No Jacket Required, released in 1985, is Phil Collins’ third solo studio album. It continues the trajectory of his post-Genesis career while adopting a contemporary pop style highly oriented toward radio.
The album features several internationally successful singles, including “Sussudio,” “One More Night,” and “Don’t Lose My Number.”
The arrangements emphasize synthesizers, electronic percussion, and prominent bass lines, characteristic of the 1980s.
No Jacket Required received multiple accolades, including Grammy Awards, and achieved major commercial success worldwide.
It remains an iconic work of 1980s pop and an important milestone in Phil Collins’ solo career.

Steven Wilson explains the 2025 mix process for the stereo, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos.

For this review, you will find 11 versions tested:

• Ed 1: Blu-ray Dolby Atmos – 2025
• Ed 2: Blu-ray mix 2025 5.1 – 2025
• Ed 3: Blu-ray mix 2025 stereo – 2025
• Ed 4: Blu-ray stereo – 2025
• Ed 5: CD – 2019
• Ed 6: Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2025
• Ed 7: Tidal MAX 2025 Mix – 2025
• Ed 8: Tidal remastered – 2016
• Ed 9: Vinyl BOX 40th – 2025
• Ed 10: Vinyl record – 1985
• Ed 11: CD – 1985

Below you will find the description of the different editions, as well as the measurements of each edition in the following chapters.
The synthesis of the review and the samples are available here

The album is composed of 10 tracks:

1. Sussudio
2. Only You Know and I Know
3. Long Long Way to Go
4. I Don’t Wanna Know
5. One More Night
6. Don’t Lose My Number
7. Who Said I Would
8. Doesn’t Anybody Stay Together Anymore
9. Inside Out
10. Take Me Home
11. We Said Hello Goodbye*

*available on CD 1985,2019 and Tidal remastered 2016

Summary, scoring and Samples

Ed 1: Blu-ray Dolby Atmos – 2025

Presentation

The audio track tested here is the Dolby Atmos version from the Blu-ray Pure Audio edition. The blu-ray contents 4 tracks : new 2025 mix in Stereo, 5.1 and Dolby atmos; 2016 remaster mix (ref: 603497810635) .
A 12 page booklet including photography is included in the blu-ray.
In this booklet, Steven Wilson explains the 2025 mix process “I was able to remix No Jacket Required from 48K digital transfers of the original 24-track analogue tapes that were made in 2002 (the tapes have since deteriorated and fresh transfers would have been problematic). Most of the tracks were recorded using a 24-track master reel containing drums, percussion, bass, synth parts and sometimes Phil’s lead vocal, and a 24-track slave reel with guitars, horns, extra synth parts and the majority of the backing vocals.

For recreating the stereo I had a copy of the first CD edition from 1985 and the most recent 2016 remaster as my references for the original mix, but have favoured the 1985, which has a much greater dynamic range and sounds more natural. Using this new stereo mix as a starting point, I then expanded the album out into both 5.1 and Atmos (the 5.1 is a dedicated mix, not a fold down of the Atmos).“

Below the spatialization for all tracks. Click on the images to zoom in.

Below the video spatialization for Sussudio:

Waveform and Spectrum: DR15

The waveform of the Blu-ray Dolby Atmos – 2025 shows a very high range confirmed with DR15.

The spectrogram of the Atmos in 7.1.4 version of blu-ray shows that the signal goes down to 24 kHz (yellow arrow) and that there is no signal above this frequency (white arrow), due to the 48 kHz sampling frequency used with Dolby Digital TrueHD encoding (lossless). The green arrow shows the 120Hz filtering of the bass channel (LFE).

The graph below represents the spectrum of the Blu-ray Dolby Atmos TrueHD – 2025.
The Dolby Atmos remix downmixed to 7.1 is based on a sampling frequency of 48 kHz, limiting the bandwidth to 24 kHz (as indicated by the yellow arrow). The LFE channel is filtered down to 120 Hz (as indicated by the green arrow).

Synthesis and listening

Steven Wilson’s Dolby Atmos remix stands out as the true centerpiece of this Anniversary Edition. True to his reputation, Wilson delivers a mix of remarkable scope, both dynamic and nuanced, making full use of the potential of spatial audio. Instruments and vocals naturally find their place within the soundscape, unfolding with precision and fluidity across all channels to create total immersion. Each track receives a tailored treatment: the balance and density of the mix subtly adapt to the style and rhythm, offering a fresh rediscovery of the album. A superb achievement that showcases Steven Wilson’s expertise and elevates this remix to the status of a Dolby Atmos reference.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●● (5)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Spatialization: ●●●●●●●●●o (8.6)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (4.5)

Sample : Sussudio Dolby Atmos (Downmixed in 7.1) :

The sample is in 7.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample : Sussudio Dolby Atmos (Downmixed 2.0) :

Ed 2: Blu-ray mix 2025 5.1 – 2025

Presentation

The audio track tested here is the DTS HDMA 5.1 version from the Blu-ray Pure Audio edition. The blu-ray contents 4 tracks : new 2025 mix in Stereo, 5.1 and Dolby atmos; 2016 remaster mix (ref: 603497810635) . A 12 page booklet including photography is included in the blu-ray.

Below the spatialization for all tracks. Click on the images to zoom in.

Below the video spatialization for Sussudio:

Waveform and Spectrum: DR14

The waveform of the Blu-ray mix 2025 5.1 – 2025 shows a high range confirmed with DR14.

The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 24 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 48 kHz sampling frequency.The green arrow shows the 120Hz filtering of the bass channel (LFE).

The graph below represents the spectrum of the Blu-ray DTS HDMA 5.1 – 2025.
The 5.1 is based on a sampling frequency of 48 kHz, limiting the bandwidth to 24 kHz (yellow arrow). The LFE channel is filtered down to 120 Hz (as indicated by the green arrow).

Synthesis and listening

This 5.1 version allows anyone with a surround system to fully enjoy the album’s remix. The spatialization is well executed and nicely balanced, though it remains a step below the experience delivered by the Dolby Atmos version.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●o (4.5)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Spatialization: ●●●●o (3.8)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : Sussudio 5.1 24 bits 48 kHz:

The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Ed 3: Blu-ray mix 2025 stereo – 2025

Presentation

The audio track tested here is the 2025 stereo from the Blu-ray Pure Audio edition. The blu-ray contents 4 tracks : new 2025 mix in Stereo, 5.1 and Dolby atmos; 2016 remaster mix (ref: 603497810635) . A 12 page booklet including photography is included in the blu-ray.

Waveform and Spectrum: DR12

The waveform of the Blu-ray mix 2025 stereo – 2025 version shows a very good dynamic range confirmed with DR12 in compirison with the 2016 stereo blu-ray version (Ed. 4).

The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 24 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 48 kHz sampling frequency.

The graph below compares the spectrum of the Blu-ray DTS HDMA downmixed 2.0- 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the Blu-ray Stereo – 2025 (blue curve).The green and yellow areas clearly indicate that the vinyl edition was not produced from the 2025 mix master. These discrepancies in the frequency spectrum suggest that the vinyl follows an earlier mastering version, resulting in differences in both the low-end response and the high-frequency content compared to the 2025 mix.

Synthesis and listening

Thanks to Steven Wilson for not following the 2016 remaster and offering us a more dynamic version. This remix comes closer to the soundstage of the original edition than the 2016 version. The 2025 version has a more contemporary balance, providing a richer low-end compared to the original. It is unfortunate that this version was not used as the basis for the three-vinyl box set.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (3.5)

Sample : Sussudio 24 bits 48 kHz:

Ed 4: Blu-ray stereo – 2025

Presentation

The audio track tested here is the 2016 stereo from the Blu-ray Pure Audio edition. The blu-ray contents 4 tracks : new 2025 mix in Stereo, 5.1 and Dolby atmos; 2016 remaster mix (ref: 603497810635) . A 12 page booklet including photography is included in the blu-ray.

Waveform and Spectrum: DR8

The waveform of the Blu-ray stereo – 2025 version shows a low dynamic range confirmed with DR8.

The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 24 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 48 kHz sampling frequency.

The graph below compares the spectrum of the CD – 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the Blu-ray Stereo – 2025 (blue curve).The 2025 remix differs from the 2016 version by a boost in the low frequencies (green area) and a notable extension in the sub-bass, with over +10 dB at 40 Hz. Above 4 kHz, the 2025 mix is slightly attenuated compared to the 2016 version, with a reduction of up to 3 dB. The maximum frequency reaches 24 kHz, showing that the mix fully takes advantage of a 48 kHz sampling rate. This clearly indicates that the remix was done using the original multi-tracks.

Synthesis and listening

Unfortunately, this 2016 remaster falls victim to the loudness war, with a compressed dynamic range. It is regrettable that this version was used as the basis for the 2025 three-vinyl box set.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Restitution: ●●●oo (2.5)

Sample : Sussudio 24 bits 48 kHz:

Ed 5: CD – 2019

Presentation

This is the CD released in 2019 (ref: 756781240-2).

Waveform and Spectrum: DR14

The waveform of the CD – 2019 shows a high range confirmed with DR14.

The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 22 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling frequency.

The graph below compares the spectrum of the Tidal MAX – 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the Blu-ray Stereo – 2025 (blue curve).This CD edition is close to the 2016 remastered version (as well as the 1985 vinyl), but features a boost in the low frequencies (green area) of up to +6 dB, along with a slight attenuation above 8 kHz (yellow area) of up to -3 dB.

Synthesis and listening

If you want to experience the original mix in digital format, this CD, including the bonus track ‘We Said Hello Goodbye,’ delivers all the dynamics and characteristic sound of 1985.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●o (4.5)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : Sussudio 16 bits 44.1 kHz:

Ed 6: Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2025

Presentation

This is the Tidal Dolby Atmos presented in Dolby Digital Plus or AC-4 (link).

Below the spatialization for all tracks. Click on the images to zoom in.

Waveform and Spectrum: DR15

The waveform of the Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2025 shows a very high range confirmed with DR15.

The spectrogram of the Tidal Dolby Atmos track in 7.1.4 is limited to 20kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above (white arrow). This limitation is due to Dolby Digital Plus encoding, which is a lossy encoder that limits bandwidth to optimize data size for a bit rate of 768 kbits/s. The green arrow shows the 120Hz filtering of the bass channel (LFE).

The spectrum of Tidal s Dolby Atmos version decoded in 7.1 shows that all channels are used. The LFE channel is used with a cutoff frequency of 120 Hz (green arrow). The white arrow indicates the high-frequency limit at 20 kHz due to Dolby Digital Plus encoding. The yellow arrow indicates the high-frequency limit at 24 kHz due to encoding at the 48 kHz sampling frequency used.

Synthesis and listening

This Dolby Atmos streaming version preserves Steven Wilson’s superb mix, but the Dolby Digital Plus encoding falls well short of the Blu-ray’s Dolby Atmos edition, which is encoded in lossless Dolby TrueHD, particularly in terms of spatial refinement and precision.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●● (5)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Spatialization: ●●●●●●●●oo (8.5)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (3.5)

Sample : Sussudio Dolby Atmos (Downmixed in 7.1) :

The sample is in 7.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample : Sussudio Dolby Atmos (Downmixed 2.0) :

Ed 7: Tidal MAX 2025 Mix – 2025

Presentation

This is the Tidal Max 2025 mix version presented in 24 bits 48 kHz (link).

Waveform and Spectrum: DR12

The waveform of the Tidal MAX Mix 2025 – 2025 version shows a very good dynamic range confirmed with DR12.

The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 24 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 48 kHz sampling frequency.

The two spectra are almost perfectly superimposed.

Synthesis and listening

The sound of this 2025 remixed version is comparable to the Blu-ray 2025 stereo track.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (3.5)

Sample : Sussudio 24 bits 48 kHz:

Ed 8: Tidal remastered – 2016

Presentation

This is the Tidal Max 2016 remastered version presented in 24 bits 48 kHz (link).

Waveform and Spectrum: DR9

The waveform of the Tidal remastered – 2016 version shows a low dynamic range confirmed with DR9.

The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 22 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling frequency.

The two spectra are almost perfectly superimposed.

Synthesis and listening

The sound of this 2016 remastered version is comparable to the Blu-ray stereo edition (with the same remaster).

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●ooo (2.5)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Restitution: ●●●oo (2.5)

Sample : Sussudio 16 bits 44.1 kHz:

Ed 9: Vinyl BOX 40th – 2025

Presentation

This is the 4LP Deluxe Boxset Half-Speed Mastered at Abbey Road Studios with 20 page booklet. This box includes bonus tracks : Live, rarities & b-sides (ref: 0603497817023)

Waveform and Spectrum: DR11

The waveform of the Vinyl BOX 40th – 2025 version shows a good dynamic range confirmed with DR11, but with a low level cutting.

The spectrogram shows that the signal rises above 20 kHz (yellow arrow) with signal above this frequency (white arrow) containing musical information and distortion due to the vinyl record’s operating principle.

The two curves show an almost perfect overlap between 600 Hz and 20 kHz, indicating a strong similarity in the treatment of this frequency range. However, below 600 Hz (green area), the 2025 vinyl edition stands out with a higher level, reaching up to +5 dB at 60 Hz. This characteristic recalls the sound of the 2019 CD and gives this version a more pronounced low-end foundation. The yellow arrow clearly marks the frequency limit of the master at 20 kHz, beyond which no musical signal is present. The white arrow highlights the difference in noise above this limit between the two vinyl editions: the spectrum of the 2025 edition reveals a higher background noise. This increase results from a generally lower recording level on this version, which, once the spectra are adjusted to the same level at 1 kHz, mechanically makes the background noise more apparent.

Synthesis and listening

This vinyl box set presents a version of the album that seems to be based on the 2019 CD for the bass level and on the 2016 remaster for the rest of the spectrum and the dynamic limitation. The sonic balance and spatialization are preserved compared to the 2016 remastered version, with slightly more bass on this vinyl edition. However, it loses the dynamics of the original vinyl, confirming that it was produced from a dynamically compressed master. This is an increasingly common practice, unfortunately applied to this box set. For more information on this phenomenon, see the article: “Vinyl succumbs to Loudness War: more than just collateral damage!”

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
• Surface noise: ●●●●o (3.5)
• Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)

Sample : Sussudio 24 bits 192 kHz:

Ed 10: Vinyl record – 1985

Presentation

This is the original vinyl record released in 1985 (ref: WEA 251 699-1)

Waveform and Spectrum: DR15

The waveform of the Vinyl record – 1985 shows a very high range confirmed with DR15.

The spectrogram shows that the signal rises above 20 kHz (yellow arrow) with signal above this frequency (white arrow) containing musical information and distortion due to the vinyl record’s operating principle.

The two spectra overlap almost identically, except in the area below 300 Hz, where the 2025 edition shows a noticeable boost in the low end, reaching up to +4 dB (green area). This enhancement gives this version a more pronounced low-frequency foundation compared to previous editions.Above 20 kHz, the white arrow highlights a difference in noise level between the two vinyl editions. This discrepancy is explained by the method used to compare the spectra: both are aligned to the same level at 1 kHz. Since the 2025 edition has a generally lower cutting level, the adjustment mechanically raises the background noise of this version, making it more visible in the spectral representation.

Synthesis and listening

This original vinyl edition of the album delivers the authentic sound with all its dynamics, just like the tested CD. If you want to experience the album’s original sound on vinyl, this is the version to listen to.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●● (5)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
• Surface noise: ●●●●o (4.5)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (4.5)

Sample : Sussudio 24 bits 192 kHz:

Ed 11: CD – 1985

Presentation

This is the CD original released in 1985 (ref: 2 51699 2).

Waveform and Spectrum: DR14

The waveform of the CD – 1985 shows a high range confirmed with DR14.

The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 22 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling frequency.

The graph below compares the spectrum of the CD – 1985 (white curve) with the spectrum of the CD – 2019 (blue curve).The two spectra are almost perfectly superimposed.

Synthesis and listening

The 1985 CD pressing preserves the full original dynamic range. The inclusion of this version also indicates that the same master was used for the 2019 CD edition. Compared with the 1985 vinyl, this reissue features a more pronounced low-frequency foundation.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●o (4.5)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : Sussudio 16 bits 44.1 kHz:

As is often the case, to experience the original dynamics and sound, you need to turn to the original editions, whether on vinyl or CD (1985 or the tested 2019 edition). The original CD version features a stronger low-frequency level than the vinyl. The real novelty of this reissue lies in Steven Wilson’s 2025 editions, particularly the Dolby Atmos TrueHD Blu-ray version, which allows the album to be rediscovered with exceptionally successful spatialization. It sets a new benchmark for Steven Wilson, eclipsing the 2016 remaster.

Dynamic Range measurements are shown below.

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Measurements

Dynamic Range comparaisons

Dynamic represents the ability to reproduce a wide range of sounds from the softest to the loudest. The target is to compare the dynamics of the music and not of the media (CD, digital files or vinyl).

For our 11 editions reviewed have obtained the following Dynamic Range (DR) :

	Blu-ray Dolby Atmos – 2025	Blu-ray mix 2025 5.1 – 2025	Blu-ray mix 2025 stereo – 2025	Blu-ray stereo – 2025	CD – 2019	Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2025	Tidal MAX 2025 Mix – 2025	Tidal remastered – 2016	Vinyl BOX 40th – 2025	Vinyl record – 1985	CD – 1985
Global	DR15	DR14	DR12	DR8	DR14	DR15	DR12	DR9	DR11	DR15	DR14
Min	DR13	DR10	DR7	DR7	DR12	DR13	DR10	DR7	DR9	DR13	DR12
Max	DR17	DR15	DR12	DR10	DR15	DR16	DR12	DR11	DR12	DR17	DR15
Sussudio	DR16	DR15	DR12	DR9	DR15	DR16	DR12	DR9	DR11	DR15	DR15
Only You Know and I Know	DR15	DR13	DR12	DR7	DR13	DR15	DR12	DR8	DR9	DR13	DR13
Long Long Way to Go	DR13	DR12	DR11	DR10	DR12	DR13	DR11	DR10	DR11	DR13	DR12
I Don’t Wanna Know	DR14	DR13	DR11	DR7	DR13	DR14	DR11	DR7	DR9	DR14	DR13
One More Night	DR13	DR12	DR12	DR10	DR13	DR13	DR12	DR11	DR11	DR14	DR13
Don’t Lose My Number	DR15	DR14	DR11	DR8	DR13	DR15	DR11	DR8	DR10	DR15	DR13
Who Said I Would	DR16	DR14	DR10	DR8	DR14	DR16	DR10	DR8	DR11	DR15	DR14
Doesn’t Anybody Stay Together Anymore	DR15	DR14	DR11	DR9	DR14	DR15	DR11	DR10	DR12	DR17	DR14
Inside Out	DR15	DR14	DR11	DR8	DR14	DR15	DR11	DR8	DR10	DR15	DR14
Take Me Home	DR17	DR14	DR12	DR8	DR14	DR16	DR12	DR9	DR11	DR14	DR15

As a reminder, the scale goes from 0 to more 20, but the dynamics are considered good from 12, quite good between 10 and 11, and deteriorate below 10.

Below, comparison of the waveforms of the stereo digital versions:

Below, comparison of the waveforms of the vinyl records:

Detail of the ratings :

• Dynamic :
  1. Significant dynamic compression, DR less than 7
  2. Compression of the present dynamics, DR between 7 and 9.
  3. Correct piece DR >=10
  4. No dynamic compression (DR >12), dynamic rendering
  5. No dynamic compression, high DR and very dynamic sound rendering
• Spectrum :
  1. Spectrum cut and less than 15 khz
  2. Spectrum cut at 15 khz
  3. Spectrum not conforming to the original and cut (not HD) or original but limited bandwidth (but less than 20 kHz)
  4. Spectrum conforming to the original (but not HD)
  5. Spectrum conforming to the original with HD resolution (higher than 24kHz)
• Surface noise (only for vinyl):
  1. Continuous audible noise
  2. Audible surface noise except on passages with a high level of noise
  3. Reduced surface noise, barely audible on low level crossings
  4. Low surface noise, very good quality
  5. Very low surface noise, no defects, almost inaudible on the quiet passages (exceptional disc)
• Spatialization :
  • Between 0 and 5 for 5.1 or 7.1 channels configuration
  • Between 0 and 10 for Atmos configuration (7.1.4)
  • For more information on spatialization, you can read the article describing this parameter here.
• Restitution :
  1. Low quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
  2. Average quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
  3. Quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Good record.
  4. High quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Very high level disc.
  5. Maximum quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Exceptional disc.

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