Age 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 was the lead single from the Age of Reason album. It was Farnham’s first No. 1 since You’re the Voice. Let’s dive into its Melbourne roots, chart success, and why it’s still a singalong classic.
Farnsey’s Comeback Continues
John Farnham, a legend since his Sadie days in the ’60s, roared back with 1986’s Whispering Jack. By ’88, he was Australia’s voice. Age of Reason, penned by Dragon’s Todd Hunter and Johanna Pigott (who wrote Dragon’s Rain and played in XL Capris), tackled life’s big questions with a soaring melody. Recorded in Melbourne for the Age of Reason album with Ross Fraser, Farnsey’s powerful vocals, punchy guitar, and synth touches gave it arena-sized energy. The video—big hair, bold suits, Farnham’s charisma, and the Victorian Children’s Choir—was pure ’80s.
Chart Success
Charting on July 18th, ’88, as catalogue number 104904, Age of Reason hit the ARIA Charts. Our infographic shows its top 5 run over six weeks. On July 25th, it’s No. 3, with Got To Be Certain at No. 1. August 1st, it hits No. 1, knocking off Kylie. It holds No. 1 on August 8th and 15th, ruling strong. August 22nd, it slips to No. 2 as Fairground Attraction’s Perfect takes over. By August 29th, it’s No. 3, still hanging tough. It ran 20 weeks, went platinum, and was Farnham’s first No. 1 since You’re the Voice. The B-side, When the War Is Over, kept the anthemic vibe.
The ’88 Scene
In 1988, Australia’s music scene was electric—INXS conquered globally, Kylie Minogue went pop, and Jimmy Barnes’ star was rising. Farnham, riding Whispering Jack’s wave, brought a mature, anthemic sound. Age of Reason’s introspective lyrics and polished production clicked with old and new fans. Its video was everywhere, and Farnsey’s everyman charm made him a national hero. Unlike Kylie’s bubblegum pop or INXS’s sleek rock, Age of Reason was a singalong for footy club bars and city pubs.
Why It Endures
Age of Reason cemented Farnham as Australia’s rock king. The Age of Reason album topped the ARIA Charts, selling over 500,000 copies, and he toured arenas worldwide. A staple on classic stations, pub jukeboxes, and ’80s playlists, its soaring melody is Farnsey magic. Farnham performed it until his 2022 cancer diagnosis, making it a setlist highlight. A ’88 time capsule of big dreams and bigger vocals, it takes you back to a mate’s barbecue, belting it out. Got an Age of Reason memory? Share yours below!