Singles
What 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…
Read MoreTucker’s Daughter: The Making of Ian Moss’s 1989 Breakout Hit
When Ian Moss released Tucker’s Daughter in 1989, it wasn’t just a song—it was a declaration. After years as Cold Chisel’s guitar wizard, he stepped into the spotlight with a single that roared to No. 1 on the ARIA charts and snagged two ARIA Awards. Released on Mushroom Records (K 690), this track—co-written with Don…
Read MoreHow John Farnham Turned Raindrops into a 1969 Chart-Topping Classic
Back in December 1969, a young John Farnham stepped into the spotlight with a song that would echo through Australian music history: Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head. Fresh off the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid soundtrack—where B.J. Thomas had already made it a global sensation—this wasn’t just a cover for Farnham. It was…
Read MoreDragon’s April Sun in Cuba – A ‘70s Rock Anthem Down Under
In October 1977, Dragon unleashed April Sun in Cuba, a single that turned a Kiwi band into Aussie rock legends. Released on Portrait (PR 45008) as the lead track from their fourth album, Running Free, this song roared onto the charts on November 7th, soaring to No. 2 and hanging around for 22 weeks. Only…
Read MoreThe Story Behind Divinyls’ “I Touch Myself”
In 1990, Divinyls released a song that would not only define their career but also leave an indelible mark on the music world. “I Touch Myself” was a bold, sultry anthem that captured the spirit of the 90s with its infectious melody and unapologetic lyrics. The single was released through the Virgin label with the…
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