Who was better: Peter Gabriel or Phil Collins?

I agree with you, OP. Not a fan of progressive rock, but poppy Genesis and Phil's solo singles can be fun.

Peter Gabriel was much more Kate Bush level ethereal. His voice is spectacular if you listen to it. I swear I can hear him sing two notes at once regularly. He was avant-garde - even "So" his biggest commercial success. Sometimes he was tough going.

Phil Collins had a strong voice, talented drummer and a string of hits because his songs were great music. Fun likeable stuff.

It's very difficult to compare them.

They were different. Gabriel was more artistic and experimental, while Collins was more commercial and mainstream. Both were very good.

Too different to compare. I enjoy them both for totally different moods. Glad they are both still around!

Gabriel’s songs come from a place of more feeling and introspection. It’s a matter of preference, but to me he’s the better songwriter.

Phil and Peter kissing