It remains one of Collins' best-known hits, often cited as his signature song, and is especially famous for his drum break towards the end, which has been described as "the sleekest, most melodramatic drum break in history".
In a 2016 interview, Collins said of the song's lyrics: "I wrote the lyrics spontaneously. I'm not quite sure what the song is about, but there's a lot of anger, a lot of despair and a lot of frustration."
"In the Air Tonight" has been licensed repeatedly for use in films, television and advertisements for various products.
"In the Air Tonight" is the debut solo single by the English singer-songwriter and drummer Phil Collins.
The song was released as the lead single from Collins' debut solo album, Face Value, in January 1981.