Customer Reviews

Topanga

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The problem with being a fan of Colin Hay's work since the disintegration of Men At Work is that he's only available on indie labels now, so his stuff gets repackaged a lot. Some albums feature a full band while others are just Hay with his guitar. Buying all the albums means duplicating parts of the catalog, and some albums aren't available at all anymore. Ultimately, though, the difficulties of being a Hay completist are a small price to pay: The guy is an excellent and prolific songwriter, and any album you get your hands on is gonna be good.

In terms of the sound, Hay has grown up since MAW; this is more folky and adult, with none of the goofiness. He still has an edge, though, and that distinctive vocal sound. I chose this album mainly because it features one of his very best songs, "Waiting For My Real Life to Begin." This is one of those tracks that's available in other forms, but this is the best one, as is this version of "Into the Cornfields." "I Haven't Seen You In A Long Time" is a great little catchy starter, and "Can't Take This Town" is a good example of the sense of humor that Hay brought to so many MAW songs.

He's released better albums, including "Wayfaring Sons" and "Looking For Jack," but good luck finding those. Of the stuff that's available, this and "Company of Strangers" are your best bets. And catch him on tour if you get a chance. Alone or with a backup band, he's amazing.

Being a fan of Colin Hay dates me, which is a shame, since a much wider audience would enjoy his body of work if only they were aware of it. I learned about this album in 1992 while listening to a jazz station in Orlando, FL. The station played Against the Tide, and I knew I had to buy the album.

I'll not repeat elements of the excellent review nearby. I really don't even expect that this review will be read. This album, and Colin Hay, are good enough to warrant this token show of respect.

Why this record wasn't a big success is yet another piece in the "Why isn't Colin Hay bigger than Sting?" mystery. Every song is strong, there's not a weak one in the bunch, no "filler" like most artists put on records. The lyrics are pithy, moving, smart and observant as only Colin Hay can write. "Waiting For My Real Life To Begin" was exactly where I was at when I bought this and remains for me the most meaningful. "Woman's Face" is a real man's view of female beauty. "Lost Generation" uses the title of the WW2 generation as irony for the lost "Gen Xers" who whine about being well off. "Oooh Oooh Oooo Baby" made my girlfriend cry because it was something that I had done and just made her think of me when I was away from her. That's a testament to the honest stories and genuine lyrics Colin Hay writes.

If you are looking for an album that sounds like Men at Work's Cargo or Business as Usual, this nor any of Colin's other solo albums will satisfy you. But, if you are looking for great songwriting and Colin's unmistakable voice this is an excellent album. Its most significant similarity with Business as Usual (other than Colin's voice) is that it is a great listen all the way through. The album is more staightforward guitar oriented than the Men at Work sound. "Waiting for my Real Life to Begin" is a wonderful song thats stands out among other very good songs such as "Road to Mandalay", "Into the Cornfields", "Against the Tide" and "Lost Generation". In fact, it may be the best song Colin Hay has ever recorded (there is also a great acoustic version of the song on Colin's Going Somewhere album). Its not new wave but its great music.

This album is truly amazing. Waiting for my Real Life to Begin is a song to which everyone should listen. With MAW or by himself... Colin is ever moving with his amazing voice and often poignant lyrics.

this album is so powerful to the ears alone and pumps straight thru my heart all the songs on here are smash hits

Back in 1985, when Two Hearts was released by Men At Work, I thought we had dumped that excess baggage and got down to the real Business. (Colin plays mostly all the instruments)

So when the fourth Colin Hay studio album came out, with a full band, I was quite excited. His 2nd album, Wayfaring Sons, makes it's way to my CD player daily, and I knew this one would have to be pretty good to top that.

Colin Hay delivered. In what is probably his best collection of songs to date, I was hooked by the end of track 1. The next two tracks BLEW ME AWAY. What writing! So as I collected myself, I wasn't ready for "Can't Take This Town". This is probably one of the best Colin At Work songs he's done.

Now the ambience takes over on tracks 5-6. Much like tracks 2-3, they compliment each other and sound freaking amazing and get you ready for another rocker, "I Don't Miss You Now"... Words and thoughts every man has thought at one time or another but never had the cahones to say.

The rest of the album fills out quite nicely and closes with another great ballad with a guest appearance by Greg Ham.

Hearing these songs live with Cecilia & The Wild Clams brought them out even more with an energy that I've never seen matched.

So please, get this album as soon as you can and visit colinhay.com for upcoming live shows. Truly a gifted artist in a time where talent doesn't seem to matter.

Topanga got me through my divorce. Colin Hay has been there, and found a way to ease the pain. "Haven't Seen You in A Long Time" and "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin" hit the nail on the head. Hay's voice is a visceral telegraph from a soul in pain finding his way back out. This album won't let you down, pop hooks, rocking melodies and heart-rending lyrics. This album has it all. Also recommend "Going Somewhere" and "Transcendental Highway."

Colin Hay is an amazing artist whether he's playing with Men At Work or performing solo. He touches the depths of people's souls like no other. Also, on a personal note, being that I met him one month ago on vacation with friends, he truly is a gentleman! From Puerto Rico, to Long Island to Atlantic City then to Boston! He has an incredible amount of energy and stage presence! He's one-of-a-kind! Buy this album! It's a life time investment and well worth it!XOXOX

I re-discovered Colin Hay about a dozen year's ago as he played an acoustic set in a small club opening for another band. First off- if you ever get ba chance to see him play life jump at it. He is a great wit and spins tales that will make you burst a git inbetween songs that will break your heart. This is one of the best of his solo work- and i promise you if their is any emotion in you this will bring it to the surface. 'Waiting for my real life to begin' is simply- well....Brilliant. His voice has matured with age- and also has the themes for his songs. Underated genius.