Phil Collins and 4 other great debut solo albums by singers of iconic bands

Breaking away from a well-known band isn’t ever straightforward. It’s a move a bandmate makes, one that comes with uncertainty about the outcome. There might be plenty of fans who haven’t yet warmed up to the idea of solo endeavors.

Additionally, embarking on a solo project could communicate to the other band members something along the lines of, “I believe I have the potential to achieve greater heights individually,” or “I feel that my ideas and talents may not be fully recognized within our group.

For the subsequent five albums, a vocalist departed from a renowned band and transformed their first release into a splendid masterpiece. Did they match the greatness of the band they parted ways with? In certain instances, indeed they did.

5 fantastic debut albums by singers who strayed from their legendary bands

Morrissey – Viva Hate (1988)

The Smiths produced just four main studio albums, giving the impression they weren’t designed for a prolonged existence. Internal disputes were frequent among them, and legal battles became commonplace. Although Morrissey’s first solo effort might not quite match the caliber of Smiths music, it shares a similar sound.

Morrissey’s musical style has transitioned more towards rock now, shedding much of his earlier pop influence. In essence, it seems as though he or perhaps pop music itself has moved past the singer. Nonetheless, his album “Viva Hate” is filled with enchanting tracks like “Suedehead” and “Everyday is Like Sunday.” Additionally, “Margaret on the Guillotine” continues to be a cherished tune among fans for Morrissey.

Phil Collins – Face Value (1981)

In Collins’s first album, the style was remarkably akin to how Genesis sounded during that period, so fans who opted for this outstanding record shouldn’t have been shocked by its sound. Some tracks were so alike to Genesis’ compositions that it could be challenging to recall whether a song was composed by Collins or Genesis.

Although the album is primarily recognized for its iconic track, “In the Air Tonight”, it’s the lesser-known songs that truly elevate this record. For instance, “The Roof is Leaking” carries an eerie, somber atmosphere, and “You Know What I Mean” exudes a melancholic beauty.

Sting – The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985)

Unlike the style of The Police, Sting opted for a distinctly different approach in his music. Instead of continuing the band’s sound, he crafted an album that showcases jazz musicians playing jazz music. However, it’s not like John Coltrane’s work; while there is a jazz element, Sting retained some pop elements and infused a strong 1980s vibe into his creation as well.

This album wasn’t just the result of a single experiment; instead, throughout most of his career, Sting continued to tinker with elements that contributed to this album’s creation. Remarkably, there were numerous hits worth mentioning from the record, but the true standout is “Moon Over Bourbon Street.” It might be about a vampire.

Sting didn’t make this album through a one-time experiment; instead, he kept working on it for much of his career, and there were many good songs from the album, but “Moon Over Bourbon Street” is our favorite. It could be about a vampire.

Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard of Ozz (1980)

For some time, Black Sabbath fans had been eagerly anticipating something special, but what they received wasn’t a traditional Sabbath album. Interestingly, Ozzy Osbourne had departed from the band, yet the brilliance lay in recruiting Randy Rhoads as the guitarist. It was a remarkable union of icons, and we were fortunate to receive numerous musical treasures.

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but marvel at the timelessness of “Crazy Train,” which continues to resonate as vividly today as it did 45 years ago. Interestingly, “I Don’t Know” ranks as Ozzy’s second most-performed live track in concerts. The dark, campy charm of “Mr. Crowley” never fails to entertain. And let me tell you, the entire album is an absolute joy to listen to, still sounding fresh and captivating.

Lionel Richie – Lionel Richie (1982)

Back in the day, it’s a fact that neither Ozzy Osbourne nor Lionel Richie, who used to be with the Commodores, embarked on a tour together. Yet, despite treading different paths musically, they both churned out an impressive collection of fantastic tracks. At the time this recording was made, Lionel wasn’t fully blossomed as a solo artist yet, and that turned out to be a blessing.

Rather than listening to a well-known artist, we have an emerging singer producing heartfelt songs such as “Truly,” “My Love,” and “You Are.” While there are indeed ballads in the mix, listening to “You Are” can’t help but lift your spirits.

2025-06-24 15:00