What makes The Beginning of the Enz by Split Enz notable?

This album is significant for introducing Split Enz's unique sound to a wider audience, blending art rock and pop influences that would define their career. It received critical acclaim, particularly in New Zealand and Australia, helping to establish them as a prominent act in the burgeoning new wave scene of the late 1970s. The Beginning of the Enz marks Split Enz's debut album, released in November 1979 as they began to carve out their identity in the New Zealand music scene. At this time, the band was still honing their sound, transitioning from their early performances into a more polished studio presence. This album laid the groundwork for their future experimentation and success, leading up to their breakthrough with True Colours in 1980.

Who is The Beginning of the Enz for?

The Beginning of the Enz works well if you're into whimsical storytelling with flair, short bursts of catchy melodies and playful energy for group listening.

How many songs are on The Beginning of the Enz?

The Beginning of the Enz has 9 tracks, running approximately 29 minutes.

Released 47 years ago this November

The Beginning of the Enz

Split Enz · 1979

29 min · 9 tracks · new wave

A whimsical blend of art pop and progressive rock, layered with theatricality and eclectic instrumentation that captivates the listener.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Split Ends — This opening track sets the whimsical tone of the album with its catchy melody and playful lyrics, encapsulating the band's distinctive style.
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Home Sweet Home — This song showcases the band's knack for combining poignant lyrics with vibrant melodies, reflecting a sense of nostalgia while maintaining an upbeat tempo.
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Spellbound — With its haunting melodies and intricate arrangements, this track highlights the band's artistic ambitions and foreshadows their later complexities in songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of whimsical art pop and progressive rock, establishing Split Enz's unique sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, rhythmic track that sets a lively pace, followed by a shift to more melodic and introspective pieces.
Instrumentation varies significantly between tracks, with some featuring prominent piano and others relying on guitar-driven arrangements.
Several songs incorporate theatrical vocal delivery, enhancing the whimsical nature of the music.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

whimsical storytelling with flair
short bursts of catchy melodies
playful energy for group listening
steady progression through diverse sounds

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, immersive experiences
seek deep emotional introspection

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A collection of the band's early material, useful for exploring its formative sound rather than its later defining era.
Career context: The Beginning of the Enz marks Split Enz's debut album, released in November 1979 as they began to carve out their identity in the New Zealand music scene. At this time, the band was still honing their sound, transitioning from their early performances into a more polished studio presence. This album laid the groundwork for their future experimentation and success, leading up to their breakthrough with True Colours in 1980.
Stylistic neighbors: Crowded House· XTC· The B-52's