Inside the Emotional Simplicity of Phil Collins’ “One More Night”

Released in 1985 as the lead single from his third solo album, No Jacket Required, “One More Night” is one of Phil Collins’ most emotionally stripped-down and widely loved ballads. With its soft electric piano, subtle drum machine, and yearning vocals, the song perfectly captures the aching desire to hold onto love just a little longer.

Unlike some of Collins’ more dramatic arrangements, “One More Night” leans into minimalism, allowing the raw emotion in his voice to shine through. It’s a masterclass in making something feel big while sounding small—and it resonated deeply with listeners around the world.

𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐬 – 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Chart-Topping Hit: “One More Night” became Phil Collins’ second No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached top ten in the UK and many other countries.

Spontaneously Written: Collins reportedly created the song in a matter of minutes, starting with a Yamaha drum machine rhythm and layering the melody on top almost instinctively.

Signature Sound: The song helped solidify the Phil Collins sound of the mid-’80s—lush yet controlled, emotional yet restrained.

MTV Era Staple: Its moody, low-lit music video was a favorite on MTV, where Collins performs the song in an empty bar, visually amplifying its lonely, late-night vibe.

Covered and Sampled: Over the years, “One More Night” has been covered by R&B and jazz artists and sampled in hip-hop and lo-fi mixes for its mellow energy.

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