Conflicting Emotions
| Conflicting Emotions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by Split Enz | ||||
| Released | November 1983 | |||
| Recorded | November - December 1982 | |||
| Genre | New wave | |||
| Length | 42:15 | |||
| Label | Mushroom | |||
| Producer | Hugh Padgham, Eddie Rayner | |||
| Split Enz chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [1] |
Conflicting Emotions is the second to last album by New Zealand band Split Enz. Although some have called it their poorest release, the band themselves were more than happy with the result at the time, and refused to make any of the changes requested by their Australian and US record companies. The album again demonstrated that lead singer Tim Finn's younger brother Neil was a songwriter in his own right.
As recording began, Tim Finn had just released a successful solo album, Escapade, and was focused on promoting it. As a result, six of the ten songs on the album are written and sung by Neil Finn.
The album's title was certainly appropriate. The rumored resentment over Tim Finn's successful solo career was worsened by his desire to include drummer Ricky Fataar in recording sessions, and using a drum machine on most other tracks. Hence, although Noel Crombie is credited as drummer/percussionist on the album liner notes, he actually contributed very little drumming.
The first single to be lifted from the album was "Strait Old Line", which peaked at a disappointing #42 on the Australian charts in late 1983. Without a big hit single to promote it, Conflicting Emotions failed to crack the Australian Top 10 – a commercial blow after three consecutive #1 albums. In New Zealand the album reached number 3.
The band advertised for a new drummer before taking to the road for the Conflicting Emotions tour, hoping an injection of new blood would revitalize them. Paul Hester answered the call, joining Split Enz in time to feature in the video clip for "Message to My Girl".
When released as the album's second single in February 1984, "Message to My Girl" proved the hit the album had needed upon release. It returned Split Enz to the Australian Top 10, reaching #6, and is now one of their most beloved songs. In Australia it would prove to be the band's last major hit.
The B-side to "Message to My Girl", "Kia Kaha", was recorded during these sessions. The same recording was subsequently included on the band's last album.
The album cover art was created by former Split Enz frontman Phil Judd, while the back cover was painted by Noel Crombie.
Track listing
All songs written and composed by Neil Finn except where noted.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Strait Old Line" | 4:03 |
| 2. | "Bullet Brain and Cactus Head" | 3:59 |
| 3. | "Message to My Girl" | 4:04 |
| 4. | "Working Up an Appetite" (Tim Finn) | 4:08 |
| 5. | "Our Day" | 4:57 |
| 6. | "No Mischief" | 4:15 |
| 7. | "The Devil You Know" | 3:35 |
| 8. | "I Wake Up Every Night" (Tim Finn) | 4:46 |
| 9. | "Conflicting Emotions" (Tim Finn) | 4:30 |
| 10. | "Bon Voyage" (Tim Finn) | 4:06 |
Chart Positions
| Chart (1983/84) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia[2] | #13 |
| New Zealand[3] | #3 |
| USA[4] | #137 |
| Netherlands[5] | #18 |
Personnel
- Neil Finn – vocals, guitar, piano
- Tim Finn – vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards
- Noel Crombie – vocals, percussion, drums
- Nigel Griggs – vocals, bass
- Eddie Rayner – keyboards and machines
- Ricky Fataar – drums on "Message to My Girl"
References
- ↑ Allmusic review
- ↑ Kent, David. Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. St Ives, N.S.W. (1993). ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ↑ "New Zealand Charts". Retrieved 11 November 2010.
- ↑ "All Music Guide". Retrieved 11 November 2010.
- ↑ Dutch Charts
External links
- Enzology - Episode 9: Conflicting Emotions (Radio New Zealand National)