Savage Garden - Savage Garden

As these two boys from Brisbane, Australia, know, it doesn't hurt to be endorsed by Rosie O'Donnell. When the Queen of Nice sang the words to "I Want You" and the praises of the duo behind it, the song catapulted up the charts. Largely ignored by the serious music press, Savage Garden have cultivated a vast fan base on the strength of their music--and airplay--alone. As formulaic as it may appear, the ballad "Truly Madly Deeply" was lodged at No. 1 for week after week for a reason--it's damn catchy and a welcome reprieve from overdone rock ballads. Lead singer Darren Hayes lends the same yearning vocal style to the third--and best--single from the album, "To the Moon & Back," a slice of synth-pop genius that culminates in a dramatic crescendo of strings, courtesy of coleader Daniel Jones. --Rebecca Wallwork Amazon.com

Top notch pop record

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.
October 20, 2008

Good memories

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. September 9, 2008

Great music

I have been jamming out to these since I received the cds. This cd is one of my favorites!!!! September 9, 2008

Dynomite Music from a Dynamic Duo

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.
January 29, 2008

Savage Garden / Savage Garden

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. January 18, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...