Darren Hayes - 'On The Verge Of Something Wonderful'
Hey! Who's been feeding helium to Brandon Flowers? He's gonna be SO GRUMPY when he finds out his brilliant new song has been spoiled by someone making his voice go all high and squeaky. Why, it barely sounds like him! And yet this is clearly the Killers, right? There's no mistaking that pop bombast, that rumbling bass, the background whoosh which makes every song sound like the pivotal scene in some epic movie (in a desert). Yup, that's 100% definitely the Killers, right there. No question. May the Good Lord strike me down if I'm wro...
...OW! WHO THE HELL DID THAT?
OK, just messing around there. Now, there are two enormous confessions I have to make here, so if possible can you all be very kind, as I am throwing myself upon the infinite mercy of ChartBlog readers. A prospect which is genuinely terrifying.
Confession The First:
I've never really GOT Darren Hayes. Savage Garden were a non-starter for me cos 'Truly Madly Deeply' used to irritate the hell out of me, especially as it is so wet, and comes from a band with the word 'savage' in their name. And over the years, I've never quite lost the sneaking suspicion that his music is not for the likes of me. He always seemed like a nice fella though...
Confession The Second:
The first few times I heard this single, I just thought it was your typical Darren Hayes big pop song. A treat for his fanbase, but not really anything beyond that. And it's really busy for new songs at the moment, so it sort of fell off the back of the reviews list. A state of affairs which was only remedied when I realised that it is likely to be a Top 20 hit.
Another listen later, and the Killers-y bits started to really leap out, plus that chorus, which is straight out of the Crowded House Big Book Of Yearning Beauty, which has just been reprinted. It seems that 'On The Verge Of Something Wonderful' is actually very good indeed and I'm a prejudiced fool. Bah!
So here I am, red-faced and wrong, and pleading forgiveness from Darren, Darren's fans, ChartBlog fans, Killers fans and everyone else who has ever lived ever. Sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry.
I'm not wrong about 'Truly Madly Deeply' though *shudders*
Download: Out now
CD Released: August 6th
(Fraser McAlpine)
Comments
i always like truely madly deeply. i still luv it.
luvin the newly refurnished darren hayes too. tho i don realli get the killers comparison. i mean darren hayes dosent sound anythin like brandon flowers. does he?
ok mayb it doesnt matter. i luv em both.
WELCOME BACK DARREN!!!
You know it takes courage to admit you're wrong. Okay so you didn't like Truly, Madly Deeply but at least you've realised that Darren's new music is not in the same mould. Go visit his Myspace site - - so you can hear some more of his new music. Hopefully you'll like what you hear, enough for 'On the Verge of Something wonderful' to be played on Radio 1 with any luck. I'll look forward to hearing it
Good, innit!
Darren's a genius, isn't he. And that song... well it's more than good. Can't wait for the ultra-spectacular 25 song 2-cd legendary release that his new album is shaping up to be.
Ok, so you didn't like TMD. Fair enough! I'm a romantic fool so I loved it but, having said that I'm pleased you've given your ear to Darren's new single and, having done that, given it such a brilliant review! Thank you! Maybe you may get a chance to hear the new album, 'This Delicate Thing We've Made' and, hopefully that'll knock you for six!!!!
Absolutely, so Truly Madly Deeply wasn't for you - but you know it was for a extremely large group of people on a worldwide scale (20m albums?) - I won't bore you with the phenomenal chart statistics except to say, two US number ones which anchored themselves into their charts for an endless time - TMD for well over 2 years if not 4 - but that was such a long time ago now and we are in the present.... the future....
Bless, I'm sure your red face is really very endearing and I'm glad you've realised Darren's not actually stuck in the timewarp that you dislike - nice to hear you've come around t Darren's talent and you're able to "step into the light" - more of that on 20 August....
You're forgiven and now justly rewarded by discovering what many, many people knew all along!
But you are wrong about "Truly, Madly, Deeply". LOL
Wow!! I enjoyed your confessions!! And by the way, your apology is accepted. Darren's new music is fantastic! Wait 'til you hear the other songs LOL
Hmmmm... okay. We forgive you, Fraser, if you're genuinely converted. But it may entail your standing and delivering the first verse of "I Want You", loudly, at high noon Sunday, at Speakers' Corner.....
;)
F* A!
Finally my radio station 'gets' my fave artist.
I listen to Radio One but I'm always baffled as to why you never played 'Popular'. When this toon came out I thought for sure you'd add it but nope.
Are you gonna play it now?
[I have no say over the Radio 1 playlist, sadly. - Fraser]
Ah hugs to Fraser! Now doesn't that feel better to admit you may have been wrong! I'm loving the new Darren Hayes song and would love it even more if you could maybe play it on Radio 1! lol!
Great blog!
thank god people are realising how truly talented this man is, the new song is amazing and you are definatley wrong about truly madly deeply.
Darren just gets better and better. The new single and album need to be given a fair chance as Darren's come on a long way since his Savage Garden days, and taken a new and exciting direction with this new release.
The amount of work he's put into this is just awe-inspiring and as for the talent this man has.... well, go have a good look and listen for yourselves. =]
But it has to be said, he's still good at all the soppy stuff too ;)
Darren just gets better and better. The new single and album need to be given a fair chance as Darren's come on a long way since his Savage Garden days, and taken a new and exciting direction with this new release.
The amount of work he's put into this is just awe-inspiring and as for the talent this man has.... well, go have a good look and listen for yourselves. =]
But it has to be said, he's still good at all the soppy stuff too ;)
Wonderful (on the verge of), there's hope for mankind after all. The mighty radio 1 in its ivory tower (basement) admits to getting something wrong. Its winter here in Australia but im strangely filled with warmth and good feeling. OTVOSW is certainly a top tune. If it does hit the Top20 thats pretty immense for an indie label dont you think? Forgiveness is in the air im sure of it!!!
that's the thing though, SG were only doing cheesy love songs as they were popular stuff of the time
the unheard songs on both albums were completely diffferent and fantastic -they just never got played.
Same with Darren's last two albums - he got ignored, they were completely different especially the heartbreaking Tension.
Now he is back with a plethora of choice for all types of music lovers. He is incredibly talented.
Wishes people wouldn't write artists off - they are not only one song.
Thanks though for reviewing him and being honest with us. - a great review!
Am so glad you like it - now - how soon can the 18th come so we can hear all the album lol
I'm glad you saw the error of your ways and quickly realised just how wonderfully talented Darren Hayes really is.
Truly Madly Deeply was everyone's wedding or something song.....and if people stopped there, they never KNEW Darren or his poetry, meanings,double
meanings, satire or humor.....and we loyal people would pick up his new stuff over the years and say WOW......but radios were busy with other things....
and not music..... that Darren just was placed aside.....
At my job we all have our "music" and we share and
go with others to see new things......and this year I had the proud pleasure to take people to see my favorites singer perform live.....because he came to NYC......Everyone LOVES Darren and everyperson seems to have a "favorite song" and more people are listening to his poetry too......and counting the moments til he's back in NYC.....we had a great party and more want to come......everyone likes "VERGE" and some love it and the DVD......but the b-sides are finding favor too.......
HERE'S TO YOU DARREN......thanks for hanging in there and creating all kinds of new treasures
and Fraser M
thanks for taking the time to listen AGAIN .....
when you listen a third time, do what Darren has told us to do with his music......think of things in your own life and let the pictures wash over you and make
the music your OWN......you'll love Darren's work even MORE......
maybe you just didnt "get" TMD, because of your own insecurities?
Darren "The Master Genuious that he is",has this ability to capture your heart, and speak to you through his music, and such beautiful music it is....
i seriously cannot wait for this album to come out, so why not go out and buy yourself a copy, and listen to it!!! ive preordered several!!
Darren has put soo much work into this album, every track is a labour of love!!! i wish him every sucess that he trully deserves...
xx
[I'm not sure I'm happy to be called insecure by someone who can't spell 'genius'. - Fraser]
It never hurts to take a second listen, you may be very pleasantly surprised. I have friends who insisted they were not fans of Darren's music, and I forced them to listen to his new stuff and WOW they have changed their minds. It's never too late, I'm glad you've stepped into the light Fraser. It's a shame to think how many people never even knew Darren made his last album (The Tension and The Spark) let alone had a chance to hear it. I think with the release of this new one, some will take a look back and discover some amazing music. Darren keeps evolving, I think we need to give him a go.
you should bow down to mr hayes, it's something we fans knew about his music long ago and that greater things were to come.
the release of on the verge should also show the other non-believers what a talented artist he really is. under his own label darren has had the
time to create an outstanding album which truely reflects what an amazing songwriter he is. so it's about time you radio station sat up and took notice of the delicious mr hayes.
why don't you buy a ticket and come see for yourself at the royal albert hall on the 3rd october, you'll not be disappointed.
bring it on darren. luv linds xx
Darren Hayes is the most underated singer/songwriter I've ever come across.
He has such a huge talent & unfortunately it is sometimes overlooked.
It's about time someone ate their words...
You're wrong about Truly though
[Am not. So ner. Plus I didn't 'eat my words', exactly... - Fraser]
I liked Truly Madly Deeply, liked Darren Hayes old songs too, not this though. This is just odd.
on the verge is a f* amazing song! Heartfelt lyrics and a catchy melody ... darren hayes is a musical genius!
xxx
Aw, consider yourself forgiven, lol! I confess TMD is not one of my favourite Savage Garden songs (although I don't agree with your evaluation of it!), but then - there is just so much more to Darren's music than ballads. It's good that your eyes and ears have finally been opened to this fact.
I think Verge is great. Unfortunately some radio stations haven't been playing it, but at least the video has been getting a decent amount of play on the music channels. Hurry and catch up before you miss the boat!
I love this song, its such an adrenaline rush! I wish they'd play it on Radio one- and yes it sound like the Killers but thats a good thing.
I've never really liked TMD either its so beige, even the video is beige LOL
HAHA! Resistance is futile! ;) Thank you for a great review ! Hope you have chance to experience the new double album for us too in just over a weeks time? Thousands are waiting in anticipation for its release..
PLEASE can you get On the Verge on the playlist for us ? Lou x
Thanks for the lovely blog. Its great to see someone like yourself admit in the public eye you where wrong and indeed like someones music. Even though you didnt like Truly madly completly. Fair enough i wasnt that keen on it when i first heard it and i am a fan. LoL!
You're forgiven by me as long as you bought the single this week! :D If not, remember to buy his album ok? LoL! U'll deff get more forgiveness then. :-p
You are forgiven :)
Truly Madly Deeply is a good song. A friend of mine cried her eyes out hearing that song at a concert once. And if Darren can touch ONE person like that, it has to be a good song! (I cried to I Knew I Loved 脻ou, but that's another story)
But the new stuff looks like it's gonna be the best Darren work ever!
Nice to see "non-Darren-fans" discover what the enlightened people have known for so long!
Go Darren! Lova ya!
Hel茅ne C
Sweden
I missed the part where you said anything negative about 'On The Verge Of Something Wonderful'. But anywho I'm glad you have admitted to us and yourself that Darren's music is good! Now that's only one song. Imagine what 25 of them can do to you. Dang it I can't believe the new baby is almost here! Wooo!! ;)
xx
I forgive you.
I'm just glad that you finally realized that Darren kicks a**!!!! Haha. This new album is going to be fabulous. I can't wait!
Darren is an amasing songwriter and performer.
So glad he is getting good reviews, he certainly deserves it
Karen
Thanks for that, and you're definitely forgiven!
It's cool that you've given Darren another listen, and I'm so glad you like 'On the Verge of Something Wonderful'. It's a great song, and from what I've heard of his new music, the whole new album is obviously going to be fantastic!
I'm with you on Truly Madly Deeply to an extent but I've never really been one to hold music against an artist and cut them off because Im not too keen on a particular song I tend to judge on each song I hear.
I am LOVING this new track from Darren Hayes. Stumbled accross it on Youtube of all places - why the hell isnt it being played on radio?!!!
DARRENS NEW SONG IS AMAZING SO YH :D
If you like Darren's new single On the Verge of Something Wonderful, just wait till you hear his new album! For years and years Darren's work has seriously been underrated if not almost totally ignored altogether but he's about to step into the spotlight now with this brilliant new album This Delicate Thing We've Made which is released on Darren's own indie record label Powdered Sugar on 20th August. He also has a UK tour scheduled for September/October this year, so either visit his official website www.darrenhayes.com or Darren's My Space site www.myspace.com/darrenhayes for full information.
Darren entered the Radio 1 chart today at #20 which is a massive achievement for an indie artist!
Finally the very underated and talented Darren Hayes is gaining some long deserved credit.
As someone mentioned there was a lot more to Savage Garden than Truly Madly Deeply and the other love type songs that were churned out and popular in the US and eventually the UK at the time.
So his solo journey wasn't easy, he was still labelled with the TMD trademark.. but now maybe this will change.. it should change...he is one very talented and genuine man.
You're apologies are accepted by the way.
Consider yourself forgiven for any previous blasphemy to Darren. Just ensure that you keep rolling out that support for him now!
Check out his myspace page www.myspace.com/darrenhayes and take a listen to the next single called me, myself and I. Oh Calvin Harris much as I love you, you need to get your act in gear as you've got a battle on your hands with Darren!
P.S Truly Madly Deeply is a beautiful song. I am afraid that after all this time, I love it equally as much as I did when I first heard it. The world would be boring if we all agreed though....or perhaps Darren would dominate. Hmmm..what a thought! :)
everything darren hayes does is brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!! his best is insatiable,but i do really like tmd. verge deserves to be a hit.
It takes a lot to admit you're wrong - and u did it with such style :)
Fantastic song yep yep.
Make sure you get a listen of the album - u may discover what we've all being raving about these past 10 years :)
xxx
I too am blown away by this track. He is such an amazing talent, an incredible voice and song writer. Really looking forward to this album!
Glad to read you've finally realised that Darren Hayes is an amazing artist. 'On the Verge of Something Wonderful' is a brilliant single and I can't wait to get his new album next week.
I have been a fan of Darren and Savage Garden for 10 years (since I was 9) and it's great, at last, to hear positive feedback about him.
The clips and reviews I have found online of his new album confirm that this release is something very specal. I only wish is could hear his new material regularly on the radio.
And yes, you are soo wrong about 'Truly Madly Deeply'. I still think it's wonderful.
Welcome back Darren!!
If you haven't heard Darren's album The Tension and The Spark, go listen. This album was a huge departure from the bubble of pop he'd been trapped in by the record label and the media. It was not recorded as a treat for the fans by any means. It's a confessional so raw it hurts at times, and it's a great precursor to This Delicate Thing We've Made.
I'm totally psyched about this new album, and although I can understand The Killers reference musiciwse, but that's only because The Killers reminded me of the things I liked about Darren's music. (Darren was around before The Killers : P)
Let the music speak for itself. Too many people have let a preconception of an artist stop them from giving someone a chance.
Of course you are forgiven. We always knew that if people could hear what he's doing now that he's out of the Savage Garden box they would discover there is a whole lot of untapped talent in this man.
hi so if ya think tmd is cheesy then ya need to go along to one of his concerts and see the reaction of the crowd its electric i no ive been a few times.find out for your self he is in concert nxt month....
What can I say?
Darren Hayes has comeback with a new style and is certainly "on the verge of something wonderful" with his single and album sure to fire up the top of the charts.
Everyone loved Spin, A lot of people didnt quite understand Tension and The Spark but I thought the new twist in music was great, and now hes blended them both together and created something new and exciting.
Well done Darren! 10/10 & Top 20 hit for sure!
Question for Darren Hayes:
Of all the places that you've visited, are any of them what you expect Heaven to look like?
We visited one of the Cook Islands last year, Aitutaki, and I believe that is what heaven looks like!
Thanks
i wanted to know what the song is called and who it is by the one you have on your tv adverts, called confessions i think?
mail me bk wit the name plz i realy lyk that song!!!!
thnkz
love the show chris moyles is so rock on u lot r the best 4 eva !!!!!