Split Enz - Complete Artist Review

Complete Artist Review after reviewing every album. Here you will find an overview of the band as well as my personal rankings of all of their records. You will also find my Top 10 Songs as well as a link to an Essentials Playlist in this pages 1st photo.

  • Disclaimer - Essentials Playlist only consists of Split Enz records available on music streaming sites

Split Enz

Split Enz, the iconic New Zealand band formed in the 1970s, embarked on a musical journey defined by sheer brilliance and eclectic artistry. Originally led by Tim Finn and Phil Judd, and later by the Finn brothers, Tim and Neil, Split Enz captivated audiences with their innovative sound, theatrical performances, and quirky lyrics.

Their discography spans over a decade, with each album showcasing their evolution and fearless exploration of various musical genres. From the progressive art rock sensibilities of their early releases to the polished pop rock sound of their later works, Split Enz consistently pushed boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene.

Their debut album, "Mental Notes," introduced listeners to the band's distinct style and the enigmatic songwriting of Tim and Phil. Its dark and experimental nature laid the foundation for Split Enz's future endeavors. Tracks like "Stranger Than Fiction" and "Under The Wheel" demonstrated the band's ability to create atmospheric, progressive, and fascinating compositions.

The follow-up record, “Second Thoughts,” builds upon the ideas of their debut album and presents a more refined sound. Showcasing Split Enz’s songwriting versatility and their ability to tighten up songs from “Mental Notes’, the album features polished tracks like “Walking Down the Road,” “Sweet Dreams,” and “The Woman Who Loves Me.” All fantastic.

"Dizrythmia" continues Split Enz’s exploration of eclectic styles, combining art rock and new wave. Standout tracks such as “Bold as Brass” and “Parrot Fashion Love” highlight the band shifting out of their progressive art rock and crafting more catchy and unconventional pop-rock songs.

With "Frenzy," Split Enz leaned more towards a straightforward pop sound while still maintaining their trademark quirkiness. Energetic tracks like “I See Red” and “She Got Body She Got Soul” exhibit that the band has the ability to create infectious and memorable hooks. Recorded during this era but not released until decades later, "The Rootin Tootin Luton Tapes" is an intriguing collection of early recordings and demos that provide a glimpse into the band’s experimental years in between “Dizrythmia” and “Frenzy”. The first disc captures Split Enz’s raw and incredible sound, with tracks like “Holy Smoke” and “Straight Talk” showcasing their early creative pop-rock explorations, whereas the second disc is comprised mostly of early demos of the songs later to be compiled on “Frenzy”.

As Split Enz progressed, they delved into more accessible territory with albums like "True Colours" and "Waiata." These releases witnessed the band's transformation into pop rock masters, crafting infectious melodies and catchy hooks. Songs like "I Got You" and "One Step Ahead" became timeless classics, resonating with audiences worldwide.

"Time and Tide" showcased Split Enz's more “adult” side, with their ability to blend energetic pop-rock tunes with introspective moments. While it may not have reached the heights of their previous records, the album still demonstrated the band's talent for creating cohesive musical journeys. Tracks like "Dirty Creature" and "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" exemplified their songwriting prowess and ability to create anthems that stood the test of time.

"Conflicting Emotions" marked a slight departure from their previous successes, with a sound that leaned towards more conventional pop rock arrangements. While it may not have reached the same level of creativity and memorable hooks, the album still had its moments. Standout tracks like "Strait Old Line" and "Message to My Girl" are some of the best they have ever done. It is just unfortunate the rest of the album doesn’t stand up as strong.

Their final album, "See Ya' Round," served as a swan song for the band. Although not released globally, it exhibited a departure from their signature sound while retaining hints of familiarity. The album explored new musical territories and showcased a different side of Split Enz. Tracks like "Breakin' My Back" and "One Mouth Is Fed" displayed the band's charm and willingness to experiment, leaving a lasting impression.

Now that I have briefly touched on all of their releases, let us rank the albums and check out their best songs!

  1. True Colours (1980)

  2. Waiata (1981)

  3. The Rootin’ Tootin’ Luton Tapes (2007)

  4. See Ya’ Round (1984)

  5. Time and Tide (1982)

  6. Second Thoughts (1975)

  7. Conflicting Emotions (1983)

  8. Mental Notes (1975)

  9. Dizrythmia (1977)

  10. Frenzy Versions 1 & 2 (1979 & 1981)

Album Rankings

Honorable Mention Albums

  1. The Living Enz (Live) (1984)

  2. BBC Rock Hour (Live) (1980)

  3. The Beginning Of The Enz (1973-1974 Pre Debut Singles) (1979)

  1. Walking Down A Road (Second Thoughts)

  2. Message To My Girl (Conflicting Emotions)

  3. Next Exit (The Rootin’ Tootin’ Luton Tapes)

  4. Six Months in a Leaky Boat (Time and Tide)

  5. I Got You (True Colours)

  6. Clumsy (Waiata)

  7. Doctor Love (See Ya’ Round)

  8. Straight Old Line (Conflicting Emotions)

  9. Abu Dhabi (Frenzy)

  10. One Step Ahead (Waiata)

TOP 10 SONGS

In No Particular Order

  1. Dirty Creature (Time and Tide)

  2. I Walk Away (Extended Mix) (12" Single)

  3. Late In Rome (Rootin’ Tootin’ Luton Tapes)

  4. She Got Body She Got Soul (Frenzy)

  5. Parrot Fashion Love (Dizrythmia)

  6. Sugar and Spice (Dizrythmia)

  7. Years Go By (See Ya’ Round)

  8. Adz (See Ya’ Round)

  9. Hard Act To Follow (Waiata)

  10. Poor Boy (True Colours)

TOP 10 Honorable Mention SONGS

In No Particular Order

Throughout their career, Split Enz mesmerized audiences with their theatrical live performances, incorporating elaborate costumes and stage theatrics. Their concerts became immersive experiences, seamlessly blending music, visuals, and storytelling into a spellbinding spectacle. Split Enz redefined the possibilities of a live show, pushing boundaries and leaving audiences in awe.

Split Enz's influence extended far beyond their discography. The band's members went on to achieve great success in their subsequent projects, with Neil Finn's international recognition through Crowded House solidifying his status as a masterful songwriter and performer. This further reinforced the enduring impact of Split Enz and highlighted the remarkable talent within the band.

All in all, Split Enz's musical legacy is characterized by eclecticism, innovation, and artistic bravery. They fearlessly traversed genres, constantly pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. Although their journey as a band concluded in the 1980s, the influence and legacy of Split Enz continue to resonate. Their music continues to enthrall new generations, drawing them into the realm of artful pop rock and showcasing the transformative power of creativity and individuality. Their discography stands as a testament to their ability to attract audiences with unforgettable melodies, quirky lyrics, and theatrical performances. Split Enz's influence and impact continue to reverberate, cementing their position as an enduring force in the realm of artful pop rock. While their journey as a band may have ended, their music lives on, inviting listeners to embark on an enchanting and unforgettable adventure through the vibrant soundscape of Split Enz.

Give them a listen, fall in love with them, and be proud to call yourself an Enz Head. I know I do!

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