The 7th solo album from singer/songwriter Colin Hay (from Men at Work). This album shows Colin Hay at the top of his game. It is a most compelling work from a brilliant songwriter. The album has a full electric sound wit... more »h lush string and horn arrangements. Undoubtedly his best album to date.« less
The 7th solo album from singer/songwriter Colin Hay (from Men at Work). This album shows Colin Hay at the top of his game. It is a most compelling work from a brilliant songwriter. The album has a full electric sound with lush string and horn arrangements. Undoubtedly his best album to date.
CD Reviews
I Have Yet to be Disappointed by a Colin Hay Album
James Choma | 01/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Is it possible that Colin Hay keeps getting better and better? It is -- and he's done it again with "Company of Strangers".
The past few years have been extremely sparse as far as music goes. There's a need for music like this, but due to formulaic radio station formats, you'll never hear it. What you're missing is one of the most talented, singer/songwriter/storytellers of our time.
Most everyone in the US has heard of the group Men at Work. Several great pop songs and videos, then they vanished. That's the general conception. Just a few folks know the guiding force behind the band was (and still is) Colin Hay. Colin's had several solo CD's from the late 80's through the 90's and into the new millenium, each brilliant pieces of work. This latest release has Colin continuing the the same vein as always: good voice, great music and a great backing band.
It's really hard to go wrong on any of his CDs. If you can find "Looking for Jack" or "Wayfaring Sons" count yourself as lucky -- they've been out of print for sometime. They're wonderful albums. "Peaks & Valleys", "Topanga", "Going Somewhere" and "Company" are still in print and worth getting.
If you were a fan of Men At Work, here's the brains and the voice behind the band. Don't get the albums so much for nostalgia reasons (his work is lower key than MAW), but get them for the great music and lyrics. You won't be disappointed."
Better each time
Jim Rinaldi | 02/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Everyone remembers Men at Work. Few seem to know the that founder and leader of that super group, Colin Hay, just released his seventh solo CD, "Company of Strangers." His first solo venture, "Looking for Jack," received high praise from critics in 1986. Unfortunately, the public did not take to it and Hay's career has been muddled in obscurity. However, his art has gotten better and better with each release. If you are a fan of music, do yourself a favor. Order "Company of Strangers." After hearing, you will no doubt be going back online to purchase Hay's other 6 solo releases."
Colin Hay Hay Hay!!!
Carlos Rafael Pompeu | Socorro - SP - Brazil | 01/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm really impressed with "Company of Strangers" it's such a great album, I heard somewhere somebody says that's is the best work from Colin since Men at Work's "Business as Usual", and well, you better believe that, we have another great album into Colin solos' as 1994's "Topanga". But "Company of Strangers" brings Colin so alive, and such full songs, some of them make us remember Men at Work like "Lucky Bastard". You can find some good rock'n'roll at "I Got Woken Up". You can ride your car thru the highway with "Don't Wait Up" and "Beautiful World". Well, Colin Hay is here, and it's going to be for a long time... So, we better listen what he has to sing!"
Another Triumph for Colin Hay!
Simon Donnybrook | Kansas City | 09/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'll be brief: this is yet another in a string of gems from the most overlooked artist on today's music scene. His songwriting, singing and arrangements are excellent, and his propensity for self examination coupled with self deprecation make him most appealing. The standouts on this album are "I Got Woken Up" "Lucky Bastard," "Company Of Strangers" and "How Long Will It Last;" with previously-released acoustic versions of great songs including the haunting "Don't Wait Up" and the bright "Beautiful World" fleshed out with full musical accompaniament.
If you do not own Hay's sublime "Topanga", the seminal "Transcendental Highway" and the latest jewel "Company of Strangers"; your music collection is incomplete. When will the record companies pull their heads out and realize they should snap Colin Hay up with a lucrative contract?"
These other reviews are right: this is a great CD!
Simon Donnybrook | 12/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I sometimes look at reviews with a degree of skepticism and wonder if the authors are simply fanatics of certain musical artists. I put faith in the reviews of Company of Strangers, and, boy, was I glad I did. This is an outstanding CD. I usually have to listen to a CD a couple of times before finally liking it. Not so with Company of Strangers: I instantly liked it. This is very high quality music with thoughtful lyrics.I too question why the recording industry does not make more of this talented musician."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1