Crowded House Biography

Paramount Story of Crowded House

The music of Crowded House was a mix of power pop, soft rock, country, folk, and soul. This band wrote songs that would appeal to a broad audience. In addition to being one of the most successful bands in Australia, they were also trendy in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Crowded House has sold over 30 million albums worldwide as one of Australia's most popular bands. Their sound is distinctive, and their music has been described as a symphony of guitars’. Their debut album was released in 1987 and went platinum within a year. The band has become an international success story, with four number-one singles in Australia alone.

The band's lineup consisted of Neil Finn (vocals, guitar), Nick Seymour (bass, vocals), Mark Hart (drums, percussion), and Tim Finn (keyboards, piano). The band's name came from a line in the song "Mean to Me" from their first album, Crowded House. It was initially written as "crowded house" but was changed after they recorded the song.

The band's music was an amalgamation of styles ranging from new wave to rock, pop, folk, country, and blues, and they experimented with many musical sounds and styles. A variety of different musical genres also influenced the band's songwriting. The music of Crowded House was so diverse that it would be impossible to classify it into one specific genre.

Early Years

Nick and John Farnham grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, Victoria, and began playing music together at seven. They played in various local bands before forming a group called The Tuxedos in 1976. The band was signed to the major label CBS Records in 1977 but broke up shortly afterward.

John and Nick then formed a new band called Split Enz, which lasted until 1979. Split Enz had a strong musical influence from The Beatles and the British Invasion bands of the 1960s. The band was signed to EMI Records in 1979 and released two albums: ‘Split Enz and ‘True Colors.’

In any case, the band split up in 1980. Crowded House was formed in 1980 when Nick and John joined forces again. The band initially performed as a duo but later added drummer Mark Hart and keyboardist Tim Finn. Crowded House released its first single, “What You Do to Me,” in 1981. The band signed to Mushroom Records in 1982 and released their debut album, ‘Crowded House,’ in 1983.

Crowded House’s first single, “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1984.

Crowded House began as a solo project for Neil Finn, who had formed a band called Split Enz with his brother Tim in 1980. Since then, the Finn brothers have been the only members of Crowded House.

Albums

Crowded House released its debut album, Crowded House, in January 1987. The album peaked at number 2 on the Australian charts and was certified platinum in the US. The first single, "Don't Dream It's Over," reached number 3 on the Australian charts and was followed by the top ten hits "Weather With You."

Crowded House's second album, Woodface, was released in 1988. It was produced by Nigel Godrich, who also had the band's third album, Under the Milky Way. The album peaked at number 5 in Australia and was certified gold.

Because of the success of the first two albums, Crowded House released their third album, Under the Milky Way, in 1989. It peaked at number 2 in Australia and was certified platinum.

Crowded House's fourth album, Together Alone, was released in 1990. It peaked at number 4 in Australia and was certified gold. It produced the singles "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Something So Strong," which reached number 2 on the Australian charts. The album was named Album of the Year by Rolling Stone Magazine.

In 1992, Crowded House released the single "If I Could Turn Back Time" from their fifth album, The Art of Failing. It peaked at number 2 in Australia and was certified platinum.

What's more, the single was certified gold in the US. The album peaked at number 4 in Australia and was certified gold.

The band's sixth album, Time on Earth, was released in 1994. It was produced by Nigel Godrich and was the first album released through Capitol Records. The album peaked at number 2 in Australia and was certified gold. The lead single, "Distant Sun," reached number 1 on the Australian charts and was certified platinum.

In 1995, Crowded House released their seventh album, Drowning Man. The album peaked at number 3 in Australia and was certified platinum. Neil Finn and Don Gehman produced the album.

Besides, it was recorded in Finn's home studio. The album's lead single, "Something So Strong," reached number 1 in Australia and was certified platinum.

The band's eighth album, Lost Dogs, was released in 1997. It was the first album to be released through Warner Bros. Records. The album peaked at number 2 in Australia and was certified gold. The album's lead single, "World Turning," reached number 2 in Australia and was certified platinum. Further, in 1999 the band also released Afterglow - Crowded House that includes the selection of rarities and outtakes. Album tracks was recorded in between the 1985 and 1995. 

They released another album Intriguer - Crowded House in 2010. 

Awards and Nominations

Crowded House received many awards, including three Grammy Awards. They were nominated for Best New Artist in 1987 and won Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Don't Dream It's Over" in 1988. They were also nominated for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for "Something So Strong" in 1995.

Crowded House won the ARIA Music Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album in 1989 for Woodface.

Closure

In the end, Crowded House was a successful band. They had eight albums in the Top 40 in Australia. Moreover, they have influenced the music industry. They are known for their innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines. Their musical style is sometimes compared to The Beatles because they both had four members and sang. Their songs have been described as pop-rock and are known for their catchy hooks. In summary, Crowded House is one of the most successful Australian bands. They are also one of the most influential bands in the history of Australian music.