Urban Renewal (tribute album)

Untitled

Urban Renewal is a tribute album to singer Phil Collins, released in 2001 in most European markets and in 2003 in the United States, containing remakes of his songs by R&B, soul and hip hop performers. Collins remarked:

"We all think black R&B artists know what they're talking about. The first time I was aware of it was when I watched a documentary on Ice-T. This smug UK journalist looking at his record collection said, 'What's with all the Phil Collins stuff?' He said, 'Don't mess with my Phil.' I remember thinking, 'My God!' You feel like ringing people up and saying, 'Are you watching this?!'"

Although the album itself was not a worldwide success, only charting in Germany at number three, individual singles from the album performed well in various markets, including "Another Day in Paradise" as performed by Brandy and Ray J and "In the Air Tonite" as performed by rapper Lil' Kim. A remake by Deborah Cox, "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven", was later released as a dance remix on her 2003 album, Remixed. It reached number one on the Billboard Dance Radio Airplay chart and peaked at ninety-five on the Billboard Hot 100.

The chief pop and rock critic of The Guardian, Alexis Petridis, described it as a "horrid and inexplicable album of hip-hop and R&B covers" with the "solitary redeeming track" being the version of "Sussudio". In 2006, Q magazine listed Urban Renewal as No. 3 in their list of the 50 worst albums ever.

Phil Collins liner notes

"I first heard about this project about three years ago, so it's not a self perpetuated "...A Tribute to me" record! As I understand it, the publishers of my songs were getting, and had been getting for a long time, requests from many urban R&B singers to cover my songs. Songs like In The Air Tonight and Another Day In Paradise were top of the list of "sampled" songs and treatments.

It seems that from those requests for permission to change, alter, adapt or almost re-write my songs, came an idea to someone somewhere, that perhaps, contrary to critical opinion I may be hipper than previously suspected!!

After some digging it was discovered that thankfully, music knows no boundaries. Music is munis. Good or bad to almost quote Duke Ellington.

What you heard on this CD is the result of that initial idea.

I heard it for the first time when it was finished and although I had no input on choice of singers, songs, arrangements or production I am deeply flattered that these songs have transcended and crossed barriers that some assume are there not to be messed with.

One thing that hit me on listening to these versions, was that, R&B can still boast of some fantastic singers and producers. Another thing was the choice of material. Some songs are expected choices, but there are also some dark horses like the relatively unheard of "Can't Turn Back The Years" which is one my favourite songs. Most have been completely taken apart and successfully re-thought like I Don't Care Anymore, Easy Lover or Something Happened on the Way to Heaven.

Anyways, I'm sure you'll make up your own mind about whether it was worth all the effort everyone put into it. I understand that several people put an awful lot of hours into making this happen especially Michelle de Vries whose original idea it was and she in particular deserves a special thanks, but thanks to all of you. Me? I'm just pleased that someone's been listening!"

Track listing

Urban Renewal: The Songs of Phil Collins – Standard Edition

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Ray J Prelude" (Ray J)	0:40
2.	"Another Day in Paradise" (Brandy and Ray J)	4:29
3.	"Sussudio" (Ol' Dirty Bastard)	4:20
4.	"Something Happened on the Way to Heaven" (Deborah Cox)	4:31
5.	"This Must Be Love" (Dane Bowers featuring Kelis)	3:34
6.	"In the Air Tonite" (Lil' Kim featuring Phil Collins)	4:23
7.	"Gotta Hold Over Me" (Coko)	4:05
8.	"I Don't Care Anymore" (Kelis featuring Pharrell). (Produced by The Neptunes)	3:50
9.	"Can't Turn Back the Years" (Joe)	4:38
10.	"Do You Remember?" (Debelah Morgan)	4:11
11.	"Against All Odds" (Montell Jordan)	4:18
12.	"One More Night" (Changing Faces)	4:36
13.	"All of My Life" (TQ)	4:28
14.	"I Wish It Would Rain Down" (Brian McKnight and Monique S.V.)	4:10
15.	"Take Me Home" (Malik Pendleton)	4:34
Total length:		60:01

Urban Renewal: The Songs of Phil Collins – Japanese Deluxe Edition (Bonus Tracks)

No.	Title	Length
16.	"Separate Lives" (Chico DeBarge)	4:08
17.	"Long Long Way to Go" (Tony Rich Project)	5:01
18.	"Another Day in Paradise" (Black Legend VS. J-Reverse Club Mix)" (Brandy and Ray J)	4:22
Total length:		1:14:05