Search - John Farnham :: Then Again

ONE OF FARNHAM'S BEST COLLECTIONS

Michael Butts | Martinsburg, WV USA | 09/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Then Again...", released in 1993, is undoubtedly one of Mr. Farnham's best collections. John, who is Australia's most successful solo artist, has long set a standard for impeccable vocals and incredible delivery. His voice has a tremendous range, that can be extremely poignant and touching, or soaring with electrical energy. It's a real shame that Farnham has never caught on in America, save for his brief stint with the incomparable Little River Band. But, fans of Farnham and LRB, will certainly enjoy this diverse assortment of fourteen outstanding tunes.
Farnham shares writing credit on this cd with Ross Fraser, Ross Wilson, Phil Buckle, and even American's own Richard Marx. The songs range from sad love songs to satirical takes on fame and social issues. The production by Farnham and Fraser is tight, imaginative and professional. The musicianship is superb, including Phil Buckle's guitar work, and the wonderful background vocals of Annie Crummer, Lindsay Field and Lisa Edwards.
The songs: Wow!
The CD opens with the ethereal and uplifting "Angels", which in these troubled times of ours, can certainly provide a little bit of hope. Mood shifts to upbeat and tongue in cheek with the bouncy "Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time." Next up, an incredible reworking of Alice Cooper's megahit, "Only Women Bleed." Farnham's twist is a little more upbeat, and almost "gospelish" with the outstanding background vocals. This is by far the best version of this song I've heard. Next up, we meet a young lady who arranges her own kidnapping so she can be famous in "Talent for Fame." A dark, brooding song. True love and its power is reflected in the soaring "When All Else Fails." We get a little of the social satire in the driving "What You Don't Know," featuring some great guitar work from Buckle and Michael Hegerty's thumping bass guitar. Next, we're on to some blues with "Treated This Way." This particular song precurses his latest blues-toned album, "33 1/3". More social commentary follows in "Always the Same." John turns on the romantic side with his beautiful reading of Richard Marx and Phil Buckle's "The Reason Why." Farnham's voice wraps around the lyrics and demonstrates again why his voice remains one of the finest rock/pop voices of our time. It's back to uptempo material with the clever "So Long in Love," in which the hero expresses his sorrow for taking advantage of his woman's love. A little payback is evidenced in the brisk and driving "It All Comes Back to You." Esoterica and progressive rock are hinted at in "Diamonds." The talented Chris Thompson contributed to the nostalgic "Rolling Home," another one of those "tired of being on the road songs" that manages to still be evocative and touching. The set closes with the country-flavored "Talk of the Town," which is purely a fun, narrative song.
All in all, this is pure gold. I'm sorry I had to wait 8 years to get it. Amazon, keep bringing us the opportunity to share in Farnham's unique contribution to contemporary music."

The continuation of mid Farnham career highs....

Petar Vodogaz | Sydney, NSW Australia | 07/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As I previously stated in my earlier reviews of other Johnny Farnham albums, this special artist is at the forefront of Australian music entertainment. For many years John Farnham has been a dynamic successful solo artist who gained the love and devotion of an entire nation. In this album released in early 1993 called 'Then Again', John Farnham entered his middle years of his long solo career. Farnham has a oustandingly emotive voice that can change in pitch, tone and frequency without much trouble.

In this 14 track Australian Release album there are well know songs as well as some rare and new beauties. This is an entertaining and diverse range and spectrum of songs from the soft temporal feel of 'Angel' (that in itself is one of the best songs by John Farnham) to the edgy and harder 'It All Come Back To You'.

As a long time fan of this aussie icon, this CD fits well in my extensive Farnham collection and this song is more for those romantically inclined listeners. This CD is for any fan of John Farnham, a must buy!"