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Sussudio
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"Sussudio"
Single by Phil Collins
from the album No Jacket Required
B-side
Released14 January 1985 (1985-01-14)
Genre
Length
  • 4:23 (album version)
  • 6:36 (extended version)
Label
SongwriterPhil Collins
Producers
Phil Collins singles chronology
"Easy Lover"
(1984)
"Sussudio"
(1985)
"One More Night"
(1985)
Audio sample
Music video
"Phil Collins – Sussudio (Official Music Video)" on YouTube

"Sussudio" is a song by the English singer-songwriter Phil Collins. It was released on 14 January 1985 in the United Kingdom by Virgin Records as the lead single from his third solo studio album, No Jacket Required (1985). The song served as the second single from the album in the United States, being released on 30 April 1985 by Atlantic Records, following "One More Night". The song's title is a pseudoword Collins randomly came up with during a practice session.

Upon release in the US, "Sussudio" entered frequent rotation on MTV in May, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in July.[4] The song also peaked at number 12 on the UK singles chart.[5] Internationally, it topped the charts in Panama and Peru; and reached the top-ten in 10 other countries.

Production and recording

[edit]

Collins has said that he "improvised" the lyrics.[6] Collins was playing around with a drum machine, and the lyric "su-sussudio" was what came out of his mouth.[6] "So I kinda knew I had to find something else for that word, then I went back and tried to find another word that scanned as well as 'sussudio,' and I couldn't find one, so I went back to 'sussudio'", Collins said.[6] According to Collins, the lyrics are about a schoolboy's crush on a girl at school.[2]

The synthesizer, rhythm and synth bass arrangement, sound design, and programming was done by David Frank of the American synth-pop duo the System,[7] and the horn arrangements were done later based on the motif from the bassline.

Music video

[edit]

The music video for the song was filmed at a pub owned at the time by Richard Branson, the Princess Victoria in Shepherd's Bush, West London.[8] The accompanying music video features Collins, as well as long-time collaborators Daryl Stuermer and Chester Thompson.[9] The video begins with a man telling his family he is taking his dog for a walk, with them ignoring him while watching TV (which happens to be playing the music video for Phil Collins' debut solo single "In the Air Tonight"). He passes outside a pub, with live music being played. It then cuts to Collins and his band inside playing for an uninterested crowd.[9] The crowd slowly migrates toward the band as the song progresses, leaving them cheering at the end.[9] Bassist Leland Sklar also appears in the video, although neither Sklar nor Thompson played on the studio recording, due to synth bass and drum machines being used instead.[9]

Critical reception

[edit]

Some music critics have suggested that the song sounds very similar to Prince's 1982 song "1999".[10] Collins does not deny the similarity between the two songs; he stated that he is a fan of Prince's work[11][12] and remembers listening to "1999" frequently while he was on tour with Genesis.[13] Tom Breihan of Stereogum commented in 2020 that "in making funky dance-pop, Collins committed the same sin as almost everyone else who made funky dance-pop in the mid-'80s: he bit Prince." According to Breihan, "if something like that happened today, Collins would've at least had to give Prince a songwriting credit." Breihan acknowledged that "even if one groove is a distinct copy of another, everything else is different."[2]

Some critics praised the song. Keegan Hamilton, of the Riverfront Times, said that the song was the best track on the album, saying that it's "catchy gibberish. Even though this song isn't on the Flashdance soundtrack, it makes me want to put on some goofy legwarmers and kick out an aerobics routine. Where the vast majority of artists from this era try out the synthesizer/keyboard/horn section soup and fail miserably, Collins seems to have the recipe down to a science," Hamilton adds.[12] Robert Hilburn of the Los Angeles Times thought the song had a "friskier R&B style" as compared to Collins' other songs, and agreed that it sounded very much like the Prince song.[14] Michael R. Smith of The Daily Vault believed that "Sussudio" was the best track on the album, calling it a "monster track"; he also added that:

This is a song that chugs and churns along at a gingerly pace, set to a beat that is sure to get car speakers thumping. At the time, it was like nothing you had ever heard before on the radio. The word "Sussudio" may not have meant anything, but the song itself was pure magic.[15]

Other reviewers have criticised the song. David Fricke of Rolling Stone said that songs like "Sussudio", with the heavy use of a horn section, were "beginning to wear thin."[16] In 2001, the chief rock and pop critic of The Guardian, Alexis Petridis, called the song a "vapid funk workout".[1] In 2013, Tom Service, also of The Guardian, wrote: "Sussudio brings me out in a cold sweat; the production, the drum machine, the inane sincerity of the lyrics; there's no colder or more superficial sound in popular music, precisely because it takes itself so seriously."[17]

"Sussudio" was the first track released as a single in the UK and the second to be released in the US. In the UK, the song reached number 12. In the US, the song entered frequent rotation on MTV in May and, by 6 July, both the single and the album had reached No. 1 on their respective US Billboard charts.[4][18] A version of the song appeared on Collins' remix album 12″ers (1987).

Track listings

[edit]

7-inch: Virgin / VS736 (UK)

  1. "Sussudio"
  2. "The Man with the Horn"

7-inch: Atlantic / 7-89560 (US)

  1. "Sussudio"
  2. "I Like the Way"

12-inch: Virgin / VS736-12 (UK)

  1. "Sussudio" (extended remix)
  2. "Sussudio"
  3. "The Man with the Horn"

CD: WEA International / WPCR 2065 (Japan)

  1. "Sussudio"
  2. "Sussudio" (extended mix)

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ)[53] Gold 15,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[54] Silver 200,000
United States (RIAA)[55] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United Kingdom 14 January 1985 7-inch vinyl Virgin [56]
United States 30 April 1985
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
Atlantic [55]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Sussudio" is a pop-rock song written, produced, and performed by English musician , serving as the from his third solo studio album, No Jacket Required. Released on 14 January 1985 in the United Kingdom by , the track features a prominent synthesized beat, funky bassline, and brass horns contributed by from . It achieved significant commercial success, topping the chart for two weeks in July 1985 and peaking at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. The title and chorus hook "Sussudio" originated as a nonsensical word improvised by Collins during an early in his home studio, initially serving as a placeholder for he couldn't yet formulate. Collins later explained that he reverse-engineered a storyline around it, portraying the of a young boy with a girl named Sussudio from his school, whom he admires from afar but is too shy to approach. This concept drew loose inspiration from Collins' own adolescent crushes, though he emphasized the word itself had no predefined meaning and was retained for its rhythmic appeal after other attempts at replacement failed. In terms of production, "Sussudio" was recorded primarily in Collins' living room using the drum sound that defined much of pop, with synthesizer programming by David Frank on instruments like the and Mini Moog. The song received mixed upon release, praised for its infectious energy and danceable groove but critiqued by some for its stylistic similarities to Prince's "1999" and for contributing to perceptions of Collins' overly polished, commercial sound during his mid- solo peak. Despite this, it played a key role in propelling No Jacket Required—released on 25 January 1985—to global sales exceeding 25 million copies, marking one of Collins' signature hits from his most successful solo era.

Background and writing

Inspiration

The inspiration for "Sussudio" stemmed from Phil Collins' transition from his role as drummer and lead vocalist in the progressive rock band Genesis to a more accessible pop solo career, which began gaining traction with his 1981 album Face Value. This shift allowed Collins to experiment with upbeat, radio-friendly tracks influenced by contemporary artists like Prince, whom he encountered while touring with Genesis in the early 1980s. Hearing Prince's "1999" sparked Collins' desire to create a similar funky, dance-oriented song for his third solo album, No Jacket Required, enabling him to infuse personal, youthful themes into his pop songwriting. During a solitary writing session in his home in 1984, Collins improvised over a drum machine and basic chords, leading to the emergence of the nonsensical word "Sussudio" as a placeholder in the chorus. He later explained that the term simply "came out" while singing into the microphone, capturing a rhythmic, playful sound that he initially intended to replace but ultimately retained after failing to find a suitable alternative that fit the melody's scansion. The song's concept drew from a schoolboy crush Collins experienced in his youth, evoking the awkward of a boy pining for a who barely knows him. This personal memory was amplified by observing a similar situation with his then-eight-year-old daughter, who harbored an unspoken affection for a classmate, mirroring the unrequited longing in the lyrics. By assigning "Sussudio" as the 's name in the , Collins transformed the improvised word into the emotional core of the track, blending with universal adolescent themes.

Songwriting process

Phil Collins composed the main for "Sussudio" on during the early recording sessions for his third solo album, , which took place from May to December 1984 at in . The featured a simple in C Mixolydian, drawing from upbeat pop and R&B styles, with a repetitive structure that emphasized a driving, danceable groove. At the core of the song was its simple, repetitive chorus hook, which Collins developed as an infectious, syllable-based melody influenced by Prince's 1999 album, a record he listened to extensively while on tour and sought to emulate in creating a high-energy track. This hook, centered around the improvised word "Sussudio"—stemming briefly from a childhood crush recalled during writing—formed the song's rhythmic and vocal foundation, prioritizing catchiness over complex lyrics. Collins then captured an initial demo of the track in his home studio, programming basic patterns on a to establish the upbeat tempo of 121 beats per minute, which provided the skeletal rhythm and propulsion that carried into full production. In a 1997 VH1 Storytellers appearance, he described the process: "I set up this drum-machine pad, and I got some chords, and I started to sing into the microphone, and this word came out, which was ‘sus-sussudio.’" This home-recorded version, released on September 12, 2025, as part of the No Jacket Required (Fully Tailored) box set, highlighted the raw, piano-driven essence before band overdubs.

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording of "Sussudio" took place at in during 1984, as part of the broader sessions for ' third solo album, , which ran from May to December. These sessions were co-produced by Collins and , who had collaborated on Collins' previous solo efforts and Genesis projects, emphasizing a polished pop-rock sound with innovative production techniques. The track's basic was captured early in this period, building on demos Collins had developed at his home studio, Old Croft, to establish the song's driving groove. A key technical element in the studio sessions was the application of gated reverb to the drums, a technique that had become a hallmark of Collins' sound since its accidental discovery during the 1980 recording of Peter Gabriel's III at the same studio. Padgham and Collins refined this method using the SSL 4000 mixing console's room microphones, heavily compressed and gated to create a punchy, explosive snare and kick drum effect that cut through the mix abruptly, enhancing the rhythm section's energy without overwhelming the arrangement. This signature approach, often associated with Collins' work from Face Value onward, was integral to "Sussudio," giving the track its distinctive 1980s drum timbre. Following the initial tracking, the phase extended over several weeks, where synthesizers were layered to provide a pulsating and melodic fills, complemented by horn sections that added rhythmic stabs and a lively, upbeat texture to the song's energetic arrangement. This iterative process allowed Collins and Padgham to experiment with multiple takes, blending electronic and acoustic elements to refine the track's pop while maintaining its raw drive. The sessions concluded by late 1984, with the full album wrapping up across additional facilities to prepare for its 1985 release.

Key contributors

Phil Collins served as the lead vocalist, live drummer, programmer of the drum machine, and keyboardist on "Sussudio," while also taking on production duties for the track. His multi-instrumental contributions shaped the song's rhythmic foundation and overall pop-funk energy, drawing from his experience as Genesis drummer and solo artist. Supporting musicians included guitarist , who provided the parts, adding sharp riffs and accents to the arrangement. Keyboardist David Frank contributed synthesizers, including the prominent Mini Moog bass line that drives the groove and programming on the drum machine. The horn section featured —comprising saxophonist , trombonist Louis Saterfield, and trumpeter Rahmlee Michael Davis, alumni of —with arrangements by Tom Tom 84 (Thomas Allen). Co-producer and engineer played a pivotal role in refining the track's sound, particularly the iconic effect on the drums, a technique he co-developed earlier with Collins on Peter Gabriel's records and refined for this album. Padgham's expertise ensured the crisp, larger-than-life drum presence that became a hallmark of Collins' productions.

Musical structure

Lyrics

The lyrics of "Sussudio" revolve around a repetitive structure that emphasizes the titular word as a nonsensical placeholder for unspoken romantic desire. The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, consists simply of "Sussudio, oh-oh, oh-oh" chanted four times, serving as a catchy that captures the essence of longing without assigning a specific to the invented term. In the verses, Collins describes a one-sided , opening with lines such as "There's a that's been on my mind / All the time, Su-sussudio, oh-oh," portraying the narrator's obsession with a who remains unaware of his feelings. Subsequent verses build on this theme, expressing with phrases like "Now I know that I'm gonna lose my mind / 'Cause you know I want you to be mine" and questioning, "But tell me why / Why can't you see that I'm the one for you?" These elements highlight the emotional turmoil of unrequited attraction, drawing from Collins' own recollections of a schoolboy crush. The song's themes center on the innocence and awkwardness of youthful romance, evoking the frustration of being unable to articulate or act on emotions toward an idealized figure, without developing a concrete narrative or plot. Collins has emphasized that the lack any deeper , intentionally keeping them straightforward to complement the track's upbeat pop and infectious .

Instrumentation and arrangement

"Sussudio" is composed in the key of C major and employs a classic verse-chorus form that drives its upbeat structure. The song's rhythm section is anchored by a prominent, driving drum beat generated using the Oberheim DMX drum machine, which delivers punchy snares and a steady kick pattern at approximately 121 beats per minute, establishing its danceable tempo. This foundation is complemented by a synth bass line sequenced on the MiniMoog, programmed by keyboardist David Frank, providing a groovy, repetitive pulse that evokes 1980s funk influences. Electric guitar riffs, performed by , add a sharp, rhythmic edge to the arrangement, interweaving with the synth elements to blend rock and pop sensibilities. The track incorporates hallmark 1980s synth-pop features, including brass horns performed by (Don Myrick on , Louis Satterfield on , Michael Harris and Rahmlee Michael Davis on ), arranged by Tom Tom 84, which contribute to its funky, energetic vibe and make it suitable for radio play. These horn accents punctuate the chorus, enhancing the song's celebratory feel without overpowering the core groove. The final arrangement evolved significantly from its original demo, which drew inspiration from Prince's 1982 album 1999 but risked sounding too similar; co-producer suggested revisions, leading to the addition of the distinctive bass line for differentiation. Further refinements included layered backing vocals by and supplementary percussion elements, amplifying the track's lively, radio-friendly energy while maintaining its concise four-minute runtime.

Release

Single formats

"Sussudio" was released as the from ' third solo , No Jacket Required, on January 14, 1985, in the United Kingdom by . In the United States, issued the single on April 30, 1985. The initial promotion emphasized the track's upbeat pop sound, marking a deliberate shift toward more accessible, radio-friendly material compared to Collins' earlier solo efforts, with stations prioritizing the song's memorable, repetitive chorus to drive airplay.

Track listings

"Sussudio" was released in multiple formats, with variations across regions.

7-inch single

The standard 7-inch vinyl single, released in the , , , and other markets, featured the following tracks:
SideTitleDurationNotes
ASussudio4:23Album version
B4:25Instrumental (UK/Europe)
BI Like the Way4:44()
This configuration was common for the primary single release on labels like Virgin () and Atlantic (), with B-side variations by region.

12-inch single

The 12-inch maxi-single provided extended and ed versions, primarily for dance and club play:
TrackTitleDurationNotes
A1Sussudio6:35Extended
B14:25
These editions were issued on Virgin (UK/Europe) and Atlantic (US), emphasizing the song's upbeat rhythm for longer playtimes.

International variants

Regional releases included adaptations for local markets. For instance, the Japanese 7-inch edition (WEA P-1972, 1985) featured A: "Sussudio" (4:23) and B: "Sussudio" (extended mix, 6:35).

Promotion

Music video

The music video for "Sussudio" was directed by Jim Yukich and produced by Paul Flattery. Filming took place at The Princess Victoria, a in , , owned at the time by founder . The video's concept centers on a performance narrative, with and his touring band—guitarist , drummer , and bassist Lee Sklar—playing the upbeat track inside the pub to liven up a subdued crowd of patrons. Stylistically, it combines the vintage, wood-paneled ambiance of the historic pub with the sleek, high-energy cinematography characteristic of mid-1980s , emphasizing dynamic band interactions and crowd engagement to promote the single's fun, danceable vibe.

Live performances

"Sussudio" made its live debut on ' No Jacket Required World Tour in 1985, opening many shows with an energetic that incorporated extended drum fills and encouraged audience participation through clapping and call-and-response elements to suit the scale of venues. The performance adapted the song's studio groove, featuring prominent horns and percussion to build crowd energy during the tour's 92-date run across , , and . The song became a consistent setlist staple in subsequent tours, including the ...But Seriously Tour (1989–1990), where it was played in 129 of 133 concerts, often midway through the set to maintain momentum. It also appeared in the Dance into the Light Tour (1995–1996), the First Final Farewell Tour (2004–2005), and Collins' solo outings through the 2010s, such as the (2017–2019), adapting to smaller band configurations in later years while retaining its upbeat, danceable core. A notable rendition occurred during the Serious Hits... Live! in in 1990, captured on the DVD Serious Hits... Live!, where Collins engaged the audience by having them provide backing vocals and percussion claps, amplifying the song's communal feel in a setting. This highlighted the track's adaptability, scaling up the studio instrumentation with live horns and a tight to energize over 22,000 attendees.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in early 1985, "Sussudio" received mixed assessments from critics. In a May 1985 review of the album , noted that Collins' reliance on staccato horn fills in songs like "Sussudio" was "beginning to wear thin," suggesting a formulaic shift from his more varied earlier solo material. This reception reflected broader trends in reviewing, where upbeat, visually dynamic singles were frequently praised amid MTV's growing influence on pop promotion and consumption.

Retrospective views

Biographical accounts of Collins' career underscore "Sussudio"'s pivotal role in marking his commercial zenith, as the lead single from No Jacket Required (1985) helped the album sell over 25 million copies worldwide and solidify his transition from Genesis drummer to global pop icon. In the 21st century, retrospective coverage has highlighted the song's enduring appeal as an iconic 1980s hit. For the album's 40th anniversary in 2025, reissues and articles celebrated "Sussudio" for its role in Collins' string of hits, emphasizing its danceable energy and lasting nostalgic value in pop culture.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"Sussudio" achieved notable success on music charts around the world, driven by its upbeat rhythm and extensive radio and airplay. Released earlier in the UK than in , the single's performance varied by region, with particularly strong results in the market where it benefited from crossover appeal across pop, adult contemporary, and formats. In the , "Sussudio" debuted at number 39 on the dated May 11, 1985, and ascended steadily, reaching number 1 on the chart dated July 6, 1985, for two weeks. The track's climb was propelled by frequent rotation starting in May 1985, marking Collins' third consecutive number-one hit on the . It spent a total of 29 weeks on the chart. The song also performed well internationally. In the UK, it entered the Official Singles Chart at number 25 on January 26, 1985, peaked at number 12 the following week, and charted for 9 weeks overall. In , it reached number 10 on the RPM Top Singles chart. saw it peak at number 8 on the .
Chart (1985)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
US Billboard Hot 100129
US Billboard Adult Contemporary30-
US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs8-
US Mainstream Rock10-
Canada Top Singles (RPM)10-
UK Singles (OCC)129
Australia (Kent Music Report)8-

Sales and certifications

"Sussudio" was certified Gold by the (RIAA) in the United States in August 1990, denoting shipments of 500,000 units. Global sales of the single have been estimated at over 1.7 million units when combining physical and digital formats, with physical single sales alone accounting for 1,290,000 copies. In the , the track experienced a notable resurgence via streaming services, amassing over 220 million streams on as of November 2025 and bolstering its long-term commercial metrics.

Legacy

Cultural impact

"Sussudio" has permeated popular culture through its appearances in films and television, often evoking 1980s nostalgia and reinforcing the era's aesthetic. In the 2000 film , the song plays during a key scene where protagonist delivers an enthusiastic monologue praising ' work, including "Sussudio" as a personal favorite, which has since become an iconic reference to excess and retro appeal. The track's upbeat energy and distinctive drum patterns have also contributed to its frequent use in media highlighting 1980s vibes, such as nostalgic compilations and episodes of shows like , where it was parodied as "Bu Bu Budio" in the 2000 episode "" to comedic effect. The song's nonsensical title and chorus hook have inspired discussions and imitations in , demonstrating how invented words can create memorable, infectious elements. Collins improvised "Sussudio" during a studio session with a , a technique that echoed earlier influences like Prince's "1999" but popularized playful, meaningless syllables in mainstream hits. Online, "Sussudio" endures through memes centered on Collins' drum fills and the song's enigmatic word, often juxtaposed with humorous misinterpretations or 1980s stereotypes, amplifying its role in digital nostalgia .

Covers and samples

"Sussudio has inspired numerous covers across genres, often reinterpreting its upbeat pop-funk groove in contrasting styles. One early notable adaptation is the 1985 rendition by the American novelty band Big Daddy, featured on their album Meanwhile... Back in the States, which recasts the track as a rock 'n' roll complete with vocal harmonies and retro instrumentation. Another prominent cover came in 2001 from rapper on the tribute compilation , blending raw hip-hop lyrics with the song's signature beat and synth riff for a gritty urban twist." "Live covers have also highlighted the song's adaptability in performance settings. The Australian ensemble Hindley Street Country Club delivered a high-energy funk version during their 2018 concert at Concordia College, emphasizing extended solos on the drum pattern while preserving the original's infectious energy. In 2025, they released a studio version of the cover." "The track's elements, particularly its driving drum pattern and bassline, have been sampled extensively in hip-hop. A key example is the 1997 song 'Just Another Case' by Cru featuring from the album Da Dirty 30, which interpolates the percussion and bass to underpin its narrative rap verses. Other hip-hop productions from the era, such as Del the Funky Homosapien's 1991 debut single 'Mistadobalina,' draw on similar rhythmic influences, though not direct samples, to evoke 1980s pop nostalgia." "In more contemporary contexts, 'Sussudio' has found a place in , a genre known for manipulating pop through slowdowns, reverb, and lo-fi effects. Producers like Michael Amato released a vaporwave edit in 2015, stretching the track's tempo and layering it with nostalgic synth washes to create a dreamy, retro-futuristic atmosphere. Similarly, the 2016 track 'TECHミネラルウォーター' by // P E N T I U M 2 // ダニ samples the song's hook and drums, integrating them into a chillwave- hybrid that evokes digital malaise."

References

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