Something So Strong
"Something So Strong" is a song by the Australian-New Zealand rock band Crowded House, written by lead singer Neil Finn and producer Mitchell Froom, and released as the fifth single from the band's self-titled debut album in 1987.[1][2] The track features the band's signature jangly pop sound, with lyrics exploring the paradoxical power of love to both challenge and uplift, as in the chorus: "Something so strong could carry us away."[1] Crowded House formed in 1985 in Melbourne, Australia, when Finn—formerly of Split Enz—teamed up with drummer Paul Hester (also ex-Split Enz) and bassist Nick Seymour to create new music after Split Enz disbanded.[1] The band name originated from the cramped living conditions the members endured while recording in Los Angeles.[3] "Something So Strong" marked Finn's first original composition for the group, initially a simple demo that Froom helped refine during production sessions for the debut album, released in June 1986.[1][4] Commercially, the single achieved significant success in North America following the breakthrough of the prior hit "Don't Dream It's Over," peaking at number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in August 1987 and number 10 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart.[5] It also reached number 18 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart and number 3 in New Zealand, though it charted lower at number 95 in the UK.[6] The song's upbeat melody and relatable theme contributed to Crowded House's early international recognition, helping the debut album achieve multi-platinum status in multiple countries and establishing the band as a key player in 1980s pop-rock.[1]Background and writing
Development
"Something So Strong" originated in 1984, during the final days of Neil Finn's tenure with Split Enz, when he composed the song and recorded an initial home demo on a tape recorder in his bedroom. This early version reflected influences from his experiences in Split Enz, the New Zealand rock band that had achieved international success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including hits like "I Got You." Split Enz disbanded in December 1984 following their farewell tour, prompting Finn to pursue new musical endeavors.[7][8][1] Following the breakup, Finn collaborated with his former Split Enz bandmate, drummer Paul Hester, to form a new group in 1985. They recruited Australian bassist Nick Seymour in Melbourne, where Seymour had approached Finn after a local show, impressed by his songwriting. Initially named The Mullanes after Finn's middle name, the trio developed material together, including refining Finn's earlier composition "Something So Strong" into a key track for the project. The band's name later became Crowded House, inspired by their cramped living situation during early rehearsals.[9][10][7] In 1985, the nascent lineup recorded refined demos in Melbourne, including versions of "Something So Strong," which evolved from Finn's acoustic sketches into fuller rock arrangements. These demos quickly garnered attention from record labels, leading to Crowded House's signing with Capitol Records that year. Producer Mitchell Froom later contributed to the song's structure, earning a co-writing credit alongside Finn.[11][7][12]Lyrics and theme
The lyrics of "Something So Strong" explore the dual nature of intense romantic love, portraying it as an overwhelming force capable of evoking deep emotions and transformation. In the opening verse, lines such as "Love can make you weep / Can make you run for cover / Roots that spread so deep / Bring life to frozen ground" depict love's capacity to cause vulnerability and pain while also fostering growth and renewal, symbolizing an attraction that is both burdensome and vital.[13][7] The chorus reinforces this with the repeated phrase "Something so strong / Could carry us away / Something so strong / Could carry us today," emphasizing love's transporting power as a hindrance or helper in emotional life.[1] Thematically, the song delves into vulnerability within relationships, presenting love as a pop-rock meditation on emotional dependency and its highs and lows. Frontman Neil Finn crafted the lyrics as a universal treatise on love's power to leave one cold or uplift the spirit.[7] This abstract imagery of strength in emotion highlights relational interdependence, where love's intensity can overwhelm yet sustain, aligning with Crowded House's blend of melodic optimism and introspective tension.[1] Musically, "Something So Strong" follows a straightforward verse-chorus structure, consisting of two verses, a bridge ("I've been feeling so much older..."), and three chorus repetitions, clocking in at a compact 2:51 duration. The song is composed in the key of G major at a tempo of 120 BPM, featuring jangly guitar riffs that drive its upbeat pop-rock energy and harmonious vocals that underscore an uplifting mood despite the lyrical undercurrents of emotional strain.[7][14]Recording and production
Studio sessions
The recording sessions for "Something So Strong" took place in early 1986 at Capitol Studios and Sunset Sound Factory in Los Angeles, spanning several weeks as part of the broader production for Crowded House's self-titled debut album.[15][16] These sessions commenced shortly after the band's relocation from Australia and New Zealand to Los Angeles in late 1985, allowing the core trio—Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, and Paul Hester—to settle and focus on capturing their material in a professional environment.[17] Producer Mitchell Froom guided the process with an emphasis on a clean, radio-friendly sound, incorporating layered guitars and percussion to build texture while maintaining clarity and accessibility suitable for commercial airplay.[18] Specific techniques included the use of minimal reverb on vocals to maintain intimacy and emotional focus; prominent bass lines that drove the rhythmic foundation; and extensive overdubs to add density and richness to the arrangements.[18] Rhythm tracks were initially laid down at Capitol Studios under engineer Larry Hirsch, with additional overdubs and completion occurring at Sunset Sound Factory under engineer Tchad Blake, ensuring a polished, cohesive final product.[15][19] The sessions wrapped up before the album's mixing phase in mid-1986, aligning with the record's release that June and allowing time for refinements that highlighted the track's pop sensibilities.[19] Froom's approach prioritized song structure and emotional delivery, drawing from pre-production work with Finn to refine elements before full band involvement.[18]Personnel
The recording of "Something So Strong" featured the core lineup of Crowded House, with Neil Finn providing lead vocals, guitars, and keyboards; Nick Seymour on bass guitar; and Paul Hester on drums and backing vocals.[4] Mitchell Froom served as producer, also contributing keyboards and earning a co-writing credit alongside Finn for restructuring the song's chorus and overall arrangement during pre-production.[12][20][21] Technical roles included recording engineering by Larry Hirsch (rhythm tracks) and Tchad Blake (overdubs), assistant engineering by Steve Himelfarb, and mixing by Michael Frondelli at Studio 55, with no additional guest musicians appearing specifically on this track beyond the album's standard personnel.[21][19]Release
Formats and track listings
"Something So Strong" was released as a single by Capitol Records on April 1, 1987.[22] The standard 7-inch vinyl single featured the title track on the A-side and "I Walk Away" on the B-side.[2]| Format | Country | Label/Catalog | Track Listing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-inch vinyl | Various (US, UK, Australia, etc.) | Capitol B-5695 (US example) | A: "Something So Strong" – 2:51 B: "I Walk Away" – 3:05 |
| Format | Country | Label/Catalog | Track Listing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-inch vinyl | US | Capitol V-15292 | A: "Something So Strong" – 2:51 B1: "Can't Carry On" – 3:53 B2: "I Walk Away" – 3:05 |
| Format | Country | Label/Catalog | Track Listing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-inch vinyl | UK | Capitol 12CL 456 | A1: "Something So Strong" – 2:51 A2: "Something So Strong" (live) – 4:01 B1: "I Walk Away" – 3:05 B2: "Don't Dream It's Over" (live) – 5:43 |
Promotion
"Something So Strong" was released as the fifth single from Crowded House's self-titled debut album, capitalizing on the international success of the prior single "Don't Dream It's Over," which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.[26] Capitol Records emphasized U.S. radio promotion in spring 1987 by targeting Top 40 stations, a strategy that led to strong airplay on those stations.[26] The track received initial low buzz amid the album's gradual buildup in popularity, but it gained significant traction following the chart momentum from "Don't Dream It's Over."[26] To support the rollout, Crowded House incorporated live performances of "Something So Strong" into their 1987 North American tour, where it was played 17 times across dates starting in May, enhancing its exposure among audiences.[27] The single also featured in promotional tours across Australia and New Zealand later that year, including shows in July and August.[28]Music video
Production
The music video for "Something So Strong" was directed by Evan English and released in 1987 to promote the single from Crowded House's debut album.[29][30] Filmed on location in a barn on a farm in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia, the production captured the band performing amid a simple, rustic setting that emphasized their casual, everyday attire.[31][32][7] The shoot adopted a performance-based style infused with surreal elements, such as a group of women seated and observing the band throughout the video, creating an intimate yet otherworldly atmosphere. The band contributed to the video's grounded feel by opting for relaxed clothing, reflecting their input on maintaining an authentic, low-key presentation. This modest-budget endeavor aligned with the single's rollout strategy to build visual momentum for the track's U.S. promotion.[7][29]Content and style
The music video for "Something So Strong" depicts Crowded House performing the song energetically inside a wooden barn on a rural farm, with the band members hamming it up in a lighthearted, playful manner.[33][7] A group of women lounges around the perimeter of the barn, watching the performance with evident pleasure and introducing a surreal, voyeuristic layer to the proceedings.[33] The video's style blends straightforward live-action performance footage with subtle narrative touches, such as the observational role of the women and a comedic surreal climax where drummer Paul Hester's kit is towed away on a tractor—with Hester still drumming atop it—highlighting the song's whimsical romantic intensity.[7][29] The video aired on MTV in 1987, helping to boost the band's visibility in the United States.[34][35]Commercial performance
Charts
"Something So Strong" achieved moderate success on international charts following its release in early 1987. In the United States, the single debuted at number 88 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated May 2, 1987, benefiting from the momentum of Crowded House's self-titled debut album, and ultimately peaked at number 7 on July 25, 1987.[36][37] In Canada, it reached number 10 on the RPM Top Singles chart.[2] The song performed strongly in New Zealand, peaking at number 3 in 1987, while in Australia, it climbed to number 18 on the Kent Music Report in 1987.[38][6] Its UK Singles Chart debut was more modest, reaching a peak of number 95.[39]| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Date Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Kent Music Report | 18 | 1987 |
| Canada | RPM Top Singles | 10 | 1987 |
| New Zealand | RIANZ Singles Chart | 3 | 1987 |
| United Kingdom | UK Singles Chart | 95 | August 1987 |
| United States | Billboard Hot 100 | 7 | July 25, 1987 |