"Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House

While a two hit wonder and a bit of a cult band in the U.S. they were one of the biggest bands in the U.K., Canada and Australia in the late 80's, early 90's.  In their original go-round they put out four of the best albums of the era, plus a collection of B-sides and out takes.  They recently regrouped and released a fine album and toured in 2007.  Finn has also has had a solid solo career as well as making a record with his brother Tim Finn, a member of Split Enz and a member of Crowded House for one record.  Fantastic live act, especially in their heyday with original drummer Paul Hester (who took his life about 5 years ago).  Their swang song concert in front of the Sydney Opera House drew over 100,000 people.

Easily one of the best songs of the 1980's, "Don't Dream It's Over" is also considered the pinnacle of the works of Neil Finn and Crowded House (which had evolved from Split Enz). Lyrics and mood really don't get much better than those of this song, and neither Finn nor Crowded House received the success the recognition that they deserved. (Finn probably would have been more commercially successful if he had come onto the music scene a few years later given the subsequent reemergence of singer-songwriters.) The single was released on the band's excellent (and highly recommended) self-titled debut album, and charted in the States for 15 weeks (peaking at #2). Some notable covers include those by Sixpence None The Richer (excellent), Paul Young, and a not so bad rendition by Donny Osmond.

One of the greatest pop songs ever recorded.

One of my favorite songs of all time.

It's a beautiful song. I never thought this band got the recognition it deserved.