Here’s a history lesson on Phil Collins’ classic 1984 worldwide hit ‘Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)’, from its inspiration, the movie it came from and its many cover versions.
What was the film ‘Against All Odds’?
It was directed by Taylor Hackford and starred Rachel Ward, Jeff Bridges and James Woods alongside Jane Greer (who had also starred in Out of the Past). The film revolves around an ageing American football star, who is hired by a mobster to find his girlfriend.
The film’s soundtrack also featured songs from Phil’s Genesis bandmates Peter Gabriel and Mike Rutherford.
‘Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)’ appears in the movie during the closing credits.
What was the song inspired by?
Originally titled ‘How Can You Just Sit There?’, the song was initially from Phil’s sessions for his debut solo album Face Value in 1981.
On episode 339 of the podcast This American Life, Phil said that the song was inspired and written shortly after the split between him and his first wife. He said that the divorce transformed him from being a musician into also being a lyricist.
That song was written during my first divorce. My first wife and the kids had gone and I was left there. The song was written out of experience as opposed to a ‘what if’ song.
Check out Richard Goodall’s cover of ‘Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)’ below
Richard Goodall headed back to Hollywood for Round 3 of AGT
The singing janitor Richard Goodall is headed back to Hollywood for America’s Got Talent live semi-finals that will air September 11th.
For now, AGT’s semi-finalist has returned to his everyday life being known as “Mr. Goodall” at West Vigo Middle School where the students have enjoyed having him back at school.
“I’ve signed so many tennis shoes, so many cell phone cases, and taken so many selfies,” said Goodall. “The kids are just eating it up. They love it. Just an overwhelming beautiful, wonderful response.”
While the Golden Buzzer winner has been back home in Terre Haute, he says he’s put a lot of thought into his song choice for the next go around.
“Just paying attention to the music, making the right song choice. I mean song choice is the is probably the biggest thing in the competition and there is a lot that goes into it.”
Richard Goodall has already touched down in Hollywood ahead of America’s Got Talent live shows coming up in a few short weeks, for the final preparations.
“You don’t just stand up there and sing,” said Goodall. “There is so much prep work. They have screens behind you, screens your standing on. They have creative people, story people, and of course the music team.”
As we are on the heels of the next America’s Got Talent live show, the singing janitor says he can feel the love and support from the Terre Haute community.
“I love y’all. I mean all of this means so much to me. I genuinely, I never dreamed I would be in this position. So happy and humbled that I am in this position, and I promise you whatever happens, I am going to give back as much as I have been given. So, it’s not all wasted on me.”