While the original Beatles version was a groundbreaking piece of 1960s psychedelia, Collins' interpretation is often described as more downtempo and reflective.
: The track famously fades into a brief, hidden a cappella rendition of "Over the Rainbow". Although the album was released shortly after John Lennon's death, Collins has stated that "Tomorrow Never Knows" was recorded and mixed over a year prior and was not originally intended as a memorial. Critical Reception Phil Collins - Tomorrow Never Knows
: The track utilizes sinuous drones and sped-up backwards riffs that echo the spirit of the original but adapt it to a "Star Wars age" aesthetic, characterized by sharp, technological production. While the original Beatles version was a groundbreaking
Reception of the cover is highly polarized among critics and fans: Critical Reception : The track utilizes sinuous drones
: Collins delivers what some reviewers describe as "automaton-like wails" that maintain the hypnotic vision of the original lyrics.
: Conversely, critics at Ultimate Classic Rock have labeled it an "absolutely atrocious" moment on an otherwise strong album, calling the production a "mess from top to bottom". Context within Face Value
The inclusion of a psychedelic Beatles cover was a departure from the stark, R&B-influenced pop found elsewhere on the album, such as "In the Air Tonight" and "I Missed Again". It remains the only cover song on the standard version of the album.