Darren Hayes - This delicate thing we've made
Since his departure from Savage Garden, Darren Hayes has released two solo albums, and here comes the third, 'This delicate thing we've made'. His first was mainly pop, the second marked him experimenting with electronica, and album three, a double-disc comprising of 25 tracks, combines all the talents he has learnt over the years.
One thing you expect on a Darren Hayes album is his high-pitched, yet remarkable vocals. The fast paced electronica/pop track, 'On the Verge of Something Wonderful' was the first taste of his new material, preparing listeners for amazing vocals, terrific harmonies and backing acoustics on the remainder of the album. Hayes looked into his private life for inspiration when writing these beautifully, creatively and occasionally strange lyrics. 'Sing to Me' has lines like "Maybe we're just lost at sea/Maybe I'm holding on to driftwood and I'll be alright if you could sing to me", lyrics in 'Bombs Up in My Face' could be considered a little controversial and defiantly some of the more interesting on the album and 'The Great Big Disconnect' continues the line of bizarre lyrics with "You got AIDS in Africa/You got Paris in a new sports bra/You got therapists to justify your behaviour".
Everyone seems to be insistent Hayes has taken an electronica style on his material. This may be true for some tracks such as the second single 'Me, Myself and (I)', but there is more to him than what you'll hear on your first listen. You'll find more pop stylish sounds in 'Words' and 'Lucky Town' which are much like his previous material, then the occasional ballad, 'A Conversation with God' with its tinkling of keys and even a little jazzy rock on 'A Hundred Challenging Things a Boy Can Do'. When listening you'll come across odd sounds that may seem out of place, but have an amazing effect on a song. 'A Fear of Falling Under' with its underwater adventure, submarine echoes and sonar sounds and 'Waking the Monster' with running water and dogs barking. If you listen to the track with headphones, it may confuse you...in a good way. 'Neverland' on the other hand has a more Arty style. In terms of instrumental sounds, 'The Sun Is Always Blinding Me' has pounding drums, with the tickling of keys and added strings while the heart beats in 'Step into the Light' will make your own heart begin to race, with a mix of harmonies and combined vocals that will be like a party in your ears.
This is an album you can listen to without skipping tracks. There is the occasional elements the album could do without, strange altered vocals on 'Setting Sun' and the drums on 'Listen All You People' are a little heavy for his vocals, but on a positive note, you could sink in and drift away on cloud 9 with 'I Just Want You to Love Me' and the ballad 'Casey'.