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.”