Without a doubt the 1981-89 incarnation of Phil is better.
And here are the reasons why:
1) No Jacket Required, specifically Sussido. (Su-su-sussido-oh-oh.) Prince basically nicked Phil's marvellous tune for the remainder of his career.
2) Easy Lover, a modern day soul classic (and brought Philip Bailey to the attention of the world)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=npoGEM1BbrY
3) The Live Aid feat of playing in both London and Philadelphia. And playing with Sting. With a tenor sax.
4) More hair.
5) Against All Odds.
6 ) In The (h)Air Tonight. THE 88 REMIX!!!!!!!
7) Still dabbled with Genesis- Land Of Confusion's hilarious Spitting Image video showing Phil had his old
8) The LP with the definitive version of You Can't Hurry Love.
9) Not content with a successful solo career AND being the drummer bloke turned singer in Genesis, he also turned his hand to acting in the feature film Buster.
10) Phil never threatened to leave the country if Labour got in during this period.
11) The crowning glory (if you'll pardon the pun) being Another Day IN Paradise, where Phil empathises with the homeless but keeps all the recorded profits for himself.
12) Not being renowned as THE ARTISTE that rappers, hip-hoppers and r&b singers like to chill to.