Simon Collins – “Becoming Human”

Simon Collins – Becoming Human

Simon Collins needs little introduction. He is the son of Genesis front man and superstar Phil Collins, and a drummer extraordinaire in his own right. He has created three solo albums of his own and has also helped form the modern supergroup, Sound of Contact.

So, as an accomplished artist, he now embarks on his fourth solo album, Becoming Human, on September 4^th, 2020.

The band includes, Simon Collins, on vocals, drums, and keys; Robbie Bronnimann, on keys, programming, and sound design; Gaz Williams, on bass;
Kelly Avril Nordstrom, on guitars; and Robin Boult, on guitars.

The album opens with cool synthesizer and percussion sounds. Great start, with “Into the Fray”.

Then it’s Collins’ bazooka drums, and soaring percussion mixed with synthesizers! Simon sings immediately after the atomic drum launch. He sounds like a younger version of his father’s vocals. There is a sound to the title track, “Becoming Human”, that takes me back to Phil’s “In the Air Tonight”. However, the lyrics are very uplifting. The keyboards and drums are fantastic. One of the best songs of the year, for sure. Simon sings, “Don’t you know it, all we need is love for becoming human”. The Beatles’ concept of love makes it into another generation of music leadership. The keys are wonderful and cascading all around the drums. A fantastic single that will have you coming back for more. Simon sings, ”I know when you find your way to Zen, you’ll feel the love that’s missing”.

“The Universe Inside of Me”, is another spectacular song. Simon sings, “I go inside and I look for an answer. It is where I find a way through disaster. I go inside to reach a higher power. It’s how I live. I let go of the anger”. Great advice, set to powerful drums and excellent keys.

“Man Made Man”, has more cool keyboards and synthesizers, punctuated with massive drums. Collins’ discusses a futuristic world where man not only designs the future, but he has the power and science to manufacture fellow humans. Cold, hard reality delivered with ominous sounds.

“This is the Time”, turns the album back to a more positive direction. Grabbing control of your own life, with the help from a close friend. Simon describes going through something traumatic, and needing someone to be there for him.

“Thoughts Become Matter”, is full of more of those great keys and synthesizers, and full of pounding drums. Great lyrics, Simon sings, “I know there’s more to life than this. Now I know I want to say, be where of what you wish. But your life is yours to make. Don’t let them take it all away. All the dirt you fed me is washed away”. The music is futuristic, creating an electronic, intricate soundscape.

“I Will be Waiting”, is full of electric sound effects and deep string cords at the opening. Simon sings, “My mind is opened, and I listen to you and you to me. I don’t care much for money, greed or politics, because I know that in the end that they don’t make love”. Great lyrics, mixed well with dynamic music. The line, “I would walk for miles just to see your face”, did take me back to some of Phil’s music.

“No Love”, sounds like it was lifted out of the 1980s. Great keyboards, bouncy beat and happy lyrics.

“Living in the Silence”, is another electronic song, full of keyboards that open like Pineapple Thief’s “So We Row”. The drums are so perfect. Another absolutely stellar song, and great single.

“40 Years”, is great lyrical explanation of Simon Collins’ development up to now. Simon sings, “Been given this one life. It’s a gift that I’m still breathing. I feel a fire deep inside”. Let’s hope he keeps going as strong as he sounds here. A reflection on 40 years of life.

“So Real”, opens with cool percussion and keys. Great drums, guitar and bass. A song about living life to the fullness, living real.

“Dead Ends”, opens with more, cool Blade Runner – like atmospherics and keyboards. Deep piano follows with Simon singing, “The sun is barley up. I’m still in shock. All I’ve come to know is blocked”. A science fiction like soundscape.

“Shout”, is Simon Collins’ cover of the famous Tears for Fears’ song of the same name. Simon does a fantastic job of bringing this multi-million dollar hit back to life.

This is an excellent album. I actually like Simon Collins’s album better than some of his father’s. Very dynamic and profound keyboards, set with excellent drumming throughout. This is the kind of album that I have been in search of for a while. Positive vibes and lyrics set to, at times Vangelis level keys. Every song is a perfectly crafted piece to add to your music collection. A wonderful, dynamic album that will have you playing it over and over to discover different sounds. Just like his father’s band Genesis, and endless journey of sound adventure. The keyboard and drum work throughout this masterpiece is well worth the price of admission. Get this album and sit back and let your mind go. As good in the car as it is on headphones.

Track List

1. Into the Fray
2. Becoming Human
3. The Universe Inside of Me
4. Man Made Man
5. This is the Time
6. Thoughts Become Matter
7. I Will be Waiting
8. No Love
9. Living in Silence
10. 40 Years
11.  So Real
12.  Dead Ends
13.  Shout (Bonus Track)

http://www.simoncollins.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lightyears.simoncollins?fref=ts

https://www.youtube.com/user/SoundOfContact