Is Dreaming: The Videos a good place to start with Crowded House?

Yes, Dreaming: The Videos is recommended as a starting point for new Crowded House listeners. A vibrant collection of melodic storytelling that marries alternative rock with introspective lyrics and lush instrumentation. Released in 2002, 'Dreaming: The Videos' comes as Crowded House's first compilation album, featuring a mix of their greatest hits and live performances. At this point in their career, the band had reformed after a hiatus, aiming to celebrate their legacy while introducing new audiences to their music.

Who is Dreaming: The Videos for?

Dreaming: The Videos works well if you're into steady flow with emotional peaks, reflective moments for quiet contemplation and ideal for nostalgic reminiscing.

How many songs are on Dreaming: The Videos?

Dreaming: The Videos has 21 tracks, running approximately 82 minutes.

Dreaming: The Videos

Crowded House · 2002

82 min · 21 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant collection of melodic storytelling that marries alternative rock with introspective lyrics and lush instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mean to Me Start here — opens the collection and establishes its flow
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Don’t Dream It’s Over — This track stands out as Crowded House's signature anthem, blending poignant lyrics with an unforgettable melody that resonates across generations.
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Better Be Home Soon — As a classic ballad, it showcases Neil Finn's ability to evoke deep emotion through simple yet impactful songwriting, making it a fan favorite.
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Weather With You — The infectious rhythm and imagery of this track capture the essence of everyday life, illustrating Finn's knack for combining the mundane with poetic insights.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album combines hits and live tracks but lacks a cohesive narrative flow typical of original albums.

What we noticed

Several tracks are sequenced to build momentum, culminating in a live version of 'Sister Madly' that introduces a different energy.
The running time is extended due to the inclusion of multiple live tracks, which alters the pacing compared to a standard studio album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady flow with emotional peaks
reflective moments for quiet contemplation
ideal for nostalgic reminiscing
for relaxed gatherings
engaging sing-along choruses

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic music
want standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This compilation solidified their reputation and commercial success in the alternative rock scene.
Career context: Released in 2002, 'Dreaming: The Videos' comes as Crowded House's first compilation album, featuring a mix of their greatest hits and live performances. At this point in their career, the band had reformed after a hiatus, aiming to celebrate their legacy while introducing new audiences to their music.
Stylistic neighbors: Split Enz· The Bamboos· R.E.M.