Top tracks — play these first
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Young Mountain — This opening track encapsulates the album's emotional depth with its vivid imagery and sweeping melodies, setting the tone for Finn's introspective journey.
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Not Even Close — The song showcases Finn's lyrical wit and melodic prowess, delivering an infectious chorus that remains a highlight of his songwriting capabilities.
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Suicide on Downing St. — This track stands out for its bold commentary and haunting arrangement, blending personal reflection with social critique in a powerful manner.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but remains somewhat conventional within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'Young Mountain', gradually layering instruments to create a rich soundscape.
- Several tracks feature prominent use of strings and piano, particularly in 'Tears Inside' and 'Crescendo', enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Finn's vocal delivery varies from soft and introspective to more powerful and soaring, especially noticeable in 'Show a Little Mercy'.
- The last three tracks maintain a reflective tone, with 'Been There Done That' concluding the album on a subdued note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 mid-tempo reflective vibes
- introspective themes for contemplation
- for quiet evenings
- melodic storytelling with depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced energetic music
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Tim Finn was transitioning from his role in Crowded House to a solo career with this self-titled debut album. Released in 1989, it followed the band's breakthrough success, allowing Finn to explore more personal themes and musical experimentation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Crowded House· Split Enz· Paul Kelly
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Young Mountain 4:18
- 2 Not Even Close 4:19
- 3 How 'm I Gonna Sleep 3:56
- 4 Parihaka 4:19
- 5 Tears Inside 4:04
- 6 Birds Swim, Fish Fly 3:24
- 7 Suicide on Downing St. 3:32
- 8 Show a Little Mercy 4:01
- 9 Crescendo 4:17
- 10 Been There Done That 4:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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