Released in the UK on this day in 1981, Face Value is the debut solo album from Phil Collins. After his first wife filed for divorce in 1979, Collins began to write songs during a break in activity from Genesis with much of the material concerning his personal life. The album was an instant commercial success and reached #1 on the UK Albums Chart for three weeks and No. 7 on the US Billboard 200. It has since sold over 8 million copies worldwide. The lead single "In the Air Tonight", largely considered Phil's "signature song" was also an instant smash, reaching #2 on the UK Singles Chart and is widely admired for its classic drum break, and the use of gated reverb by producer Hugh Padgham.
In honor of the anniversary, check out the video for "In The Air Tonight" (above) and "Missed Again" below.