ROCK MOMENT – Phil Collins “Sussudio”
Few songs are as instantly recognizable—or as frequently misunderstood—as Phil Collins’ “Sussudio.” Released in January 1985 as the lead single from his blockbuster album No Jacket Required, the song became Collins’ first No. 1 solo hit on the Billboard Hot 100. With its infectious horn riffs, driving drum machine groove, and unforgettable chorus, “Sussudio” became one of the defining pop songs of the 1980s and helped turn No Jacket Required into one of the decade’s biggest-selling albums.
The unusual title has long fascinated listeners because “Sussudio” isn’t a real word. According to Phil Collins, he was improvising melodies while experimenting with his drum machine and keyboard when he began singing the nonsense syllables “sus-sussudio.” He intended to replace the placeholder lyric later, but after trying countless alternatives, he realized nothing fit the melody as naturally. Rather than force a different title, Collins built the entire song around the made-up word.
Collins has explained that the lyrics tell the story of a young man who develops an overwhelming crush on a girl but is too shy and inexperienced to tell her how he feels. The mysterious name “Sussudio” simply became the girl’s nickname within the song. Collins has often joked that if he had changed the title, the song probably wouldn’t have become nearly as memorable.
Musically, “Sussudio” reflected Collins’ growing interest in combining pop songwriting with funk and R&B influences. The song was built around a Roland drum machine, layered synthesizers, and a powerful horn section provided by The Phenix Horns, best known for their work with Earth, Wind & Fire. Their punchy brass arrangement gave the track its energetic feel and became one of its defining characteristics.
The album No Jacket Required was produced by Phil Collins alongside longtime collaborator Hugh Padgham, whose innovative production techniques had already helped shape records by Genesis, The Police, and XTC. Padgham’s crisp, polished production emphasized Collins’ knack for creating radio-friendly hooks while maintaining a sophisticated studio sound. The pair also continued to refine the famous “gated reverb” drum sound that Collins had helped popularize earlier in the decade, although it is used more subtly on “Sussudio” than on songs like “In the Air Tonight.”
Upon its release, some critics noted similarities between “Sussudio” and Prince’s 1982 hit “1999,” particularly the prominent synthesizers, horn stabs, and upbeat groove. Collins acknowledged that he admired Prince’s music but maintained that any resemblance was unintentional. Over time, the song has largely been appreciated on its own merits as one of the signature pop recordings of the MTV era.
The colorful music video, featuring Collins and his touring band performing in a nightclub, received heavy rotation on MTV, helping the song reach a worldwide audience. The success of “Sussudio” propelled No Jacket Required to extraordinary heights. The album sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and cemented Collins’ status as one of the biggest solo artists of the 1980s.
Looking back, Collins has admitted he understands why some listeners poke fun at the title, but he has never apologized for it. In interviews, he has said that the song’s nonsensical name is exactly what made it unique. Nearly four decades later, “Sussudio” remains one of his most enduring hits—a song that proves a catchy melody and irresistible groove can make even a made-up word unforgettable.
