Genius

I have been following Darren Hayes from his beginnings in Savage Garden, and have yet to be disappointed. His voice is nothing less than absolutely amazing, which sets him so far apart from the typical pop stars of today who depend on technology to create a better sound. He needs nothing but his God given talent. I could not recommend this album with any more enthusiasm than I already have. Darren is in a league of his own that is unreachable to those who could only hope to achieve such talent.

He's Back!

My dad told me that I could order two CDs for my birthday - and I was practically dying to have this one. I have always loved Darren Hayes' music ever since his work on Savage Garden (which has been my absolute favorite band since the third grade - I'm a junior in high school now).



I used to listen to the sample clips that are given on this website, and from then on, I was hooked into getting this CD. I got it three days ago and haven't listened to any of my other music since. I love this music. Practically all of the songs have a sensual "theme" to them, which is typically something I don't really like, but because of Darren's soothing voice and style, I am able to look past that.



It really all depends on the style of music that a person is into. Darren has a pop style about him and this CD has a great mix on it. There are slower, sensual songs (like: "I Miss You"); upbeat, get-up-and-dance songs (like: "Crush (1980 Me)"); and songs that are inbetweenies (like: "Like It Or Not").



This disc is definitely worth looking at (and listening to!). It all depends on "What You Like". (haha.)

Subarashii

With [Spin], Darren Hayes released an album of high quality in both lyrical content and musical composition. I cannot stress how impressed I was that the singer was able to capture a new sound and subtly distance himself from his work with Savage Garden.



The first three songs are all masterworks. The first one [Strange Relationship] is especially interesting with its catchy melody and layered lyrics. The content of this song is a departure from the straightforward yet honest tunes of SG. The genuinely muddled feelings of attraction and frustration felt are deftly communicated with just the right words.



Insatiable is the most popular single from the album, though I would argue [Strange Relationship] is superior. Again, the playfully candid lyrics are a breath of fresh air and charged with just enough emotion to be intriguing without being overly sexual. [HEART ATTACK] is a less cheerful and much more self-aware song that demands an answer from someone with unclear motives.



The songs that follow are carefully crafted to give them definition and individuality. Too often on albums, tracks bleed together. This is not a problem here: each track has a unique blend of lyrical content and melody. The album slows down considerably toward the end, giving way to ballads that reflect on the simple things in life. They urge listeners to slow down and consider the scenery. Of special mention is [Good Enough], in which the singer confronts his own feelings of inadequacy and asks for reassurance from another.



Overall, the tracks are excellent. Again Hayes has demonstrated a uniquely unclouded and sincere take on what it is to be a singer and a songwriter. His lyrics are at once endearing and effective.



Despite the unavoidable scrutiny of the album and comparisons to the work of Savage Garden, I believe that [Spin] was and is an excellent album that did not receive the sales it so obviously could have generated had the quality been taken into consideration by music fans. This is some excellent stuff, folks. He is a gifted and unique musician who has taken a very well-deserved place as an international star.