Whispering Jack
Label: Wheatley Records
Release Date: October 20th 1986 (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Pressure Down
- You’re The Voice
- One Step Away
- Reasons
- Going, Going, Gone
- No One Comes Close
- Love To Shine
- Trouble
- A Touch Of Paradise
- Let Me Out
Initial thoughts: John Farnham is an Aussie legend in his own right, and though he hasn’t been that active at the moment in releasing new material, his body of work over the years stands tall and is as impressive as any other groundbreaking and legendary artist. John’s music is synonymous with Australian culture, and his 1986 album Whispering Jack is no exception. An album with “You’re The Voice” is bound to have buzz and traction, and that’s exactly the case with this album.
Reason to listen: Same as initial thoughts- John’s music and voice is such a joy to listen to, and if you’re not a fan by now, then you will be once you listen to this incredible masterpiece! “Pressure Down”, “Reasons” and the piano ballad “A Touch Of Paradise” are the impressive standout melodies here.
Reason to buy: Same as ‘reason to listen’ but multiplied by a factor of 100!
Reason to skip: If you’re not Australian or don’t understand or appreciate Australian culture. Or,… if you’re not a fan of John Farnham’s voice?
No. of iconic singles and timeless classics: 4 (“Pressure Down”, “You’re The Voice”, “Reasons” and “A Touch Of Paradise”)
Is the album relevant and relatable now? Why/why not?: Probably dated musically (a lot of 80’s influence that may not be musically engaging now!), but in terms of cultural impact, these songs from John are still such a joy to listen to, especially “You’re The Voice”! Rebecca St. James and for KING & COUNTRY have even covered the iconic Aussie classic!
No of guest artists: None, but John’s vocals shine incredibly here, and he doesn’t need guest vocalists!
Does it have heart?: Yes, it does, John’s songs are generally full of passion and vibrancy and enthusiasm and sincerity. This iconic Aussie classic project is no exception.
Does it have replay value: Yes, for the die-hard John Farnham fans. I’d say yes for fans of music in general, but right now, it may not be widely known throughout the world, but I’d encourage all of you to take a listen if you haven’t already. You definitely won’t be sick of these tracks, that’s for sure!
Uniqueness?: Ummm, don’t really think so musically. This album, like others, was a child of the 80’s, where music sounded quite distinct from other time periods, but similar within songs from that same period, if that makes sense. Still though, the lyrics shine here, and that’s what counts most, am I right?
Timeless message for today? A message for the time of release?: With John Farnham singing about hard topics and about the things in life that matter (and not just party songs!), this album does speak about timeless messages- and perhaps that’s a reminder that music of the 80’s speaks to us on a soul level more than the music of today.
Closing thoughts: John Farnham’s music has made me realise the importance and power of songs and music from the place in which you have grown up in. Australian music is good; and is indeed criminally underrated. And all my life listening to music other than Australian…I’ve now come to realise that there’s a certain power and connection that comes with listening to music artists that are of the same nationality as you. It’s what has happened all the times before with Australian artists of the past, and John Farnham and his music, is no different. There’s some sort of kinship there- a connection that maybe is God-intended. John’s music makes me proud to be Australian, and Whispering Jack cements this line of thinking.
3 songs to listen to: Pressure Down, You’re The Voice, Reasons
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Yes/no; why/why not?: Yes, yes and yes! John Farnham is the epitome of what Australian music is and should be like- each artist after John is probably trying to aspire to be him, and maybe even other artists around the world wish that they could be him. Regardless of whether you have heard much of John’s discography or even a little, there’s no denying his staying power in music, full stop. John’s presence in delivering quality music cannot be denied, and even if his music releases aren’t as frequent nowadays, his impact from albums from the 1980s onward; is something that we can see now, as evidence of John’s longevity in a music industry as short and fickle-minded as it is. John’s music is a treasure, and long after he has passed, his music, and this album, will live on in the hearts of many who listen.
RIYL: Tina Arena, Delta Goodrem, Guy Sebastian, Missy Higgins, Kylie Minogue