Monette, Genesis touring musicians Daryl Stuermer on guitar and drummer Chester Thompson, a five-piece horn section, six back-up singers (Amy Keys, Lamont Van Hooke, Lynne Fiddmont-Linsey, Connie Jackson-Comegys, Terron Brooks
and Bill Cantos), percussionist/vocalist Leslie Smith and keyboardist Brad Cole.
Andy Greene, of Rolling Stone, wrote of the final show in New York; "It's very hard not to come off like a glorified wedding band when you play a two-hour concert Motown and soul covers, but last night in New York, Phil Collins pulled it off".
Towards of the last show of the brief tour at Montreux, record producer Quincy Jones
appeared on stage to praise Collins as sounding as if he was from the "south side of Chicago," while Montreux festival founder Claude Nobs said: "He was magnificent. There was a lot of emotion and sincerity. And it's only the beginning of the festival." Collins admitted himself that performing these songs was terrifying; "Numbers like 'Dancing in the Street' are among the greatest singles ever made, but doing them live was terrifying."
Bob Babbitt confirmed that a live DVD of the last show at the Roseland Ballroom in New York was recorded for a release later in the year.
Both "(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave" and the title track "Going Back" were confirmed as single releases from the album. On 31 July 2010, Atlantic Records unveiled the music video to support "(Love Is Like a) Heatwave". On 24 August 2010, a music video for "Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)
" was released on Phil Collins's official YouTube
Channel, confirming it as the next single to be released from the album.
of BBC
Music said "So faithfully have Collins and his confreres recreated the Sound of Young America – shimmering tambourines drowning out drums, bass compressed to a fat, distorted throb –that it’s hard not to be swept along". The album was also featured as BBC Radio 2's "Album Of The Week" on 4 September 2010.
Martin Townsend
of the Daily Express stated "You have to take your hat off to Phil Collins. Expressing the refreshingly modest desire to make an “old-sounding” album of cover versions the 59-year-old singer zips through a selection of mostly-Motown classics like Jimmy Mack and Uptight with the verve energy and wit of a man reborn."
Jack Foley of IndieLondon gave it 3 out of 5 stars, adding "The resulting album is as heartfelt and faithfully recreated as you might expect from an artist of Collins’ calibre…". Donald Gibson of SeattlePI said that "Going Back is an homage, plain and simple, with which Collins honors the songwriters, musicians, and vocalists who inspired him to pursue his own musical path as a young man."
Graeme Thomson of Uncut
was not so impressed, giving the album 2 stars out of 5 and stating "You can’t fault the raw material, but Collins brings nothing new to these songs. If you have an overpowering desire to hear him gamely plough through renditions of "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
" and "Uptight
", step aboard. For anyone else, Going Back is a heartfelt but pointless exercise in ersatz soul."
Ross Bennett of Mojo
gave the album 3 stars out of 5 and wrote "...all are faithful reproductions of the originals. The likes of "Uptight
", "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever
" and "Jimmy Mack
" capture the exuberance of those '60s sides, but the slower ballads - particularly "Blame It on the Sun
" and a desperately cloying "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer
" - are plain dreary."
Legendary Motown songwriter and producer Lamont Dozier
hailed Going Back; "Recording an album of Motown covers can be tricky, but I have to say this album has exceeded my expectations. Phil Collins has truly given us the real thing vocally, instrumentally, and production-wise... It's spectacular, making it impossible to pick a favorite because they're all masterfully done."
Going Back debuted at No.1 in the Dutch Album Charts for the week ending 18 September 2010.
Going Back reached No.1 in the UK Album charts for the week ending 23 September 2010. It was his first UK No.1 in 12 years (...Hits
) and his first UK No.1 in 17 years (Both Sides
) counting only albums with new material.
Expanded 25-Track CD
The 7 Bonus Tracks on the CD are:
iTunes has a Digital Download Deluxe Version in the "iTunes LP" HD format which contains 26 (of the 29) audio songs plus the music video for "(Love Is Like a) Heatwave". The "iTunes LP" HD format contains complete song lyrics and a Digital Photo Gallery.
The Ultimate Edition
DVD Bonus Tracks
In addition to the expanded 25-track CD, the DVD contains the complete Going Back Session Recordings - all 29 tracks which can be transferred to your PC as either WAV or mp3 (320kbps) files.
The 4 Bonus Tracks on the DVD are:
You can also play all 29 tracks with a different replica 7" Vinyl Record sleeve presented for each track.
The DVD also contains the following Video Materials:
Going Back ... The Home Movie - 87 minute documentary narrated by Phil Collins
A Conversation With Phil Collins - 22 minute documentary includes on-camera Phil Collins interview plus behind-the-scenes and additional interviews with other participants.
"(Love Is Like a) Heatwave" - Music Video
"Going Back" - Music Video
A retailer-exclusive version of Going Back was offered at Best Buy in the United States. This includes an additional DVD containing only a 30-minute interview with Phil Collins. The DVD is packaged with the CD in a special 2-disc jewel case, and is apparently the only version of the album with a bonus disc being sold at U.S. retail stores. Other versions containing the bonus tracks and the DVD described above can still be ordered online at the official Phil Collins website by U.S. customers. While versions of the album including the bonus tracks and video material listed above do not appear to be available at any retail store, they are available via online retailers, like Amazon.com.
Collins has previously recorded two of the extra tracks found on the "Ultimate Edition" DVD. "Tears of a Clown" was recorded as a B-side in 2002. In addition, he recorded "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" as a duet with Manhattan Transfer on their 1995 album Tonin. Both these tracks were newly recorded for Going Back.
Phil Collins
Philip David Charles "Phil" Collins, LVO is an English singer-songwriter, drummer, pianist and actor best known as a drummer and vocalist for British progressive rock group Genesis and as a solo artist....
's eighth studio album. It was released on 13 September 2010 in the United Kingdom and 28 September 2010 in the United States. and features covers of 60s Motown & Soul
Soul Music
Soul Music is the sixteenth Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett, first published in 1994. Like many of Pratchett's novels it introduces an element of modern society into the magical and vaguely late medieval, early modern world of the Discworld, in this case Rock and Roll music and stardom, with...
standards
Standard (music)
In music, a standard is a tune or song of established popularity.-See also:* Blues standard* Jazz standard* Pop standard* Great American Songbook-Further reading:* Greatest Rock Standards, published by Hal Leonard ISBN 0793588391...
. It also was his first full solo release in eight years, Collins having primarily concentrated on soundtracks, compilations, and his extensive touring as a solo artist and with Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
.
Collins has previously recorded and performed covers of Motown songs in his career. Most famously, his cover of "You Can't Hurry Love
You Can't Hurry Love
"You Can't Hurry Love" is 1966 song originally released by The Supremes for the Motown label.Written and produced by Motown production team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song topped the United States Billboard pop singles chart and in the UK in the top 5, released and peaking late summer in 1966...
" reached No.1 on the UK charts in 1982. In addition, the Motown-esque "Two Hearts
Two Hearts (song)
"Two Hearts" is a song performed by Phil Collins, written and produced by Collins and Lamont Dozier for the 1988 crime comedy film Buster. It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song alongside the Carly Simon song "Let the River Run" from Working Girl...
", written in collaboration with Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier
Lamont Dozier
Lamont Herbert Dozier is an American songwriter and record producer, born in Detroit, Michigan. Dozier has either co-written or produced several US Billboard #1 hits.-Career:...
appeared on the original soundtrack album from Collins' 1988 film Buster
Buster (film)
Buster is a 1988 comedy-drama film starring musician Phil Collins, Julie Walters, Larry Lamb and Sheila Hancock. The soundtrack featured two Phil Collins singles which eventually topped the Billboard 100 singles chart.-Plot:...
, and Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy...
& The Miracles
The Miracles
The Miracles are an American rhythm and blues group from Detroit, Michigan, notable as the first successful group act for Berry Gordy's Motown Record Corporation . Their single "Shop Around" was Motown's first million-selling hit record, and the group went on to become one of Motown's signature...
' "Tears of a Clown
The Tears of a Clown
"The Tears of a Clown" is a song by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles for the Tamla label, originally released on the 1967 album Make It Happen. It was re-released in the United Kingdom as a single in September 1970, where it became a #1 hit on the UK singles chart...
" appeared as a B-side on the 2003 single "The Least You Can Do
The Least You Can Do
"The Least You Can Do" is a 2003 single release by English singer Phil Collins from his seventh solo album Testify, released in 2002. The song was also released in a double A-side format alongside "Wake Up Call"....
", and a live version of "My Girl" first appeared on the Japanese release Live from the Board in 1995 and later on the 2004 album Love Songs: A Compilation... Old and New
Love Songs: A Compilation... Old and New
Love Songs: A Compilation... Old and New is a compilation album by British musician Phil Collins. The album was released by Atlantic Recording Corporation and Rhino Entertainment on 28 September 2004...
.
There are two editions of the album; one with 18 tracks and a limited "Going Back Ultimate Edition" 25-track CD/29-song DVD set. Amazon.com also has an exclusive CD-R 25-track release. iTunes has an enhanced iTunes LP HD format release featuring 26 audio tracks, a music video and other enhanced content. The album was promoted with a series of live shows in the summer of 2010.
Collins indicated in interviews that Going Back would most likely be his final project, and that he was considering retirement from music permanently. Collins confirmed his retirement in a statement in 2011, making Going Back his final work.
Background
Collins reported losing his hearingHearing impairment
-Definition:Deafness is the inability for the ear to interpret certain or all frequencies of sound.-Environmental Situations:Deafness can be caused by environmental situations such as noise, trauma, or other ear defections...
in his right ear in 2000, and in 2003 announced his last solo tour. He called it the "First Final Farewell Tour", a tongue-in-cheek reference to the multiple farewell tours of other popular artists.
Since releasing his seventh solo album Testify
Testify (Phil Collins album)
-Personnel:*Phil Collins - all instruments except where noted*Daryl Stuermer - guitar *Tim Pierce - guitar *Paul Bushnell - bass guitar *Jamie Muhoberac - keyboards...
in 2002, Collins wrote the music for Brother Bear
Brother Bear (soundtrack)
Brother Bear: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack is the soundtrack to Disney's 2003 animated feature Brother Bear. It contains the film's music composed by Mark Mancina and Phil Collins, as well as songs written and performed by Tina Turner, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Oren Waters, The...
and a Broadway production of Tarzan
Tarzan (musical)
Tarzan: The Musical is based on the Disney film of the same name and the story by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Music and lyrics are written by Phil Collins, with a book by David Henry Hwang.-Production:...
. He remarked in several interviews during this time that he was in semi-retirement and even retired from recording music at one stage. Turn It On Again: The Tour
Turn It on Again: The Tour
Turn It On Again: The Tour was a 2007 concert tour of Europe and North America by progressive rock band Genesis. The tour was notable for the return of drummer and vocalist Phil Collins, who left the group in 1996.-History:...
with Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
in 2007 included Collins on drums and vocals, but involved no new music or songwriting.
In September 2009, it was reported that Collins could no longer play drums, due to a recent operation to repair dislocated vertebrae in his neck. However, a statement from Collins on the Genesis band website said, "There isn't any drama regarding my 'disability' and playing drums. Somehow, during the last Genesis tour, I dislocated some vertebrae in my upper neck and that affected my hands. After a successful operation on my neck, my hands still can't function normally. Maybe in a year or so it will change, but for now it is impossible for me to play drums or piano. I am not in any 'distressed' state, stuff happens in life."
Despite these statements of retirement and the effects from his spinal operation, it was reported in October 2009 that Collins was to record a Motown covers album. He told a German newspaper, "I want the songs to sound exactly like the originals", and that the album would feature up to 30 songs.
Production
At the press release, Collins said the idea behind the album was "not to bring anything ‘new’ to these already great records, but to try to recreate the sounds and feelings that I had when I first heard them. My intention was to make an ‘old’ record, not a ‘new’ record".In the summer of 2009, Daryl Stuermer
Daryl Stuermer
Daryl Mark Stuermer is an American musician who plays guitar and bass for Genesis during live shows, and lead guitar for Phil Collins during most of his solo tours and albums.-Biography:...
hinted Collins was in the studio working on an album. He was asked to send a transcript of a Temptations song for the album.
Bob Babbitt
Bob Babbitt
Bob Babbitt is an American bassist, most famous for his work as a member of Motown Records' studio band, the Funk Brothers, from 1966–1972, as well as his tenure as part of MFSB for Philadelphia International Records afterwards. Also in 1968-1970, with Mike Campbell, Ray Monette and Andrew Smith...
, Eddie Willis
Eddie Willis
Eddie "Chank" Willis is an African-American musician. Willis played electric guitar and occasional electric sitar for Motown Records' in-house studio band, the Funk Brothers, during the 1960s and early 1970s....
and Ray Monette were the musicians during recording. The three were a part of the famous The Funk Brothers
The Funk Brothers
The Funk Brothers was the nickname of Detroit, Michigan, session musicians who performed the backing to most Motown Records recordings from 1959 until the company moved to Los Angeles in 1972...
, session musicians who played on several Motown recordings from 1959 until 1972. Recording took place in Switzerland and work began on overdubbing 25 songs for the album on 11 January and finished on the 20th January. Phil said of having the Funk Brothers available to play on the album, "To be able to have three of the surviving Funk Brothers play on all the tracks was unbelievable. There was one moment when they were tracking 'Heat Wave' that I experienced a wave of happiness and wonder that this was actually happening to me!".
In January 2010, Chester Thompson
Chester Thompson
Chester Cortez Thompson is an American drummer and session musician.-Biography:Thompson made his name as a session drummer, going on to play in Frank Zappa's touring band and with Weather Report...
said that the album had been completed and would be released some time soon. He also revealed that Collins managed to play the drums on the album despite the adverse effects of his recent spinal operation. Collins confirmed he has had to tape drumsticks to his hands in order to play. Bob Babbitt on his forum stated that the album would be released in September, and has confirmed that a filmed showcase will take place in Europe and the US during the summer.
Speaking at the 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a museum located on the shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It is dedicated to archiving the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers and others who have, in some major way,...
ceremony, where Genesis were inductees, Collins said of the album: "You know, I mean, I started it for fun, really, and just chose all the Motown songs, the darker songs that I liked, the lesser known ones. And I ended up with about 40 of them and finished, I’ve actually finished about 29 of them".
Until early 2010, the album was going to be called 18 Good Reasons with the album cover stylised to recall the Motown era. But the chance discovery of a photograph of 13-year-old Collins playing drums in the Getty Images library caused a change in direction, resulting in the album being called Going Back. In an interview on NBC's Today Show in September 2010, Collins noted he had to pay for use of the cover image.
Promotion and singles
On 10 April 2010 the Phil Collins website was back up and running in anticipation of the album. The site was previously shut down in 2008. The first release of the recordings, "Too Many Fish in the Sea" was given free to new users who signed up to the relaunched website. The title track, "Going Back" started to receive airplay in May and was streamed online on Collins's website soon after.Collins decided to perform a series of live shows in the summer to promote Going Back. "Up Close & Personal: Phil Collins Plays 60's Motown & Soul" was exclusively devoted to the music from the new album and were not part of an upcoming world tour. The first of these shows were announced on the 14 April, to take place at New York's Roseland Ballroom for 3 nights from 23 June to 25 June. 2 nights in Philadelphia were then added to the list. On 29 April, it was confirmed that Collins was to be part of the opening night of 2010 Montreux Jazz Festival
Montreux Jazz Festival
The Montreux Jazz Festival is the best-known music festival in Switzerland and one of the most prestigious in Europe; it is held annually in early July in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva...
. 2 days later, it was announced that Phil Collins would perform a one-off show in London on 28 June 2010. This show was broadcast live on ITV1
ITV1
ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
18 September 2010.
| Date | Venue/Title | City | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 June | Electric Factory Electric Factory The Electric Factory is a concert venue in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaThe original "Electric Factory" venue was a converted tire warehouse at 22nd and Arch Streets, which opened in 1968. The first performers, on February 2, 1968, were the Chambers Brothers... |
Philadelphia | United States |
| 21 June | Electric Factory | Philadelphia | United States |
| 23 June | Roseland Ballroom Roseland Ballroom The Roseland Ballroom is a multi-purpose hall, in a converted ice skating rink, with a colorful ballroom dancing pedigree, in New York City's theatre district, on West 52nd Street.... |
New York New York New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... |
United States |
| 24 June | Roseland Ballroom | New York | United States |
| 25 June | Roseland Ballroom | New York | United States |
| 28 June | Phil Collins...For One Night Only | London London London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its... |
England England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental... |
| 1 July | Montreux Jazz Festival Montreux Jazz Festival The Montreux Jazz Festival is the best-known music festival in Switzerland and one of the most prestigious in Europe; it is held annually in early July in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva... |
Montreux Montreux Montreux is a municipality in the district of Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland.It is located on Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps and has a population, , of and nearly 90,000 in the agglomeration.- History :... |
Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition.... |
Collins was supported by an 18 piece band for the brief 6 show tour. The band included Funk Brothers bassist Bob Babbitt, guitarists Eddie Willis & Ray Monette, Genesis touring musicians Daryl Stuermer on guitar and drummer Chester Thompson, a five-piece horn section, six back-up singers (Amy Keys, Lamont Van Hooke, Lynne Fiddmont-Linsey, Connie Jackson-Comegys, Terron Brooks
Terron Brooks
Terron Brooks is an African American singer, songwriter, and actor. He is best known for his portrayal of R&B/pop singer Eddie Kendricks in the 1998 NBC miniseries The Temptations.-Biography:...
and Bill Cantos), percussionist/vocalist Leslie Smith and keyboardist Brad Cole.
Andy Greene, of Rolling Stone, wrote of the final show in New York; "It's very hard not to come off like a glorified wedding band when you play a two-hour concert Motown and soul covers, but last night in New York, Phil Collins pulled it off".
Towards of the last show of the brief tour at Montreux, record producer Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones
Quincy Delightt Jones, Jr. is an American record producer and musician. A conductor, musical arranger, film composer, television producer, and trumpeter. His career spans five decades in the entertainment industry and a record 79 Grammy Award nominations, 27 Grammys, including a Grammy Legend...
appeared on stage to praise Collins as sounding as if he was from the "south side of Chicago," while Montreux festival founder Claude Nobs said: "He was magnificent. There was a lot of emotion and sincerity. And it's only the beginning of the festival." Collins admitted himself that performing these songs was terrifying; "Numbers like 'Dancing in the Street' are among the greatest singles ever made, but doing them live was terrifying."
Bob Babbitt confirmed that a live DVD of the last show at the Roseland Ballroom in New York was recorded for a release later in the year.
Both "(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave" and the title track "Going Back" were confirmed as single releases from the album. On 31 July 2010, Atlantic Records unveiled the music video to support "(Love Is Like a) Heatwave". On 24 August 2010, a music video for "Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)
Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)
"Girl " is a 1964 hit single by The Temptations for the Gordy label. It was the group’s first A-side release to be produced by Norman Whitfield, who co-wrote the song with Edward Holland, Jr. of the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team...
" was released on Phil Collins's official YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
Channel, confirming it as the next single to be released from the album.
Reception
Initial reception to the album has been mixed. David SheppardDavid Sheppard
David Stuart Sheppard, Baron Sheppard of Liverpool was the high-profile Bishop of Liverpool in the Church of England who played cricket for Sussex and England in his youth...
of BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Music said "So faithfully have Collins and his confreres recreated the Sound of Young America – shimmering tambourines drowning out drums, bass compressed to a fat, distorted throb –that it’s hard not to be swept along". The album was also featured as BBC Radio 2's "Album Of The Week" on 4 September 2010.
Martin Townsend
Martin Townsend (journalist)
-Life:Townsend attended Harrow County School for Boys and the London College of Printing.He became a journalist in 1979, working on Caravan magazine, then as pop music columnist at Today. Has a humorous column in the Sunday Express, demonstrating a nice line in sarcasm - e.g...
of the Daily Express stated "You have to take your hat off to Phil Collins. Expressing the refreshingly modest desire to make an “old-sounding” album of cover versions the 59-year-old singer zips through a selection of mostly-Motown classics like Jimmy Mack and Uptight with the verve energy and wit of a man reborn."
Jack Foley of IndieLondon gave it 3 out of 5 stars, adding "The resulting album is as heartfelt and faithfully recreated as you might expect from an artist of Collins’ calibre…". Donald Gibson of SeattlePI said that "Going Back is an homage, plain and simple, with which Collins honors the songwriters, musicians, and vocalists who inspired him to pursue his own musical path as a young man."
Graeme Thomson of Uncut
UNCUT (magazine)
Uncut magazine, trademarked as UNCUT, is a monthly publication based in London. It is available across the English-speaking world, and focuses on music, but also includes film and books sections...
was not so impressed, giving the album 2 stars out of 5 and stating "You can’t fault the raw material, but Collins brings nothing new to these songs. If you have an overpowering desire to hear him gamely plough through renditions of "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" is a soul song, written by Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong as a single for Motown act The Undisputed Truth in 1971...
" and "Uptight
Uptight (Everything's Alright)
"Uptight " is a 1966 hit single recorded by Stevie Wonder for the Tamla label. One of his most popular early singles, "Uptight " was the first Stevie Wonder single to be co-written by the artist....
", step aboard. For anyone else, Going Back is a heartfelt but pointless exercise in ersatz soul."
Ross Bennett of Mojo
Mojo (magazine)
MOJO is a popular music magazine published initially by Emap, and since January 2008 by Bauer, monthly in the United Kingdom. Following the success of the magazine Q, publishers Emap were looking for a title which would cater for the burgeoning interest in classic rock music...
gave the album 3 stars out of 5 and wrote "...all are faithful reproductions of the originals. The likes of "Uptight
Uptight (Everything's Alright)
"Uptight " is a 1966 hit single recorded by Stevie Wonder for the Tamla label. One of his most popular early singles, "Uptight " was the first Stevie Wonder single to be co-written by the artist....
", "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever
Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever
"Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever" is a 1966 song by the Four Tops, on the Motown label. It was written by Ivy Jo Hunter and Stevie Wonder, and has since been covered by Chuck Jackson, The Tremeloes, The Band, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Bryan Ferry, Nick Kamen,...
" and "Jimmy Mack
Jimmy Mack
"Jimmy Mack" is a 1967 pop/soul single recorded by Martha and the Vandellas for Motown's Gordy imprint. Written and produced by Motown's main creative team, Holland–Dozier–Holland, "Jimmy Mack" was the final Top 10 hit for the Vandellas in the United States, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard...
" capture the exuberance of those '60s sides, but the slower ballads - particularly "Blame It on the Sun
Blame It on the Sun
"Blame It on the Sun" is a song by the musician Stevie Wonder. "Blame It on the Sun" appeared for the first time on Stevie Wonder's 1972 album Talking Book. It also appeared as the B-Side to his Innervisions single "Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing". The two songwriters were Stevie Wonder and Syreeta...
" and a desperately cloying "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer
Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer
"Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" is a 1971 song by Stevie Wonder. It comes from his album Where I'm Coming From. The song is a ballad, describing a failed relationship using the metaphor of changing seasons...
" - are plain dreary."
Legendary Motown songwriter and producer Lamont Dozier
Lamont Dozier
Lamont Herbert Dozier is an American songwriter and record producer, born in Detroit, Michigan. Dozier has either co-written or produced several US Billboard #1 hits.-Career:...
hailed Going Back; "Recording an album of Motown covers can be tricky, but I have to say this album has exceeded my expectations. Phil Collins has truly given us the real thing vocally, instrumentally, and production-wise... It's spectacular, making it impossible to pick a favorite because they're all masterfully done."
Going Back debuted at No.1 in the Dutch Album Charts for the week ending 18 September 2010.
Going Back reached No.1 in the UK Album charts for the week ending 23 September 2010. It was his first UK No.1 in 12 years (...Hits
Hits (Phil Collins album)
-Track notes:*Track 1 features David Crosby on backing vocals.*Track 2 features Babyface on backing vocals, keyboard and drum programming, and Sheila E on percussion.*Track 3 features Philip Bailey on vocals.*Track 6 features Eric Clapton on guitar....
) and his first UK No.1 in 17 years (Both Sides
Both Sides
-Unreleased Tracks:Several instrumental tracks were recorded and subsequently released as extra tracks on both singles for "Everyday", and "We Wait and We Wonder". These instrumental tracks include, "Rad Dudeski", and "Don't Call Me Ashley"...
) counting only albums with new material.
Charts
| Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart | 2 |
| Austrian Albums Chart | 3 |
| Belgium Flanders Albums Chart | 2 |
| Belgium Wallonia Albums Chart | 2 |
| Brazilian Top 30 Albums Chart | 11 |
| Canadian Albums Chart | 3 |
| Czech Albums Chart | 2 |
| Danish Albums Chart | 4 |
| Dutch Albums Chart | 1 |
| European Top 100 Albums | 1 |
| Finnish Albums Chart | 41 |
| French Albums Chart | 3 |
| German Albums Chart | 2 |
| Greek Albums Chart | 6 |
| Hungarian Albums Chart | 9 |
| Irish Albums Chart | 10 |
| Italian Albums Chart | 5 |
| Mexican Albums Chart | 94 |
| New Zealand Albums Chart | 2 |
| Norwegian Albums Chart | 9 |
| Portuguese Albums Chart | 30 |
| Spanish Albums Chart | 3 |
| Swedish Albums Chart | 3 |
| Swiss Albums Chart | 4 |
| UK Albums Chart | 1 |
| US Billboard 200 | 34 |
End of year charts
| Chart (2010) | Rank |
|---|---|
| European Top 100 Albums European Top 100 Albums The European Top 100 Albums chart is the European adaptation of the Billboard 200 albums chart. It was created in March 1984.The European Top 100 Albums, commonly referred to as Eurochart Top 100 Albums shows the sales of an act in 19 European countries based on IFPI data.The European Top 100... |
20 |
| German Albums Chart | 13 |
Certifications
| Country | Certifications Music recording sales certification Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,... (sales thresholds) |
|---|---|
| Austria IFPI The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is the organisation that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. It is a not-for-profit members' organisation registered in Switzerland... |
Gold |
| Canada Canadian Recording Industry Association Music Canada is a Toronto-based, non-profit trade organization that was founded 9 April 1963 to represent the interests of companies that record, artists, manufacture, production, promotion and distribution of music in Canada... |
Gold |
| Germany IFPI The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is the organisation that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. It is a not-for-profit members' organisation registered in Switzerland... |
Platinum |
| UK | Gold |
Chart precession and succession
Track listing
The Ultimate EditionExpanded 25-Track CD
The 7 Bonus Tracks on the CD are:
- "Ain't Too Proud to BegAin't Too Proud to Beg"Ain't Too Proud to Beg" is a 1966 song and hit single by The Temptations for Motown Records' Gordy label, produced by Norman Whitfield and written by Whitfield and Edward Holland, Jr. The song peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Pop Chart, and was a number-one hit on the Billboard R&B charts for...
" (Whitfield/Holland) – 2:42 - "You've Been Cheatin'" (Mayfield) – 2:35
- "Don't Look Back" (Robinson/Ronald WhiteRonald WhiteRonald "Ronnie" White was an African American soul singer and songwriter, notable as a founding member of The Miracles, and the only member to survive all of that group's line-up changes...
) – 3:06 - "You Really Got a Hold on Me" (Robinson) – 3:07
- "Ain't That PeculiarAin't That Peculiar"Ain't That Peculiar" is a 1965 song recorded by American soul musician Marvin Gaye for the Tamla label. The single was produced by Smokey Robinson, and written by Robinson, and fellow Miracles members Ronald White, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin...
" (Robinson/Tarplin/White) – 3:05 - "Nowhere to Run" (Holland–Dozier–Holland) – 3:06
- "Dancing in the StreetDancing in the Street"Dancing in the Street" is a 1964 song first recorded by Martha and the Vandellas. It is one of Motown's signature songs and is the group's premier signature song.-Martha and the Vandellas original:...
" (Hunter/William "Mickey" Stevenson/Marvin GayeMarvin GayeMarvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
) – 2:44
iTunes has a Digital Download Deluxe Version in the "iTunes LP" HD format which contains 26 (of the 29) audio songs plus the music video for "(Love Is Like a) Heatwave". The "iTunes LP" HD format contains complete song lyrics and a Digital Photo Gallery.
The Ultimate Edition
DVD Bonus Tracks
In addition to the expanded 25-track CD, the DVD contains the complete Going Back Session Recordings - all 29 tracks which can be transferred to your PC as either WAV or mp3 (320kbps) files.
The 4 Bonus Tracks on the DVD are:
- "Too Many Fish in the SeaToo Many Fish in the Sea"Too Many Fish in the Sea" is a 1964 hit song recorded by Motown singing group The Marvelettes. It was the group's first top 40 pop hit in almost a year reaching number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was one of the first hit singles written by Norman Whitfield and was also written by Eddie...
" (Whitfield/Holland) – 2:31 - "You Keep Me Hangin' OnYou Keep Me Hangin' OnVanilla Fudge's 1967 psychedelic/hard rock remake of "You Keep Me Hangin' On" reached #6 on the Hot 100 chart two years after the release of the Supremes' recording. While the version released on 45 RPM single was under three minutes long, the album version was extended to six minutes and...
" (Holland–Dozier–Holland) (This track also an iTunes Digital Bonus Track) – 2:58 - "Tears of a ClownThe Tears of a Clown"The Tears of a Clown" is a song by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles for the Tamla label, originally released on the 1967 album Make It Happen. It was re-released in the United Kingdom as a single in September 1970, where it became a #1 hit on the UK singles chart...
" (Robinson/Wonder/Hank Cosby) – 3:00 - "Too Busy Thinking About My BabyToo Busy Thinking About My Baby"Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" is a Motown song written by Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Janie Bradford. The song was first recorded by The Temptations as a track on their 1966 album Gettin' Ready. Eddie Kendricks sings lead on the recording, which was produced by Whitfield. Jimmy Ruffin...
" (Whitfield/Strong/Janie BradfordJanie BradfordJanie Bradford is an American songwriter, most known for her tenure with Motown. With Berry Gordy, she co-wrote "Money ", originally recorded by Barrett Strong and used by The Beatles on their second album With The Beatles...
) – 3:07
You can also play all 29 tracks with a different replica 7" Vinyl Record sleeve presented for each track.
The DVD also contains the following Video Materials:
Going Back ... The Home Movie - 87 minute documentary narrated by Phil Collins
A Conversation With Phil Collins - 22 minute documentary includes on-camera Phil Collins interview plus behind-the-scenes and additional interviews with other participants.
"(Love Is Like a) Heatwave" - Music Video
"Going Back" - Music Video
A retailer-exclusive version of Going Back was offered at Best Buy in the United States. This includes an additional DVD containing only a 30-minute interview with Phil Collins. The DVD is packaged with the CD in a special 2-disc jewel case, and is apparently the only version of the album with a bonus disc being sold at U.S. retail stores. Other versions containing the bonus tracks and the DVD described above can still be ordered online at the official Phil Collins website by U.S. customers. While versions of the album including the bonus tracks and video material listed above do not appear to be available at any retail store, they are available via online retailers, like Amazon.com.
Collins has previously recorded two of the extra tracks found on the "Ultimate Edition" DVD. "Tears of a Clown" was recorded as a B-side in 2002. In addition, he recorded "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" as a duet with Manhattan Transfer on their 1995 album Tonin. Both these tracks were newly recorded for Going Back.
Personnel
- Phil CollinsPhil CollinsPhilip David Charles "Phil" Collins, LVO is an English singer-songwriter, drummer, pianist and actor best known as a drummer and vocalist for British progressive rock group Genesis and as a solo artist....
- Vocals - Ray Monette - Guitar
- Eddie WillisEddie WillisEddie "Chank" Willis is an African-American musician. Willis played electric guitar and occasional electric sitar for Motown Records' in-house studio band, the Funk Brothers, during the 1960s and early 1970s....
- Guitar - Bob BabbittBob BabbittBob Babbitt is an American bassist, most famous for his work as a member of Motown Records' studio band, the Funk Brothers, from 1966–1972, as well as his tenure as part of MFSB for Philadelphia International Records afterwards. Also in 1968-1970, with Mike Campbell, Ray Monette and Andrew Smith...
- Bass - Ronnie CarylRonnie CarylRonnie Caryl is an English musician. Over the years Caryl has worked alongside Phil Collins, plus David Hentschel, Michel Polnareff, Lulu, Stephen Bishop, Eric Clapton, Gary Brooker, Maggie Bell and John Otway.-Biography:...
- Acoustic Guitar - Chester ThompsonChester ThompsonChester Cortez Thompson is an American drummer and session musician.-Biography:Thompson made his name as a session drummer, going on to play in Frank Zappa's touring band and with Weather Report...
- Drums - Brad Cole - Keyboards
- Connie Jackson-Comegys - Backing Vocals
- Lynne Fiddmont-Linsey - Backing Vocals
- Jason RebelloJason RebelloJason Rebello is a British jazz pianist, currently part of Sting's live and studio band, who has recorded a handful of albums under his own name. His debut album, A Clearer View was produced by Wayne Shorter....
- Piano, Vibes - John Aram - Trombone, Handclaps, Fingersnaps
- Guy BarkerGuy BarkerGuy Barker is an English jazz trumpeter and composer. Barker was born in Chiswick, London, the son of an actress and a stuntman. He started playing the trumpet at the age of twelve, and within a year had joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra...
- Trumpet - Tom Rees-Roberts - Trumpet
- Daryl StuermerDaryl StuermerDaryl Mark Stuermer is an American musician who plays guitar and bass for Genesis during live shows, and lead guitar for Phil Collins during most of his solo tours and albums.-Biography:...
- Guitar - Phil Todd - Baritone Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo
- Graeme Blevins - Tenor Saxophone
- Menhuin Academy - Strings
- Celeste-Marie Roy - Bassoon
- Yvan Bing - Master Engineer