Top tracks — play these first
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Try Whistling This — The title track encapsulates the album’s introspective nature, blending melancholy lyrics with a catchy melody that invites listeners into Finn's personal reflections.
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She Will Have Her Way — This song features lush instrumentation and poignant lyrics about longing, showcasing Finn's ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity.
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Last One Standing — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its urgent rhythm and contemplative lyrics, highlighting the conflict between vulnerability and resilience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features intricate arrangements and reflective melodies, showcasing Finn's songwriting while maintaining a varied pace.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that gradually introduce more complex arrangements.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with strings and subtle electronic elements enhancing the melodic lines.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier, more upbeat songs.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- melodic introspection for quiet moments
- heartfelt vocals for emotional connection
- dynamic journey with varied tempos
- for reflective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1998, Try Whistling This was Neil Finn's first solo album after the breakup of Crowded House, marking a significant transition in his career. It follows his successful stint with the band, where he had established himself as a prominent songwriter. This album allowed him to explore new artistic directions while still retaining his signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Crowded House· Split Enz· The Mutton Birds
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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She Will Have Her Way
The narrative shifts from longing to acceptance, as the singer acknowledges an inevitable distance.
This shift illustrates a maturity in perspective, contrasting initial desire with a resigned understanding of love’s complexities.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Last One Standing 3:04
- 2 Souvenir 3:42
- 3 King Tide 4:33
- 4 Try Whistling This 4:13
- 5 She Will Have Her Way 3:56
- 6 Sinner 4:25
- 7 Twisty Bass 5:09
- 8 Loose Tongue 4:12
- 9 Truth 4:03
- 10 Astro 3:46
- 11 Dream Date 4:51
- 12 Faster Than Light 4:23
- 13 Addicted 4:22
Disc 2
- 1 Tokyo 2:56
- 2 Family Ties 3:11
- 3 She Comes Scattered 3:36
- 4 Identical Twin 3:29
- 5 808 Song 3:29
- 6 Log Drums 3:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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