What makes Design for Living by James Reyne notable?

'Design for Living' received positive critical reception and showcased Reyne's growth as a songwriter, influencing the Australian rock scene of the late '90s. The album features tracks that became staples in his live performances, further establishing his reputation as a compelling storyteller and performer. Released in 1999, 'Design for Living' is James Reyne's third solo album, following his successful self-titled debut and the acclaimed 'Electric Dusk' from 1997. At this point in his career, Reyne was solidifying his identity as a solo artist after achieving fame with Australian Crawl, and he sought to explore more diverse musical themes and lyrical depth.

Who is Design for Living for?

Design for Living works well if you're into dynamic flow with narrative peaks, melodic storytelling for thoughtful moments and vibrant instrumentation for reflective listening.

How many songs are on Design for Living?

Design for Living has 31 tracks, running approximately 105 minutes.

Design for Living

James Reyne · 1999

105 min · 31 tracks · rock music

Melodic rock drenched in storytelling, weaving personal narratives with vibrant instrumentation.

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Why this album works

'Design for Living' received positive critical reception and showcased Reyne's growth as a songwriter, influencing the Australian rock scene of the late '90s. The album features tracks that became staples in his live performances, further establishing his reputation as a compelling storyteller and performer.

Career context: Released in 1999, 'Design for Living' is James Reyne's third solo album, following his successful self-titled debut and the acclaimed 'Electric Dusk' from 1997. At this point in his career, Reyne was solidifying his identity as a solo artist after achieving fame with Australian Crawl, and he sought to explore more diverse musical themes and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: John Mayer· Daniel Lanois· ZZ Top

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

1 Wonderful Today Standout 2:57
2 Oh Oh Kimberley 4:14
3 Design for Living 3:29
4 Poetry in Motion 2:47
5 Nothin's Too Good for My Baby Standout 4:25
6 Reno 5:14
7 Little Criminals 4:22
8 I Don't Get Out Much Anymore 4:50
9 Every Tooth a Tombstone Standout 4:22
10 Sleeping My Way to the Top 4:59
11 After You've Gone 4:43
12 Lizards From Lounges 3:56
13 Not Waving, Drowning 2:51
14 Stranger Than Fiction 3:34

Disc 2

1 Fall of Rome (intro) 0:33
2 Fall of Rome 5:26
3 Ferris Wheel (intro) 0:39
4 Ferris Wheel 3:51
5 Harvest Moon 4:20
6 Take a Giant Step Now 4:59
7 Land of Hope and Glory (intro) 0:27
8 Land of Hope and Glory 4:08
9 Anyday Above Ground (intro) 0:17
10 Anyday Above Ground 3:28
11 Heaven on a Stick (intro) 1:09
12 Heaven on a Stick 4:22
13 Slave 3:52
14 Some People (intro) 0:32
15 Some People 4:53
16 Water Water (intro) 0:31
17 Water Water 5:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

What to play next

Listen next

Speedboats for Breakfast

2004

Go back to

Live in Rio

1995

Full James Reyne discography Artists like James Reyne

rock music