Neil Finn – Try Whistling This (1998)

Having been a member of Split Enz and Crowded House and recording two albums with brother Tim, Neil decided on a solo career for a while, interspersed with reconvening Crowded House and a few other collaborative ventures.  So, as Neil was widely recognised as a great singer and songwriter expectations were high when he released  this first solo effort almost 25 years after first joining brother Tim in Split Enz.  And there is no denying that this and the few solo albums Neil has recorded are pretty good, but there is this niggling feeling that he is still trying to prove something.  Personally I think he works better within a band, but I still like this album.  A modern production and some heavy dance beats on a couple of songs add very little to what one loves about Neil; his way with unique melodies and that yearning and expressive voice.  Favourite songs on this ‘She Will Have Her Way’, ‘Addicted’ and ‘Sinner’.