Darren Hayes - The Tension And The Spark
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Free Music Notes for The Tension And The Spark
Free Music Review: Darren's Best so Far
Hit: 5 Stars
As this singer himself once said, "my, how things have changed...". Flashback to 2002, when Darren's first solo album, "Spin," came out - many were quick to believe that he'd have no problem recreating the success of previous Savage Garden albums. But apart from constantly clever lyrics and a few memorable harmonies, "Spin" was a self-indulging production that disappointed most. As a result, now, Darren's new album, "The Tension and the Spark" is not released in the States and at this time, there are no promises on that happening any time soon.
That is sad because if you're not listening to this superb offering, you are missing out on what is easily one of the year's absolute best albums. Normally, in today's music world, at least 5-6 years and 1-2 satisfactory albums would have occurred between "Spin" and "The Tension...". But in fact, it's only been about 2 years. It is that high of a creative leap that Darren has made.
Gone are the pre-fabricated beats and the tired ballads. In place of those, Darren boldly brings forth an outstanding effort with incredible results. The provocative, almost intellectual lyrics have come to be expected from this singer/songwriter, but perhaps what impresses the most on this album is the musical arrangement. Collaborating with some of the most cutting-edge producers, Darren has created what would resemble a sort of male version of a quasi-melancholy, quasi-upbeat, REMIXED Sarah McLachlan, a type of sound that is catchy, sexy and pervasive while never losing its ability to elicit genuine sensations. On this album, this gifted performer has finally found the perfect "packaging" for his trademark voice. Not since certain sporadic moments during Savage Garden days, has Darren Hayes sounded so in shape, so personal, and so hip.
In addition to that, the album is positively overflowing with first rate music, in the sense of rhythm and melody. Pieces such as "Dublin Sky," "I Like the Way," "Hero" and "Unlovable" are the type of songs that normally would be used to promote a different album each one of them. Nowadays, pop albums simply don't come packed with so many gems anymore. From that perspective, but also because it has incredible coherence (i.e. this album, as a whole, tells a story), and because it is magnificently creative, "The Tension..." is a contradiction in terms. It captures the best of pop, yet it opposes all of its superficiality.
Judging from this album, Darren is clearly going places. My only hope, as an avid listener of good music, is that we may join him on his future rides. Pick this album up - this music *does* take you places. And how often can you say that about anything else on the mainstream market these days?
Free Music Review: Sparks fly with Darren's new sound
Hit: 5 Stars
Listening back to "Truly Madly Deeply" and the other pop hits that Darren Hayes first brought to the world as Savage Garden, would lend no indication as to the unexpected direction his music has taken in his second solo endeavour. A funky electronica sound accompanies his new edgy presence and "The Tension and the Spark" embraces the change and leads fans into formerly unexplored territory.
Fans were sent into flutters of gossip with the initial strains of "Popular", but his first single proves indicative of the direction of his album. It's difficult to conceive that the man who once penned the immortal lines that, "I knew I loved you before I met you/I think I dreamed you into life" now croons a cynical and jaded line that I'm "Looking for love in physical beauty/Desire is the drug of the bourgeoisie", but his words speak now of more than superficial emotions.
Very much a danceable album, one that makes you itch to move and Hayes moved into this new era by producing and writing many of his new tracks alongside Robert Conley and the master who has worked with the likes of Bjork and Madonna - Mark "Spike" Stent.
His trademark - the incredibly beautiful lyrics - accompany every song beginning with the husky strains of "Darkness" which breaks into a croaking rhythmic beat perfectly complementing his overlaying vocals. "I Like the Way" has quick words, fast beats and a sultry tone exuding a sexual aura.
Darren opens new doors with "Void", a song where his vocals are constantly backed by a seeming white noise, a scratching and electronic excess which was synthesized very well and really demonstrates his growth.
"Light" is a very pure track which has a serene mood that is reminiscent of "Dublin Sky" and the slow beats. "Sense of Humor" and "Feel" have the similar style that paces the album from flying off. Interestingly enough, these tracks remind me of Dido's unhurried pace, yet is altogether different with Darren's style over it.
Yet it seems like Mr. Hayes truly shines in the fast-paced beats which seem to match his confident demeanor as seen on the cover of "Popular". "Hero" has a catchy chorus and strong beat and "Love and Attraction" is sure to be a hit with a great hook and sing able lyrics. Darren's confessed favourite track "Unloveable" is beautifully orchestrated with his desperation evident in his voice which almost strains with his emotion.
The beauty of Darren Hayes is that although his musical tastes have stretched into new territory and his lyrics have matured remarkably, his vocal talents remain strong and unmatched. Sure to be considered a breakthrough album in his musical history.
Free Music Review: !!!!!!!Darren Hayes Always Does Such A Great Job!!!!!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
Okay, I have one word to say to this cd and that is, Wow! I dont know one song Darren Hayes sings that is not great. His voice is so beautiful and he hits so many notes and makes such beautiful songs.I will always miss Savage Garden but even by himself, he is so asome.This cd is I feel his best.Spin was good but this is so better.The music has a dark theme to it and it's just so kewl.This cd is defianlty worth your money.The more you listen to it the more it grows on you and the more you love it.It's just so good.All the songs I feel are great in there own way.There all so personal and have really good lyrics that can be related to.
1.)DARKNESS:Such a great tune and his voice is so great.The beat is really catchy and it has a dark theme to it which makes it really kewl.
2.)I LIKE THE WAY:Asome tune, kinda technoish/poppish.Once again, catchy tune and lyrics.Such a great voice, unique way of being put together.
3.)Light:Wow I love this song!It's so pretty and I love his voice in this. It sounds so pure.
4.)POPULAR:Compared to all the other songs, this sounds the most different.It's a kewl tune and fun to sing along to.
5.)DUBLIN SKY:Another soft song where his voice is again pure.Took me awhile to open up to this song but now i enjoy it and it's mellow beat.Towards the ending, I think it souds pretty kewl.
6.)HERO:Ahh, this song is asome!Another one of my favorites.It's just so kewl.The tune and his voice and the ending part is so kewl.
7.)UNLOVABLE:Again, another asome song! Another favorite.The tune is differnt from anything I've heard, and the chorus is so pretty and unique/kewl.Cant help but like.whew.
8.)VOID:This song is pretty.His voice is again pure in this.
9.)I FORGIVE YOU:It has a interesting kinda tune.Another darkish theme.Not one of my favorites, but it's good.
10.)FEEL:A slower song.Another pure voice and the tune is kewl and gets kewler as the song goes on.
11.)LOVE AND ATTRACTION:Another favorite!One of the more dancable tunes, and it's really kewl.The lyrics are interesting and for the most part you can relate to them.Not so sure about the chorus's lyrics, but it's an asome song.
12.)SENSE OF HUMOR:Took me awhile to like this song.It has an interesting tune and lyrics.It gets better as it goes on.
13.)EGO:I like the tune of this song, it's kinda eary.And his "moaning" or whatever you call it, sounds really hot, like he does in alot of his songs.
That would be all of the songs.I would recommend this cd, you wont be disapointed.Give it a shot!!
Free Music Review: The Best Gets Better
Hit: 5 Stars
When Darren Hayes separated from Savage Garden, his solo debut, Spin, was treated to a most dissapointing single, "Insatiable." A few listenings of the album however, and "Crush (1980 Me)" stood out as an amazing track with undeniable staying power. Never, would have I imagined that so many more tracks- "What You Like," "Spin," "Strange Relationship," and "Dirty", as examples- would have quickly stood out as amazingly powerful potential singles, especially from such a young, novice artist. I enjoyed Savage Garden as kiddie-esque pop group, but the work of Darren Hayes hit chords within me that no other artist, sans Madonna and Prince, have ever reached.
Having such adoration for Spin, I awaited Hayes' next piece with anxiety. Most sophomore efforts, after all, end in miserable failure or mediocrity, rarely achieving or superceding the bar they set for themselves. Once again, I was met with a mediocre debut single, "Popular." The song is catchy, typical, and overall not much to praise. On my second listen of the album, however, I found myself entracned by the track "Darkness." Sooner than later, I was once again a Hayes addict, relishing in the entirety of the album. Every track seduced an emotional chord that became enraptured in the amazingly deep and intoxicating lyrics, sensual and emotional beats and rhythms, and substance that is all-too lacking in most pop music today.
While Britneys and Stefanis and Timberlakes prance about with million dollar producers and record contracts that ensure a singular hit, Hayes once again produces a quiet and amazing masterpiece with perfection, honesty and beauty. To say that this album illicits awe would be the same as saying Pink Floyd's "The Wall" was a hit.
This, quite frankly, is the pinacle album of 2004. Hayes is, to be blunt, a genius. Though this unreleased-in-the-US album will go under most everyone's radar, those who are lucky enough to catch the underground wave will be rewarded by one of the most marvelous releases in the past four years.
This, folks, is great music at its finest.
Free Music Review: His best yet
Hit: 5 Stars
This is crazy. I fell madly in love with this CD the first day I got it, and I think I love it even more now. I'm proud to say that Darren Hayes has taken the #1 spot on my favorite musical artist list.
It definitely is an improvement from Spin, although Spin was VERY good. If you're looking for gushy love songs, look elsewhere. This is darker, more mature, and is a more electronic style of pop, although it doesn't really sound like typical pop. I love it. Darren's voice really shines, as do his lyrics. I'm so glad that the cd booklet has the lyrics. (I'm sure I will have every song memorized very soon :)
My favorite song by far is "Unlovable." I get goosebumps every time I hear it. Darren seems to have the most emotion when he sings this song. It even sounds as if he's in physical pain as he's singing it, like he's about ready to cry...it's so sad, but beautiful. You can just picture him on his knees singing this song, begging and pleading for someone to love him. "Light" and "Dublin Sky" are two incredible slower songs...I find myself listening to those the most. "Darkness" is gorgeous. "I Like the Way" has a great beat, and it sounds very dark (I like it). The first six songs are definitely the best. However, after listening more and more to the last few songs, they've grown on me too. "Ego" and "Sense of Humor" may take some getting used to...I wasn't sure if I liked them at first, but now I'm crazy about them.
Oh yeah, one more thing: I know some reviews say he doesn't, but he actually DOES sing falsetto in this album (listen to "Unlovable" and you'll see what I mean). Also, if you like Darren's signature heartfelt moaning, this album contains that as well ("Ego" has plenty of it).
The whole album is incredible. It's very different from Savage Garden and Spin, but I'm positive any Darren Hayes fans will not be disappointed.