Conflicting Emotions (1983)
Conflicting Emotions is far from a subpar album; however, it falls short when compared to its predecessors. While the album retains Split Enz's trademark eclecticism and quirky songwriting, it lacks the consistent creativity and memorable hooks that made their previous records so successful. The overall sound of the album seems less adventurous, leaning towards conventional pop rock arrangements that feel somewhat formulaic.
One notable weakness of Conflicting Emotions lies in its songwriting and arrangements. Although there are a few standout tracks, such as the energetic opener "Strait Old Line" and the exceptionally brilliant "Message to My Girl," the album as a whole struggles to maintain the high standard set by its predecessors.
Another aspect that hampers the album's impact is its production. While Split Enz had always experimented with their sound, Conflicting Emotions feels slightly overproduced, lacking the rawness and organic feel that characterized their earlier works. The glossy production, though polished, tends to flatten the dynamics of the band, resulting in a somewhat uninspired listening experience. Songs like the self-titled "Conflicting Emotions" may come off as a bit boring, while others like "Bon Voyage" can be seen as somewhat wimpy, which prevents the album from earning an NSA award.
Unless you are a Split Enz completist, you might find yourself skipping most of the remaining tracks on the album. As a casual listener, you may not find much on this record that satisfies your musical craving. Despite these criticisms, Conflicting Emotions does have its moments. The band's musical prowess and unique sonic identity are still evident in certain tracks, including the previously mentioned ones, as well as the catchy "No Mischief" and the atmospheric "Our Day."
The album showcases interesting instrumental arrangements, particularly in the use of keyboards and unconventional percussion, which add a touch of their trademark quirkiness. Conflicting Emotions, while briefly displaying glimpses of the band's brilliance, falls short of the high standards set by their previous albums. Its weaker songwriting, overproduction, and lack of consistent creativity hinder its impact. Nevertheless, it remains an interesting listen for a true Enz head. Given this downward trend, it is understandable that their next album, See Ya’ Round, becomes their final.
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Highlight Songs:
Message to My Girl
Straight Old Line
No Mischief
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
If you are a dedicated Enz fan, then owning this album might be worthwhile. While it may not be played in its entirety frequently, it undoubtedly features some fantastic individual songs. As for casual listeners, I encourage you to give it a single listen on a streaming platform as I'm sure you will find a few enjoyable moments, particularly in the outstanding track "Message to My Girl." There aren't enough stars to award that song.
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Overall Rating:
3.5 Stars
