Reviewed by: Edward Oculicz
Reviewed on: 2004-09-22

Posted 09/22/2004 - 06:32:10 AM by MarkEdwards:
	That's an amazingly positive review. I've been tempted by this album and have listened to snippets on iTunes. Can I ask: were you a Savage Garden fan?
Posted 09/22/2004 - 08:52:20 AM by edwardo:
	A fair question, Mark. Savage Garden, were of course, the biggest thing ever to come out of Brisbane, the city I grew up in, and being as I was an indie kid at the time I deeply resented them. I still have absolutely no time for any of their songs. In fact, I'll go on record and say that "Truly Madly Deeply" and "I Knew I Loved You" are amongst the most cloying, awful songs ever written. Their fast songs sounded like Roxette's throw-aways, and their slow songs were gloopy and nauseous. And do not get me started on "Affirmation" which I think must have some of the most dreadful, hackneyed lyrics ever to appear in a hit song. But this album is simply a completely different matter. It is heartfelt, intelligent and extremely hooky. There are a few lyrical slips here and there, some of the songs don't quite hit the spot, but the ones that do are really surprisingly powerful.
Posted 09/27/2004 - 03:45:43 PM by maggles:
	Great review its nice to see someone appreciating the changes Darren Hayes has made musically and ignoring his past and taking the album at face value. http://www.unofficialdarrenhayes.com
Posted 09/28/2004 - 10:30:34 AM by Bromley:
	That is a very honest review of what I consider is one of the best albums anyone is likely to buy this year. I would recommend it
Posted 10/01/2004 - 08:13:56 AM by SpiritualAngel:
	It's good to see someone who has the decency to be objective! I think everyone deserves a chance and especially someone like Darren Hayes who isn't afraid to tread new waters and develop as an artist. Thank you for recognizing that!
Posted 12/19/2004 - 05:47:07 PM by IanMathers:
	Having finally got my hands on this, I can add my recommendation in as well; I wish I'd head it before my year-end list was due. Speaking of someone whose opinion of Savage Garden was, if possible, more negative than Edward's, I can confirm that this is aeons above any of their stuff.