"Dance into the Light" is the sixth solo studio album by Phil Collins, released on 21 October 1996 in the UK by Face Value Records. The album features guest backing vocals from Collins' touring companions, including Arnold McCuller and Amy Keys. This marked Collins' first album as a full-time solo artist after leaving Genesis earlier that year.
The album received largely negative reviews from critics and did not perform well commercially, peaking at No. 23 on the US Billboard 200 and becoming Collins' poorest-selling album at the time. It was certified gold in the U.S., but notably, it did not include any American Top 40 hits, with the title track peaking at No. 45, although it reached the top 10 in the UK. Five singles were released from the album: "Dance into the Light," "It's in Your Eyes," "No Matter Who," "Wear My Hat," and "The Same Moon," with only the first two making the UK Top 40.
Despite the disappointing album sales, Collins' subsequent U.S. tour, The Trip into the Light World Tour, was one of the year's top-grossing tours, regularly selling out arenas. This album also introduced the Vine Street Horns, who replaced the Phenix Horns from the previous tour. Collins did not chart again with an American Top 40 single until 1999's "You'll Be in My Heart" from Disney's Tarzan.
In May 1995, Collins completed his Both Sides of the World Tour, during which he announced his separation from his second wife, Jill Tavelman, and filed for divorce, finalized in 1996. His relationship with Orianne Cevey, who would later become his third wife, positively influenced his well-being. These personal changes, along with his exposure to various musical influences while touring, inspired the songs for the album, which featured more upbeat rhythms compared to his recent work.
Collins began writing the album at the end of 1995 in his Swiss home, intentionally using more guitar and fewer keyboards in contrast to his previous styles. He brought in producer Hugh Padgham to help with the album, marking a shift from his hands-on approach with Both Sides. The album included contributions from more musicians, with Collins seeking to maintain the original feel of his demos while allowing for collaborative input.
Collins felt that the title Dance into the Light would spark curiosity, and he initially considered naming it Out of the Woods. He emphasized using real drums in the recording, believing it added liveliness to the music, and he aimed to fulfill listener expectations for his drumming. An interview recorded in August 1996 provided additional insights into the album's creation.
In his 2016 autobiography, Collins mentioned that the Britpop movement inspired him to write "guitar songs." Following the album's release, he encountered Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher, who had previously criticized Collins. Despite the negative comments, Collins appreciated the band's music while expressing his view on the Gallagher brothers' personalities.
The album was recorded in a chateau in France, utilizing a mobile studio owned by Sting to facilitate the recording process while allowing Collins to feel closer to home.
