Top Australian Songs of 1986 – A Year That Changed Everything
1986 stands as one of the most powerful years in Australian music history. This wasn’t just a year of hits — it was a year of defining moments. Australian artists weren’t only dominating locally; they were pushing into international consciousness with confidence, identity, and unmistakable sound. At the top of the list sits John Farnham’s…
Read MoreThe Ones That Missed the Cut: 15 More Essential Aussie Songs from 1985
1985 wasn’t just a good year for Australian music — it was an avalanche of talent, a period where rock, pop, new wave, and pub culture collided in a perfect storm of creativity. When I released my original “Top 15 Aussie Songs of 1985” video, one thing became obvious immediately: there were just too many…
Read MoreTop 15 Aussie Songs of 1985 — A Year of Big Sounds and Bigger Characters
1985 was a spectacularly diverse year for Australian music. The charts were filled with everything from polished pop to gritty rock and new wave experimentation. Aussie artists weren’t just dominating locally — many were beginning to make serious waves overseas. The year kicked off with Mental As Anything’s witty pop gem “You’re So Strong”, a…
Read MoreBoppin’ the Blues: Blackfeather’s 1972 Rockabilly Triumph
In July 1972, Blackfeather released *Boppin’ the Blues*, a rockabilly cover that soared to No. 1 on the Kent Music Report. Released on Infinity (INK 4721), it charted for 28 weeks, held No. 1 for four weeks, and went gold. A Carl Perkins classic, it was the lead single from the *Boppin’ the Blues* album,…
Read MoreEvie: Stevie Wright’s 1974 Rock Triumph
In 1974, Stevie Wright dropped Evie (Parts 1, 2 & 3), an 11-minute rock epic that soared to No. 1 on the Kent Music Report. Released on Albert Productions (AP 10468), it charted on May 27th, 1974, held No. 1 for six weeks, and ran for 26 weeks. Written and produced by Easybeats’ Harry Vanda…
Read MoreAge of Reason: John Farnham’s 1988 Rock Triumph
In 1988, John Farnham dropped Age of Reason, a rock anthem that soared to No. 1 on the ARIA Charts. Released on RCA Victor (104904), it charted for 20 weeks, held No. 1 for three weeks, and went platinum. Written by Todd Hunter and Johanna Pigott of XL Capris fame, produced by Ross Fraser, it…
Read MoreElectric Blue: Icehouse’s 1987 Synth-Rock Triumph
In 1987, Icehouse dropped Electric Blue, a synth-rock gem that soared to No. 1 on the Kent Music Report. Released on Regular Records (K 389), it charted for 28 weeks, held No. 1 for one week, and went platinum. Co-written by Iva Davies and John Oates of Hall & Oates, produced by David Lord, it…
Read MoreAre You Old Enough: Dragon’s 1978 No. 1 Triumph
In 1978, Dragon dropped Are You Old Enough, a rock ballad that soared to No. 1 on the ARIA Charts. Released on Portrait (PR 45016), it charted for 23 weeks, held No. 1 for two weeks, and went gold. Written by Paul Hewson and produced by Peter Dawkins, it was the lead single from O…
Read MoreStimulation: Wa Wa Nee’s 1986 Funk-Pop Sensation
In 1985, Wa Wa Nee dropped Stimulation, a funk-pop gem that soared to No. 2 on the ARIA Charts. Released on CBS (BA 3373), it charted for 27 weeks, went gold, and became their breakout hit. Written by Paul Gray and produced by Jim Taig, it was the lead single from their debut album, Wa…
Read More