Introduction
For those of us who have followed the diverse and consistently inventive career of Phil Collins, it’s a genuine pleasure to explore tracks that, while perhaps not as widely known as his major hits, truly showcase his depth as a composer and arranger. Phil Collins – It’s Everywhere, from his 1996 album Dance into the Light, is one such piece. It’s an instrumental track that, without a single word, conveys a sense of pervasive presence and interconnectedness, resonating deeply with a discerning, mature audience who appreciates the nuanced storytelling found within purely instrumental music.
Dance into the Light was an album where Collins consciously embraced a more organic, live band feel, moving away from the heavier synthesis of some earlier works. “It’s Everywhere” fits perfectly within this sonic landscape, even as an instrumental. What immediately captures attention is its pervasive, almost ambient quality. It isn’t driven by a dramatic melody or a thunderous beat; instead, it establishes a subtle yet undeniable groove, a rhythmic pulse that feels like the very heartbeat of the world. Collins’s drumming here is, as always, precise and tasteful, providing a delicate yet firm foundation that underpins the track’s unfolding sonic journey. His ability to craft intricate rhythms that serve the mood without dominating it is on full display.
The beauty of “It’s Everywhere” lies in its remarkable ability to evoke a sense of global presence and movement. The title itself suggests a universality, and the music delivers on this promise by weaving together various textures and subtle melodic ideas that suggest diverse landscapes and distant echoes. There’s a masterful use of layered instrumentation, from gentle keyboard pads that create broad, atmospheric washes to intricate guitar work that adds melodic counterpoints. These elements combine to form a sonic tapestry that feels both expansive and intimately woven, constantly evolving yet always maintaining a cohesive sense of purpose.
What makes “It’s Everywhere” particularly engaging for the attentive listener is its capacity to tell a story purely through sound. You can almost visualize journeys across continents, the merging of different cultures, or the quiet hum of existence that links us all. This evocative quality is a testament to Collins’s skill as an arranger, understanding how to use instrumentation, dynamics, and subtle thematic repetition to create a narrative that exists purely in the listener’s imagination. It’s a piece that invites contemplation, allowing one to reflect on the interconnectedness of life and the subtle currents that flow beneath the surface of our everyday experiences.
In essence, Phil Collins – It’s Everywhere serves as a compelling reminder of the broader musical talents of an artist often celebrated primarily for his vocal hits. It showcases his remarkable ability to create vibrant, engaging compositions that stand strong on their own instrumental merits, transcending the need for lyrical content. For any seasoned admirer of his work, or indeed for anyone with an appreciation for well-crafted instrumental music that speaks to universal themes, “It’s Everywhere” offers a rewarding and endlessly listenable experience. It’s a sonic landscape that invites repeated visits, revealing new depths and connections with every listen.