his previous solo albums and with Genesis throughout the decade. The album saw Collins use a live drum kit in contrast with No Jacket Required which had greater use of a drum machine. He also prominently used keyboards and electric piano and fewer synthesisers. Collins made a conscious decision not to rely on vocal effects on the album as his previous recordings, including with Genesis, involved the use of a harmoniser and echo and he looked back on this as a way of hiding the perceived drawbacks he had about his singing. In the end, a small amount of reverb and delay for a slap echo effect were used. Collins experienced difficulty in naming the album. The initial title was Serious Business, before Collins decided against the potential connotations of business or corporations that it may have on the public. As the title suggests, the album is a change of pace from the lighter tone of Collins's previous work. Collins expanded his focus to the exploration of socio-economic and political themes. There is emotional turmoil underneath the polished studio production and many of the songs are unambiguous and unveiled in their melancholy. While incorporating political themes, ...But Seriously does not abandon the theme of relationships. But unlike some of his earlier work, Collins takes a more mature and reflective approach when looking at the relationships in his life. As with his previous albums Collins wrote the sleeve notes by hand because "that's all part of the personal statement"; the exception being No Jacket Required. He wrote the text on the "Another Day in Paradise" single on the inbound from the album's European press trip in November 1989. Songs The album was a departure from the dance pop of the No Jacket Required album. Unlike No Jacket Required, this album was a pop-rock album, but also included various styles and influences, like R&B, dance-pop, jazz, soul and gospel. "Hang in Long Enough" was the opening of the album. This song was a dance-pop song, with influenced soul and rock. The song talks about ambition. "That's Just the Way It Is" is an anti-war ballad about The Troubles in Northern Ireland and features David Crosby on backing vocals. Collins had wanted Crosby to perform on his first solo album Face Value (1981), but he was unavailable at the time. The two met at the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary concert in 1988, and