JOHN Farnham may have had more comebacks than some people have had hot dinners – and he’s also looking like he’s had a few too many hot dinners himself – but his career is all the more astonishing for it’s diversity, let alone the fact it’s spanned five decades.
Starting with the improbably successful novelty song Sadie The Cleaning Lady, growing with subsequent hits and blockbuster covers, enduring a tough phase with Little River Band, blossoming with the mega-selling Whispering Jack and carrying on into the status of legend, Farnham’s musical life-span is both enduring and amazing.
With another comeback on the horizon, it’s time to take the pressure down and look at Farnsy’s five greatest songs.
You're The Voice (1986)
THE song that made him an icon features one of the most triumphant and memorable melodies in Aussie pop, so it's no wonder it's an unofficial national anthem. On an album filled with strictly commercial '80s pop, You're The Voice is the song that really rocks, despite a slow and strident tempo. Musically, it's quite simple, consisting by spacious bass, chugging drums, a constant pianos and a few synthesizers, but the whole thing is driven by Farnham's compelling stadium-sized voice - a mixture of raw power and control. The bagpipe solo is a touch of genius and it goes off live.
Pressur e Down (1986)
THIS song is as '80s as they come, but it's rhythm is so instantly recognisable it's hard to shake. The super-slick production is an attempt to reproduce some of Michael Jackson's recent mega-selling accomplishments (Off The Wall, Thriller), but it's as funky as Farnsy gets. The words are a good example of the lyrical naffness that colours Whispering Jack, but the passion in his voice and a killer yacht-rock sax solo help make it a winner.
Pl aying To Win (1984)
AFTER becoming the first Aussie band to become a consistent hit in the US, Little River Band parted ways with lead singer Glenn Shorrock and singed up Farnham (not strange for a band that has had 35 members throughout its life). The Shorrock-LRB stuff boasts most of the successful songs, including the majority of their 13 top 40 US hits, but the single Playing To Win (from the album of the same name) is a synth-rocker that kicks arse. Powered by Wayne Nelson's chugging bass and some thumping drums, it's David Hirschfelder's killer keytar work and Farnham's powerhouse vocals that sell it.
Burn For You (1990)
WHEN looking for a killer Farnsy ballad, it's tempting to go with his rendition of The Beatles' Help, which transforms a rockin' pop number into an impassioned plea. But Burn For You takes the cake - of all his songs, it's the tearjerker that comes most from Farnham's heart. Written on the road with bandmates Phil Buckle and Ross Fraser, it's possibly the best song ever from the well-worn "I'm a touring muso and I miss my girl heaps'' songbook. Backed by a delicately plucked acoustic guitar and a lush string trio, it's a real heartbreaker.
When Something Is Wrong With My Baby (1991)
HEARING two of the best screamers in Australian music - Farnsy and Barnesy - belt out this old Sam & Dave tune is a truly unique experience. Originally penned by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, the song became a classic Motown number before appearing on Barnes' Soul Deep album. The F&B duet borders on over-the-top as the two singers try to out-wail each other in a histrionic howlfest. But somehow it works, if only for the sole (soul?) reason it features two of Australia's best singers combining their power to damn-near shake the foundations of the earth.
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