Written by: Johanna Piggott, Marc Hunter & Todd Hunter
Released: 1988
US Charts: N/A
UK Charts: N/A
Other Charts: #1 (Australia)
I feel that as an Australian, I have a responsibility to showcase the country’s best musicians and songs so that the rest of the world can appreciate their talents and experience their music. There are 2 types of Australian artists. Firstly, an artist that was a huge star in Australia and made waves in other major markets such as Savage Garden, Men At Work & Little River Band. On the other hand, you have artists that were extremely popular in Australia but for some reason never made waves overseas (or at least have a significant impact). John Farnham is one of the latter.
Over the last 40 or so years, John Farnham has been Australia’s leading male singer. Starting his career as teen idol in the 1960s, he has been a force to be reckoned with in the Australian music industry. As with all other artists, he has had his ups and downs in terms of commercial success but his longevity has made him a household name.
Some of his songs including “Age of Reason” are musically and lyrically outstanding songs which, had he been known in more countries, would have been, in my opinion, big hits. It has even been said that he rejected the song “We Built This City” which eventually became a US number 1 hit for Starship. Maybe he’s regretting that mistake. Nevertheless, it’s a shame that his outstanding voice is not well known outside Australia.
Focusing on the 80s song “Age of Reason”, the lyrics deals with humankind’s desire and necessity to create a new era of peace and prosperity or as the songs says, an new age of reason. The protagonist emphasizes that this new age brings a lot of hope and that its realization is in our hands. The song’s message about world peace is not something you find in today’s music which is what sets this song apart. The highlight of this song by far is John Farnham’s voice which carries a tinge of sadness and desperation which only emphasise the positive message in this song.
I hope you are all able to appreciate this wonderful song as much as I do.
You can access the lyrics by clicking here.
Comment on this post below.
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I think that you have made a fine site. Good Videos.
John.