Computer Games: Mi-Sex’s 1979 New Wave Breakthrough
In 1979, Mi-Sex released Computer Games, a synth-heavy new wave hit that topped Australia’s charts for one week. Released on CBS, it charted for 25 weeks, landing at No. 13 for the year. Written by Steve Gilpin and Kevin Stanton, with music by Stanton and Murray Burns, it was the second single from their debut…
Read MoreHelp Is On Its Way: Little River Band’s 1977 Smooth Rock Triumph
In 1977, Little River Band released Help Is On Its Way, a soft rock hit that topped Australia’s charts for one week. Released on EMI, it charted for 20 weeks, landing at No. 20 for the year. Written by Glenn Shorrock, it was the lead single from Diamantina Cocktail, their third album, and their only…
Read MoreThe Real Thing: Russell Morris’s 1969 Psychedelic Breakthrough
In 1969, Russell Morris released The Real Thing, a six-minute psychedelic masterpiece that topped Australia’s charts for two weeks. Released on Columbia, it was written by Johnny Young and produced by Ian “Molly” Meldrum, charting for 26 weeks and landing at No. 4 for the year. It knocked off Peter Sarstedt and bowed to The…
Read MoreEagle Rock: Daddy Cool’s 1971 Rock’n’Roll Triumph
In 1971, Daddy Cool released Eagle Rock, a rock’n’roll hit that ruled Australia’s charts for ten weeks. Out on Sparmac Productions, it charted for 37 weeks, cementing its place in Aussie music. Written by Ross Wilson, with B-side Bom Bom, it took over from The Hollies and handed off to Drummond. A Melbourne classic, let’s…
Read MoreWhat About Me: Moving Pictures’ 1982 Anthem That Conquered Australia and Beyond
In 1982, Moving Pictures released What About Me, a song that turned a fleeting moment of frustration into an anthem. Released on W.B.E. Records (WBE 648), it ruled Australia’s charts for six weeks, hit the US Billboard Hot 100, and decades later, found new life with Shannon Noll’s 2004 cover. From Sydney pubs to global…
Read MoreSummer Love: Sherbet’s 1975 Pop Hit That Owned the Australian Charts
In 1975, Sherbet released Summer Love, a pop burst that topped Australia’s charts for two weeks. Out on EMI Records, it was penned by Garth Porter and Clive Shakespeare, charting for 23 weeks and landing at No. 8 for the year. It bumped Bob Hudson’s The Newcastle Song and bowed to Pilot’s January. A Sydney-bred…
Read MoreI Got You: Split Enz’s New Wave Rise in 1980
In 1980, Split Enz released I Got You, a song that turned a simple riff into an eight-week No. 1 reign in Australia. Out on Mushroom Records (K 7759), it was Neil Finn’s breakout, written from a Tim Finn title, produced by David Tickle, and paired with Noel Crombie’s oddball video. It ruled charts and…
Read MoreHorror Movie: Skyhooks’ Glam Slam That Defined 1975 Australia
When Skyhooks released Horror Movie in 1974, it wasn’t just a song—it was a glitter-bombed jab at the telly that topped Australia’s charts. Out on Mushroom Records (K-5753), it hit No. 1 on March 31st, ’75, for two weeks, with a 27-week run. Written by bassist Greg Macainsh and produced by Ross Wilson, it launched…
Read MoreHow Farewell Aunty Jack Captured Australia’s ’70s Rebellion
In 1974, a song born from a TV show about a cross-dressing bikie blasted to No. 1 on Australia’s charts, elbowing out David Bowie and holding court for three weeks. Farewell Aunty Jack, penned and performed by Grahame Bond and Rory O’Donoghue, wasn’t just a catchy tune—it was a middle finger to the staid norms…
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