Number

Album

Artist

About

Song

Release

46

Whispering Jack

John Farnham

This album goes down as one of the best stories of union between an artist and manager possibly the greatest Australia has ever seen. Both laid all on the line in Farnham’s comeback to produce an album that had everything from bag pipes, electric keyboard guitars to drizabone coats. A great collaboration of artists behind arguably the greatest male voice Australia has ever produced. I remember standing in line at school with everyone either humming or trying to sing You’re the Voice and still to this day the song stands up almost now Aussie folklore.

Reasons

Love to Shine

My Pick-

Let Me Out

(Bloody hell the whole album)

1985 – Near my favourite year of music

Number

Album

Artist

About

Song

Release

47

Purple Rain

Prince

When Doves Cry gave Prince’s his first number 1 and I have no doubt that it broadened his audience and delivered more fans including myself. And here is a huge fun fact that Purple Rain was written originally with a more country flavour and it was supposed to be a collaboration with Stevie Nicks. Thank god she said no to it, it is an epic song with classic proportions all through it. Prince may not be everyone’s cup of tea but there is no denying his overall talent and this album gives so much relevance and acknowledgment to that talent. Forget the movie – I think it was way overrated for what it was at the time but don’t let it have any bearing of judgement on the soundtrack. I would also like to pay homage to Prince’s writing skills, he also wrote some all-time classic songs for other artists throughout his time and not many people would also know (due to him not being credited at his request) he also played instruments on a lot of other artists recordings ie Like a Prayer-Madonna. So, when you can deliver songs like Nothing Compares to You – Manic Monday – Feel for You and play instruments (I have heard he can play at least 30) like he does and then go on to record his own hits with well over 30 million record sales he truly does deserve his place in history. Great album – it delivered so much

Let’s Go Crazy

When Doves Cry

My Pick-Purple Rain

1984

Number

Album

Artist

About

Song

Release

48

New Gold Dream 81-82-83-84

Simple Minds

I have loved and related to this band so much over the years and still to this day one of the best concerts I have ever been to. There was just something about the base line pumping through your heart on the opening song Waterfront and if that wasn’t enough Alive and Kicking put you in a trance for the rest of the night, whilst here, I think Ged Grimes is one of the best base guitar players of all time. Jim Kerr’s faint Scottish accent mixed with great lyrics, balanced rhythm and almost gospel like back up singing at times makes for great music. I was hard pressed to pick an album, but this was their true commercial break out album in every sense. Their best of album is still an album I listened to quite regularly. I so hope to see them again one day. If you don’t believe me that they are one of the best live acts from the past take a look at Belfast Child featuring Sinead O’Connor, we will all return once again.

Big Sleep

Glittering Prize

My Pick- Someone Somewhere in the Summertime

1982