Editing ...But Seriously (section)

==Production==
''...But Seriously'' was recorded between April and October 1989 at [[The Farm (recording studio)|The Farm]] in [[Chiddingfold]], Surrey and [[A&M Studios]] in [[Los Angeles]], California. It was produced by Collins and [[Hugh Padgham]], who had worked on his previous solo albums and with Genesis throughout the decade. The album saw Collins use a live drum kit in contrast with ''No Jacket Required'' which had greater use of a [[drum machine]], although the [[Roland TR-808]] did make a prominent appearance on the tracks "That's Just The Way It Is", "Do You Remember?" and "Father to Son". He also prominently used keyboards and electric piano and fewer synthesisers. Collins made a conscious decision not to rely on vocal effects on the album as his previous recordings, including with Genesis, involved the use of a harmoniser and echo and he looked back on this as a way of hiding the perceived drawbacks he had about his singing. In the end, a small amount of reverb and delay for a slap echo effect were used.<ref name=TWR00/>

Collins experienced difficulty in naming the album. The initial title was ''Serious Business'', before Collins decided against the potential connotations of business or corporations that it may have on the public.<ref name=TWR00>{{cite web|url=http://www.twronline.net/issues/twr41/twr41_pc01.htm|title="Phil Collins... profiled" - Phil talks about the "...But Seriously" album|first=Alan|last=Hewitt|date=February 2000|via=The Waiting Room Online|access-date=20 April 2020}}</ref> As the title suggests, the album is a change of pace from the lighter tone of Collins's previous work. Collins expanded his focus to the exploration of socio-economic and political themes. There is emotional turmoil underneath the polished studio production and many of the songs are unambiguous and unveiled in their melancholy. While incorporating political themes, ''...But Seriously'' does not abandon the theme of relationships. But unlike some of his earlier work, Collins takes a more mature and reflective approach when looking at the relationships in his life.{{original research inline|date=July 2020}}

As with his previous albums Collins wrote the sleeve notes by hand because "that's all part of the personal statement"; the exception being ''No Jacket Required''.<ref name=Q90/> He wrote the text on the "Another Day in Paradise" single on the inbound from the album's European press trip in November 1989.<ref name=Q90/>