Savage Garden

The word "pop" seems to have gotten a bad reputation over the years. What used to signify the catchy hooks and melodies or the flawless songwriting has now become used to criticize bands becoming too mainstream or dumbing down their music for the masses. However, that's what makes these songs have staying power is when you catch yourself humming the tune on your way to work or while you're cleaning the house. Savage Garden, despite really only having 2 releases, developed some of the most memorable tunes of the decade and this is one example of an album that you just have to crank and tap your foot to.

To the Moon and Back: The album begins with this synth-driven tune, with a more atmospheric slant and it makes great use of the sonic landscape and seems like it's in its own little world. Even the Spanish guitar solo doesn't sound out of place. 9/10

I Want You: THE song to play when you're playing sports or travelling in your car, this song just screams to be turned up and have you work out or something. Fast vocal delivery, an effective and simple guitar arpeggio, this is the song to crank up. My one thing: what's with that yelping/dog noise in the bridge/ 9.5/10

Truly Madly Deeply: Men, take note: serenade this song to a girl and you're guaranteed some positive looks going your way...hopefully, if she's not stupid. What girl can resist a ballad like this; one that's entirely un-schmaltzy and utterly romantic at its core? Answer: no one. 9.5/10

Tears of Pearls: After one of the strongest 3-song album openings since the Joshua Tree or Nevermind, it'd be natural the 4th would be somewhat of a letdown. There's nothing wrong with the song since the beat is perfect for the dance floor but after the last 3, it seems like a step down but still a good one. 8/10

Universe: Back to ballad mode and while there's a quite enjoyable feel and works quite well, there's a certain typical thing about the song, like there's not enough to distinguish it from the other ballads they've done or on the record. A "Truly Madly Deeply"-lite, so to speak. Great vocals though. 7.5/10

Carry on Dancing: I quite like this one actually. The use of the falsetto vocals, the catchiness of the chorus and even the synths help make what should be an "eh" song rather memorable. Not an amazing track but well worth a listen for the singable qualities it has. 8.5/10

Violet: Kind of a funky number with a buzzy bass line, wah-wah guitars and a noticeable bump-and-grind sound, this is another dance floor number; only problem is that the song isn't exactly catchy outside of the music in the song. 6.5/10

Break Me, Shake Me: Another one of the singles that didn't seem to get as much recognition as the first 3, it's another enjoyable catchy number that's a bit more energetic in terms of energy. It's also pretty well-produced thanks to the guitar parts and pounding drums during the chorus and bouncy bass lines. Sonically it works, plus it's fun to sing. 9/10

A Thousand Words: A bit more atmospheric with an intro that could've fit on a U2 album Achtung Baby era; this is dominated primarily by the synth strings and funky guitars though the orchestra hits feel slightly out of place. It's similar to "Violet" in that it's not bad in terms of sound, just lacking in terms of staying power. 6.5/10

Promises: This is the album's "grower", the one that doesn't work but does eventually the more you listen to it. Again, funky bass lines, a strange shaker sound like a sugar packet for rhythm, though the use of the vocals and little touches help make this actually good. Give this one time. 8.5/10

Santa Monica: Back to ballad territory to close things off. It's pretty beautiful in terms of the sound though it's not really catchy like "Truly..." is but I love the use of the piano but it's just the song in terms of lyrics and vocal melodies that lack. It's one of those songs that you look back on and think that you loved how it sounded but can't remember how it went. 7/10

Despite some songs that are not as better written as others, the album flows as a whole and it's hard to skip anything even though individually the tracks might not work as well as others. But if you're into big toe-tapping pop, definitely get this one.

When Savage Garden had just started out, I remember hearing them on the radio and was overtaken by their cool sound and lyrics. I totally loved them and had all the cassettes tapes as they came out, but once I moved to a different state, my tapes somehow were lost. I found all but this one which was the original one I fell in love with. I was so happy that someone on Amazon had it and for cheap. It's is okay that no one wants to buy them, that makes it easier on my pocket to get the CD version, since I had cassette tapes, which are on the verge of dying. I may have to buy the other CDs so that my collection would be complete again. Thanks for having Savage Garden. I surely haven't forgotten them.

I have been jamming out to these since I received the cds. This cd is one of my favorites!!!!

Savage Garden's self titled album is one I have owned (and not owned when the original owner decided to take it back) and owned again for many years. I originally remembered hearing SG's singles on pop radio in my early teens and fell in love with them. They were poppy, upbeat, danceable, fantastical, electronic and sensitive to name just a few. Singles such as "I Want You" and "Truly Madly Deeply" brought me to this CD but the hidden gems are what keep me coming back.

Although radio friendly, many of the songs also possessed a higher quality of lyricality than much of today's pop, an attribute possessed by much of 90s pop and somehow lost over the last decade. While common subjects such as love (as in "To The Moon and Back"), sex (which Hayes and Jones tackled beautifully in "Universe") and betrayal (the theme of "10,000 Words") were the focus of many of SG's songs, Darren sung about them in a way that was neither juvenile, tacky nor angst ridden.

Speaking of Darren, his voice is a sweet falsetto which works wonders with the upbeat tunes and slower pop ballads like "Santa Monica". It's always smooth and sexy, often fun and portrays a level of genuineness many of today's pop stars lack.

Lyrics and vocals are not the only thing that set this pop duo apart from many others. The music itself was far more creative, often `failing' to use many clichés that are oh-so common in pop music. While you can pinpoint the verses and choruses in SG's music, you will also find unique characteristics from Australia's harder pop (the guitar riff in "Break Me, Shake me") and Britain's electronic pop sound ("I Want You" is a good example of this). The particular pop sound of SG, especially on their self titled album, is a harmonious blend of American, Australian and British pop.

Although not every song on this disc was released as a single, most of them had single potential which is apparent by how close to the hearts of the fans many of the non-singles are. However, even though each song may stand well on its own, the disc as a whole is put together and produced at a far higher quality than I've seen in many albums. Each song paves the way for the next easily starting with "To The Moon and Back" opens with crystal clear vocals and eases into a much edgier pop song, following are the tunes we know and love, a few unknown gems ("Universe" and "Ultraviolet" are both wonderful) and the album ends on a soft note with "Santa Monica." It's as though SG and their production team set out to make a CD that follows the classic literary plot technique (exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).

Overall, Savage Garden's self titled album is wonderful. There isn't a song I don't like and I'm sure many devoted fans will agree. Fans of pop and 90s pop in general will love what SG brings to the table in terms of lyricality, song variation, and album production. If you want to enjoy a few popular songs, this is also the album for you; it's a pleaser for everyone. I could not recommend it more.

I love every song on this album. I owned it on cassette tape when it was first released. My sister and I wore it out. I replaced the tape with two CD's and we are so happy I did.

After listening to samples I recognized quite a few songs that I have heard before on the radio and various places. You can never go wrong with a Best of album. Usually I don't listen to pop rock but the songs were so catchy that I found myself tapping my toes and dancing to some of the songs. I would recommend this album to anyone who likes alternative rock! There were 17 songs on this audio disc.

Just a word I love the song and like the video..
So my opinion is not objetives because is bases in my felling.

I love the voices of these two guys and they have such a great sense of timing in their songs. My favorites are "Truly, Madly, Deeply", "California" and "Beautiful". Just a great all around collection. Too bad they aren't still recording together.

Now that I have my mp3 I have been revisiting past songs I just loved. This album has a few good tunes.

I am pleased with the purchase. I was looking for this music specifically and was not disappointed. I enjoy this duo as they have a nice quality to their voice and have nice romantic lyrics. If that is what you are looking for, than this is a great CD to add to your collection.

its not often that you come across a cd where every single song is brilliant and you would be unhappy about missing even one of them, but this album by these two talented, brilliant men, darren hayes and daniel jones, makes the grade perfectly. particularly excellent is the haunting song "You Can Still Be Free", a touching tribute to a friend. ther is also "Gunning Down A Romance" a intense number with a little more edge to it. there is also the gorgeous song "I Don't Know You Anymore" which is just simple, just Darren's voice and a piano, with no over the top vocal gymnastics, but portrays such emotion that you feel strange speaking after its been played for fear of breaking the moment that it creates. the songs are excellent, darren's unique voice is breath-taking, every element of this cd is just spectacular. every song will keep you captivated and make you want to listen to this fantastic cd over and over again. a must have for all music fans!
Zoe Cox

Savage Garden announced their breakup in 2000, but their music never left my world. I purchased this CD in 1999, their music is so addictive, their debut album is great, and this one is perfect from begin to end. Affirmation starts the album passionately and I Don't Know You Anymore concludes the CD emotionally. Of course, these are many gems beset in these tracks, I Knew I loved you, Crash and Burn, The Animal Song, The Love after me, Gunning Down romance, and especially, Two beds and a coffee machine, my favourite in this album.
It's really a great loss that they broke up, they are just so good and maybe the best duo in my generation.

The CD Affirmation is as good as the reviews I read. I am very glad I purchased it. I really did not realize how many good songs were on it.

This is such a great album. There's not one dud song on it. The only one that doesn't stand up as strongly as the others is Gunning Down Romance, but all the other tracks could easily have been released as singles. Savage Garden were the best thing to come out of Australia in a while. It's so sad they broke up after only two albums. They could've gone on to do so much more. Unfortunately Darren Hayes's solo efforts never came up to par although I was hoping that he would be the 'continuance' of Savage Garden. The songs are just bland pop, even though he does have a great voice. It would seem he needs Daniel to write a good song. Plus I'm still peeved at Darren for being gay. How dare he mess with our psyches making us think he liked girls! But anyway, I digress...Affirmation is pop at its best.

This album is nearly as good as their first but nothing will beat their debut. My absolute favourites are "Affirmation" coz it's catchy and I LOVE Darren's voice in this; he sounds so good, "Crash and Burn" A slow, sad song but the lyrics are beautiful, "Hold Me" A pop song, catchy and upbeat. I like the others as well like "I Knew I Loved You" (like "Truly, Madly, Deeply") "Chained to You" catchy and upbeat and "The Best Thing", which is a lot like "Chained to You" Also, Daniel is really good in this album, he can play every instrument beautifully. Plus he's hot!

I am a fan of Savage Garden, The Eurythmics, and George Michael - all of them did a great job with and without Pavarotti....

And the man who sang O SOLE MIO - Darren Hayes (formerly of Savage Garden)... has the most beautiful- angelic- sultry and great voices I have ever heard - and to do it in Neapoliaton Italian (dialect) and in my opinion the best duet of ALL of them featured!!!!!

As always, Maestro Pavarotti's Modena concerts are highly entertaining and uplifting.
All artists sang two songs during the concert (one on their own and another with Maestro Pavarotti), but unfortunately not all of the songs are featured on this video. Another shortcoming is that there are no interviews or any extra footage.

It is funny to hear Pavarotti sing a pop tune as it is equally funny to see a pop singer with virtually no voice doing "O Sole Mio", but if it is all in good spirit and for charity, then it is enjoyable.

If you are intersted in European music scene or simply love Pavarotti, this tape will be a great treat for you.

Bravo showed this concert on New Years 2002 and it blew my mind. It is certainly the best of the War Child concerts, which started in 1996 as Pavarotti's effort to help the children of war-torn countries.
Like in the previous concerts, Pavarotti appears with international pop stars in the open-air piazza of his home town, Modena, Italy. (How do I get tickets for that?)
If you haven't heard any of these concerts, also available on CDs, you will be surprised how well Pavarotti's voice--a voice that makes the gods swoon--blends with the likes of Enrique Iglesias, George Michael, Tracy Chapman, and the Eurythmics. Previous concerts included B.B. King, Elton John, Ricky Martin, and Liza Minelli. Sometimes he sings along in English, sometimes in Italian counterpoint. The effect is stupdendous! These concerts display all the beauty of this great operatic voice while at the same time honoring the art of our greatest pop artists.
What makes this video the best is the children's chorus, the combined Ars Canto of Parmi, Italy, and the Children's Choir of Cambodia and Tibet. The video starts with this chorus joining Pavarotti and the totally sexy Enrique Iglesias in a rousing "Cielito Lindo."
Pavarotti really knows entertainment and in this one he pulls out all the stops! Best of all, part of the proceeds of this tape goes to benefit the children of Cambodia and Tibet. Pavarotti's efforts to help War Child have already built music centers for children in Kosovo, Liberia, and Guatemala. What great leadership!
He says on one of his jackets: "All too often, children are betrayed by the inhuman actions of adults, and become the innocent victims of war and cruelty. War Child is an energetic, and practical organization offering vital hope, working tirelessly for children to regain their rightful place in the world."

I am a HUGE Savage Garden fan so that was the main reason to buy this album. And I have to say Darren's voice is AWESOME in "O Sole Mio", the first time I listened to it it made me cry. So I bought the cd. I was glad to see that there are very enjoyable songs in the album not only the SG tracks. I loved Tracy Chapman's "Baby Can I Hold You Tonight" performance, now I am a Tracy fan too. You'll enjoy the performances by Aqua, Enrique Iglesias and Eurhytmics and of course the queen Tracy Chapman " ("Telling Stories" is superb!). I even discovered some new artists I had never heard of and I liked them. You won't be disappointed by this album.

This collection of music has given me great pleasure. Aqua's Around the World is a joy. Hearing the Eurythmics and Pavarotti perform together is fun and beautiful. I also especially liked Enrique Iglesias's Be with you. 20 tracks and 77 minutes of great music I will listen to again and again. And all for a good cause.

While I appreciate the lead role casting here very much, neither is a stand-out performance. I prefer a little bit less from Tosca, Gheorghiu at times seems to be a tad too intense leading toward schizophrenia as opposed to emotion. Alagna is a fantastic Cavaradossi though at times is lacking in a smoothe legato where I think it would be desirable. But aside from being a tad choppy, he sings his heart out and brings out some terrific moments. Raimondi is a good if not especially impressive Scarpia. So now at this point you may be wondering why I gave this 5 stars and the answer is simple, Pappano leads the best orchestral performance ever given. The Covent Garden Orchestra sounds incredible with beautiful lines in the solo clarinet, shimmering strings and giant horn calls at the finale. Pappano's tempos are never forced and the opera moves along swiftly without ever being ponderous. So if you are looking for the best solo performance of Tosca or Cavaradossi then perhaps you should look elsewhere, but for me, this is the best all-around performance to date though I will of course augment it with my favorite solo recordings of these well-known arias.

The good things up front: true spinto sopranos like Leontyne Price and Renata Tebaldi are simply non-existent anymore, and we have to be grateful that a mature artist like Gheorghiu can step before a microphone (if not onstage in a large opera house) and inhabit the role of Tosca with such passion and musicality. The last lyric soprano to try such a stretch was Mirella Freni for Sinopoli (DG), and she was even more heartrending and convincing. The secret is to be able to act for the microphone, and Gheorghiu does it wonderfully; one is only occasionally aware that her voice cannot swell and bloom over Puccini's lush orchestration the way Price and Tebaldi could.

However, paired with this top-flight Tosca are two weaker partners. Alagna is stretching here, too, but he does it a la Carreras, by adopting a relentlessly ardent, sobbing hysteria that delivers a visceral thrill (as Giuseppe di Stefano said about his own vocal recklessness, "The audience likes to see me commit suicide"), but which leaves tonal beauty, style, and musicality in the ditch. Even so, Alagna and Gheorghiu have romantic chemistry, and that counts for a lot. He's often the fire to her ice.

Raimondi was an excelent Scarpia for Karajan two decades ago, and although his dramatic efforts remain convincing, his tone has turned woolly and wobbly. He sounds as if he's singing through cotton and is too aged for any kind of erotic chemistry with Tosca--we don't want her groped by a dirty old man.

Pappano tries the same trick as Karajan and Sinopoli, taking Puccini's melodrama--by turns saccharine, poignant, and fire-breathing--at slow tempos to impart added 'seriousness.' To some extent that's effective, but not nearly as much as with his two prdecessors, who had more theatrical chills and spills to back up their sensitivity. Tosca doesn't work unless it runs off the rails. So, weighing everything in the balance, I can't agree with the reviewer who calls this the best Tosca in forty years, good as its best parts are.

I don't consider myself to be too much of an expert as far as operatic technique, but everytime I hear Angela Gheorghiu I am reminded of Maria Callas. Does anyone know what I mean ? She SOUNDS JUST LIKE MARIA CALLAS. It seems she's heard one too many Maria Callas recordings and all she does is imitate her style. This Tosca is an obvious imitation of the 1950's EMI recording with Maria Callas, Giuseppe Di Stefano and Tito Gobbi. While the sound quality is excellent, and the Royal Opera Covent Garden Orchestra is unsurpassed due to the great prowess of conductor Antonio Pappano, the weakness of this set is in Angela Gheorghiu's Callasian performance. It is no homage or tribute to Callas' Tosca. It is a remake of it. Gheorghiu does have a better sound than Callas and her voice is more beautiful to hear but it has the same strident soprano high register and the "bite" in the chest voice. Roberto Alagna, too, seems to be paying tribute to Giuseppe Di Stefano, though he clearly has his own style. It is a grand style however he cannot master the tessitura of the part of Mario. Ruggero Raimondi as Scarpia is the best feature of this recording. Raimondi is sly, wicked and elegant, a handsome and scheming devil. His Italian is lazer sharp since he is himself Italian and his acting abilities are superior. He has played great Don Giovannis (and in a film) and his mastership of the baritone repertoire is praiseworthy. So, all in all, if you're a devotee of opera's favorite couple Gheorghiu/Alagna (they are also happily married) then this recording is for you. It's clear they are a terrific team together. She can get into the role with great integrity and vocal brilliance. He can also get into character well, though I have always preferred Placido Domingo and Franco Corelli as Mario Cavaradossi, as well as Jose Carreras. Alagna is good in this one though. But believe me, Gheorghiu sounds too much like Callas. Listen to her voice in Trovatore, Romeo Et Juliette, Manon, Werther, La Boheme and other recordings of her (like the Diva album which features "Casta Diva" and "O Mio Babbino Caro". Put on a Maria Callas recording and an Angela Gheorghiu recording and you will see how it is Gheorghiu who is trying to imitate Callas while attempting to remain unique. I still think her fame lies in that we all want to see a resurrected Callas and she came back in the form of Angela Gheorghiu.

Wow, it's not every day that you get to hear some of the worst casting ever in Puccini's most melodramatic opera. This is my favorite opera in the entire Puccini repertoire, and this recording is a flat-out embarrassment to the Maestro.

I can't stand the Sacristan's incessant dips in everything he sings... IT'S ANNOYING! And Alagna, whom is my favorite Rodolfo in his recording of La Boheme (which he also did with Gheorghiu), is using way too much shaky vibrato in "Recondita armonia." It seriously makes me dizzy, like I'm in a boat caught in a torrent on the high seas of the Atlantic!!! He's just plain silly about it! I think he just likes hearing himself.

Not much can be said for this most unremarkable of recordings... this is a huge black eye on the part of EMI, and I'm more than happy to bring it to everyone's attention before they make the mistake of buying it.

This is quite a good modern recording of a well recorded opera. The real treat of this set is Gheorghiu, who brought a real intensity to the role of Tosca not heard since Maria Callas in her legendary (and must-have!) recording of this opera. I still prefer Callas's version, because her 'Vissi d'arte' is absolutely glorious. Gheorghiu, while doing an adequate 'Vissi d'arte', doesn't quite rise up to the same level. Her strengths are in the dramatic segments in Act II and Act III. Her "muori!" is tinged with hatred and vengefulness, and her discovery of Cavaradossi's death absolutely chilling. The rest of the cast are adequate. Alagna is perhaps a little thin in the part of Cavaradossi. There are also cuts in the score, perhaps done for the sake of the length of the movie. The packaging of this set is also gorgeous. This is a good addition to the Callas/de Sabata set.

To be honest, the words play just as important a part as the music itself in this song. The truth and emotion that is injected into every word by the musician and the lyricist, and the feeling used in the recording, makes this song a pleasure to listen to for anyone that is, or has ever been in love. Taken from the album Affirmation, which i also reccomend highly.

This song is great! It is a wonderful love song. Even if you dont like savage garden you should buy this song becuase it's so good. It's a song that you can use to express your love to someone or just enjoy it yourself.

The song I Knew I Loved You is the best ever! At one of my classmate's parties to celebrate Christmas, this song enabled me to dance with one girl (my crush). I would love to thank the writers and Savage Garden for this wonderful song!

This is the first Savage Garden CD I have ever bought. I am really impressed by the lyrics of this song. Some Talented song writing went to this beautiful piece of music. I don't know what I never bought their previous debut album from 1997. Nor I have I bought the current whole CD yet. Just the Single for now. Nonetheless, this is their best song since "To the Moon and Back". That song was so fresh! I don't know which one is Darren or Darryl but they have a unique sound. I don't know why they call the second track the "Mini Me Mix". Is it because the song was in Austin Powers or something? Someone tell me. The "Mini Me Mix" is, however, a cool dance mix. You'll enjoy this.

Savage Garden starts off the year with a wonderful single, "I knew I loved you." The lyrics are so mesmerizing that the first time I heard it, it brought chills because everything about the emotion was so true. In addition with the lead singer's voice, this is one of the most powerful songs I've heard and will definately be something that I will sing with my special man during my wedding.

I bought this off Amazon before... Great CD!! I LOVE the remixes. One of the TTMAB remixes is like 9 min long, but very good if you don't ever want the song to end ;) The first whole minute of the song has no singing in it. I love TTMAB so this CD was a must have for me...

10+ arias, 3+ No.1's and world wide fame speak for it's self.

All of the songs have great melodies and are easy to listen to.

TTMAB has a great intro and Panio piece ant the end. Only Savage Garden song to have Daniel say a few words.

Carry on Dancing and Tears of Pearls have a strong beat and rythm.

I Want You- Fast vocals and Great drum track

TMD- Slow Love song. Typical of Darren's want of slow, deep and meaningful albums.

Violet- Another groovy song with a beat.

All Around- Great beat. Commerically, only released in Australia, but features on many promos.

Universe- Very slow song. Another song showing Darren's want of slow, deep and meaningful albums.

A Thousand Words- Great intro and beat.

Breake Me Shake Me- Great Chorus using daniel's guitar.

Mine- Awesome Song. Only released in Australia commercally. On a couple of promos. Very errie and spooky.

Santa Monica- Yet another slow song. A great finish to the album.

Future of Earthly Deities- 11 great remixes. Wes released seperately as a promo. In my opinion the best remix is the bittersweet mix of santa monica.

In short, a great album, for fans, a must have and for everybody else, you won't be dissapointed if you buy it.

If you're a Savage Garden fan, you shouldn't go without adding this one to your collection.
It is one of the only places you can hear the hauntingly beautiful "Mine," and the remix CD is full of dance-friendly tracks that you'll want to shake your booty to again and again.

Now that Savage Garden has broken up, this CD is becoming hard to find. Any true Savage Garden fan should have this disc in their collection. The remixes disc is great. The 'Santa Monica' remix is probably my favorite remix on the cd. The whole CD is great though, and any die-hard Savage Garden fan should own it.

I love this CD. All the remixes were so fun 2 listen 2 (something different, I guess) It was a really "exiting" cd 2 listen 2 for the first time. I Love Savage Garden. If I were u (And If u love savage garden) I'd get this cd 2 add 2 your collection. I have all the Savage Garden CDs:
1."Savage Garden" (The first one)
2."Affrimation"
3."Truly Madly Deeply Remixes"
4."The B-Sides"
5.This one
6."Future of Earthly Delights"
I suggest u get all of them. They're great!