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Aussie Rock Anthems - Top 40: The Stories Behind Our Biggest Hit Songs
Stunningly designed flexibound book profiling the top 40 most famous Australian pop and rock songs. What a famous song is about and what you think it's about aren't always the same thing. National Anthems names the top 40 classic Australian songs and tells the stories behind them - many unknown. From Hunters and Collectors' Throw Your Arms Around Me to INXS's Don't Change and Red Gum's I Was Only 19, author Glen Humphries unearths hidden gems and surprising back stories about the bands. It's a celebration of great Australian music that will have you reaching for old vinyl or phone apps to give some of these classics another listen. Chances are, each song is not what you had assumed.
- GenresMusic
232 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2024
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26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 21, 2024
Such a fun read that's sure to get you pulling out the vinyl or delving into Spotify!
Glen Humphries writes with passion and enthusiasm as he reveals the stories behind forty iconic Australian songs. Aussie Rock Anthems is great to dip in and out from, or read cover-to-cover (like I did). I enjoyed learning many new facts about some of my favourite bands and artists. It became like a comfort read each night.
“What a song is about and what you ‘think’ it’s about aren’t always the same thing.”
Extensive photos accompany each song, with the chapters ultimately reflecting our country’s identity. I felt a connection to many, having seen them performed live. Humphries shows a refreshing diversity in the inclusions. It’s also clear that Australia's music history is a sound endorsement of our migrant scheme – with the likes of John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes, The Easybeats, and AC/DC among those who made their home in Australia.
“A song needs to show it can stand the test of time, that it can still be hanging around decades later.”
While I didn’t always agree with the commentary, or rankings, it was great to listen to old favourites with fresh ears, equipped with newfound knowledge of their creation. Not all songs fell under the title definition either, ensuring it may appeal to a greater audience than just rock fans. It even got me listening to music not featured in the book - amazed at how many iconic songs were covers!
I enjoyed going from the likes of Cold Chisel to Midnight Oil, Goanna to Joe Dolce and the Divinyls to Men at Work. It could be unexpectedly touching too, showing how songs can become larger than themselves - one of Chrissie Amphlett’s dying wishes was that her biggest hit be used to raise awareness for the early detection of breast cancer.
Who would’ve guessed Jimmy’s ‘Working Class Man’ was written by the guy from rock band, Journey? Or that a Spicks and Specks segment would ignite copyright mayhem for Men at Work? Perhaps one of the most inspiring chapters was for ‘Don’t Change’ by INXS.
“It’s an uplifting, empowering message that you’re just fine as you are: a message people still need to hear today.”
I wanted it to be longer! I enjoyed myself so much that I wished the entries themselves and number of songs had been more, perhaps like a Top 100. Humphries admitted that he could’ve easily created another Top 40 of artists who didn’t get included. It would’ve been nice to have some final words to bookend the introduction too.
You are guaranteed to have greater appreciation for Australian music after reading this. Aussie Rock Anthems is a worthy tribute to our music scene; the soundtrack to our lives. An essential addition to any Australian music lover’s bookshelf.
Many thanks to Gelding Street Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Glen Humphries writes with passion and enthusiasm as he reveals the stories behind forty iconic Australian songs. Aussie Rock Anthems is great to dip in and out from, or read cover-to-cover (like I did). I enjoyed learning many new facts about some of my favourite bands and artists. It became like a comfort read each night.
“What a song is about and what you ‘think’ it’s about aren’t always the same thing.”
Extensive photos accompany each song, with the chapters ultimately reflecting our country’s identity. I felt a connection to many, having seen them performed live. Humphries shows a refreshing diversity in the inclusions. It’s also clear that Australia's music history is a sound endorsement of our migrant scheme – with the likes of John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes, The Easybeats, and AC/DC among those who made their home in Australia.
“A song needs to show it can stand the test of time, that it can still be hanging around decades later.”
While I didn’t always agree with the commentary, or rankings, it was great to listen to old favourites with fresh ears, equipped with newfound knowledge of their creation. Not all songs fell under the title definition either, ensuring it may appeal to a greater audience than just rock fans. It even got me listening to music not featured in the book - amazed at how many iconic songs were covers!
I enjoyed going from the likes of Cold Chisel to Midnight Oil, Goanna to Joe Dolce and the Divinyls to Men at Work. It could be unexpectedly touching too, showing how songs can become larger than themselves - one of Chrissie Amphlett’s dying wishes was that her biggest hit be used to raise awareness for the early detection of breast cancer.
Who would’ve guessed Jimmy’s ‘Working Class Man’ was written by the guy from rock band, Journey? Or that a Spicks and Specks segment would ignite copyright mayhem for Men at Work? Perhaps one of the most inspiring chapters was for ‘Don’t Change’ by INXS.
“It’s an uplifting, empowering message that you’re just fine as you are: a message people still need to hear today.”
I wanted it to be longer! I enjoyed myself so much that I wished the entries themselves and number of songs had been more, perhaps like a Top 100. Humphries admitted that he could’ve easily created another Top 40 of artists who didn’t get included. It would’ve been nice to have some final words to bookend the introduction too.
You are guaranteed to have greater appreciation for Australian music after reading this. Aussie Rock Anthems is a worthy tribute to our music scene; the soundtrack to our lives. An essential addition to any Australian music lover’s bookshelf.
Many thanks to Gelding Street Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2025
Great read!
Learnt a lot of rock facts!
Nice set out and photography.
Learnt a lot of rock facts!
Nice set out and photography.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews