Philip Bailey and Phil Collins are two iconic vocalists whose brief but unforgettable collaboration highlighted the unique strengths each brought to 1980s pop and soul music. Philip Bailey, best known as one of the lead singers of Earth, Wind & Fire, built his reputation on his extraordinary multi-octave range and ethereal falsetto, shaping some of the most influential R&B and funk recordings of the era. Phil Collins, drummer and frontman of Genesis as well as a massively successful solo artist, became one of the decade’s defining voices with his distinctive tone, emotional delivery, and genre-crossing songwriting.
When the two joined forces in the mid-1980s, their contrasting styles—Bailey’s soulful elegance and Collins’s rhythmic pop sensibility—created a memorable musical pairing that showcased their versatility and global appeal. Together, they contributed a standout moment to both of their careers, celebrated by fans across generations.
Philip Bailey and Phil Collins’ 1985 hit “Easy Lover” is one of the decade’s most electrifying pop-rock duets, exploding with energy from the very first riff. The song’s tight, punchy arrangement blends Bailey’s soaring falsetto with Collins’s powerful, rhythmic vocal style, creating a dynamic contrast that drives the track’s unstoppable momentum.
With its crisp production, infectious chorus, and unmistakable chemistry between the two singers, “Easy Lover” became an instant classic and remains a staple of ’80s playlists. It’s a perfect showcase of what happens when two powerhouse talents meet and elevate each other to new heights.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK Singles Chart on 23rd May 1985.
| A-Side | Easy Lover (4:45) (Philip Bailey, Phil Collins, Nathan East) Produced Phil Collins |
| B-Side | Woman (5:04) (M. Sharron, G. Skardina, S. Mitchell) Produced Phil Collins |
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Release Date | 4th March 1985 |
| Label | CBS |
| Catalogue Number | A 4915 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 9th March 1985 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 10 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [10 Weeks] – 9th March 1985 – 11th May 1985 |
Officially Released Versions
Easy Lover (Single Version) (4:45)
Easy Lover (Extended Dance Remix) (6:21)
Easy Lover (Album Version) (5:05)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Easy lover
She’ll get a hold on you believe it
Like no other
Before you know it you’ll be on your knees
She’s an easy lover
She’ll take your heart but you won’t feel it
She’s like no other
And I’m just trying to make you see
She’s the kind of girl you dream of
Dream of keeping hold of
You’d better forget it
You’ll never get it
She will play around and leave you
Leave you and deceive you
Better forget it
Oh you’ll regret it
No you’ll never change her, so leave it, leave it
Get out quick cos seeing is believing
It’s the only way
You’ll ever know
She’s an easy lover
She’ll get a hold on you believe it
Like no other
Before you know it you’ll be on your knees
She’s an easy lover
She’ll take your heart but you won’t feel it
She’s like no other
And I’m just trying to make you see
You’re the one that wants to hold her
Hold her and control her
You’d better forget it
You’ll never get it
Oh she’ll say that there’s no other
Till she finds another
Better forget it
Oh you’ll regret it
And don’t try to change her, just leave it, leave it
You’re not the only one, ooh seeing is believing
It’s the only way
You’ll ever know, oh
No don’t try to change her, just leave it, leave it
You’re not the only one, ooh seeing is believing
It’s the only way
You’ll ever know, oh
She’s an easy lover (she’s an easy lover)
She’ll get a hold on you believe it (get a hold on you)
(She’s) like no other
Before you know it you’ll be on your knees (you’ll be down on your knees)
She’s an easy lover
She’ll take your heart but you won’t feel it (you won’t feel it)
She’s like no other
And I’m just trying to make you see (trying to make you see, yeah)
She’s an easy lover
She’ll get a hold on you believe it (get a hold on you)
And like no other
Before you know it you’ll be on your knees (you’ll be down on your knees)
(yeah yeah yeah)
She’s an easy lover
She’ll take your heart but you won’t feel it (you won’t feel it)
She’s like no other
And I’m just trying to make you see (trying to make you see)
She’s an easy lover
She’ll get a hold on you believe it…
Written By Philip Bailey, Phil Collins & Nathan East
