Bands
Are 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 MoreLive It Up: Mental As Anything’s 1985 Pop-Rock Triumph
In May 1985, Mental As Anything dropped Live It Up, a pop-rock classic that soared to No. 2 on the ARIA Charts. Released on Regular Records (RRSP 746), it charted for 23 weeks, went platinum, and became their best-performing single. Written by Andrew ‘Greedy’ Smith and produced by Richard Gottehrer, it was the lead single…
Read MoreBony Moronie: Hush’s 1975 Glam-Rock Anthem
In April 1975, Hush released Bony Moronie, a glam-rock cover of Larry Williams’ 1957 classic that soared to No. 4 on the Kent Music Report. Released on Wizard (ZS-123), it charted for 27 weeks, went gold, and became their biggest hit. Produced by Robie Porter, it was the lead single from their fourth album, Rough…
Read MoreBetter: The Screaming Jets’ 1991 Pub Rock Classic
In March 1991, The Screaming Jets released Better, a gritty pub rock anthem that soared to No. 3 on the ARIA Charts. Released on rooArt, it charted for 22 weeks, went gold, and became their signature hit. Written by Grant Walmsley and produced by Steve James, it was the lead single from their debut album,…
Read MoreComputer 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 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…
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