Music makes the world less lonely. It’s as simple as that. Often, when we are in a bad place or are struggling with something in our lives, we turn to music. This applies to those who make it and those who listen to it. Phil Collins can attest to the power of music when he talks about his album, which he believes contains his very best moments.

A lot of our lives are spent inside our heads. This applies to every emotion, as when we are happy, sad, angry, or jolly, all of it is spent internally. Generally, this is fine, but when you are going through a tough moment, spending too much time in your own head can be an isolating experience, as the world keeps turning, and you worry about whether anyone can relate to There’s a reason why music remains the most prevalent art form in the world: it allows human connection all over the world through sound alone.

is a testament to this. On his album Both Sides, he talks about many personal experiences that resonate around the world. One song that stands out in particular is ‘Can’t Turn Back the Years’, which talks about a heartbreak that Phil Collins wishes he could fix but cannot. Lines like, “And when I look deep down inside, I know, it’s too bad I love you, too bad I love you.”

The connection that listeners feel is reciprocated by those who make music as well. Phil Collins doesn’t have to relive that hardship whenever he performs ‘Can’t Turn Back the Years’; instead, he sees it as a liberating feeling, a moment of projection where he can lay his soul bare to a crowd who are accepting of it. “It allows you to project yourself into a place, a time,” he said, “I love this song.”

Collins went on to talk about the album Both Sides and how there are a lot of personal tracks on it, but they come together to make an album filled with his best creative moments. “This album is full of my favourite pieces. I don’t find it difficult. I’m not one of those people who relive things. We relive it a little, ok, but not to the point where we go home and cry ourselves to sleep.”

It’s telling that this is one of Collins’ favourite projects. It reflects him as a singer who is happy to leave everything he has in his music and likes to be honest about what he writes. Both Sides remains a favourite of his and fans, and it’s honest tracks such as ‘Can’t Turn Back the Years’, that make it as much.