Lead singer Darren Hayes describes how it feels to be hopelessly in love on “I Knew I Loved You,” “The Best Thing” and “Chained to You.” He promises comfort and support to the woman he loves (“Crash and Burn”) and works toward reconciliation when romance goes sour (“Hold Me,” “I Don’t Know You Anymore”). “Two Beds and a Coffee Machine” exposes the pain of domestic abuse as it tells of a battered wife trapped by financial dependence on her husband (it optimistically concludes, “There’s hope in the darkness/You know you’re going to make it”). Rather than acting out violently, the singer copes with life’s frustrations by imagining a carefree, Tarzan-like existence (“The Animal Song”). The title track lists things the lyricist believes in, most of which are positive, some of which are even scriptural, however . . .
In addition to slamming TV evangelists, “Affirmation” asserts, “I believe you can’t control or shoose your sexuality” and “I believe that trust is more important than monogamy.” A mild profanity mars one cut.
Savage Garden’s first disc sold 11 million copies worldwide. Why so popular? This Australian duo of Hayes and partner Daniel Jones specializes in smooth, radio-ready pop. While Affirmation has a lot going for it, their new disc stumbles in a couple places, making CCM’s East to West, 4HIM or FFH even better choices.
