Colin Hay

Since Hay’s pop success rollercoaster ride of the early ’80s, thanks to his distinctive voice, visage and quirky Australian band, Men at Work, the former darling of the MTV video era has endured his fall from grace with poise. In fact, his departure from the band in 1985 signalled a newfound sense of freedom and the methodical release of nine solo records from the sanctuary of his home recording studio. Anyone paying attention will not be surprised with the calibre of this latest release, as his affecting vocals and well-crafted reflections on love and life have been consistently spelled out over the past 20 years. His approach is honest, stripped-down and refreshingly direct; his calling card remains his warm, conversational voice, with its Scottish brogue twisted via Australia; and his content is surprisingly introspective, delivered from the perspective of an outsider. This man at work has survived success, endured, evolved and ultimately, reinvented himself. One listen to the title track, which buries its smart hook deep and true, aptly demonstrates the quiet genius of Hay’s simplified, stripped down approach to songwriting. From the lush, beautiful strains of "Here in My Hometown” to the powerfully rhythmic "This Time I Got You,” Hay has it all, and on his terms. No wonder we’re looking at him.