"Crowded House" is the self-titled debut album by the Australian rock band Crowded House, released in August 1986. The group was comprised of frontman Neil Finn, drummer Paul Hester, and bassist Nick Seymour. As a product of the band's uniquely rich and immersive sound, this album incorporates an array of pop and rock styles, often showcasing the band’s prowess for thoughtful lyricism and melodious songwriting.
The album was an enormous commercial success, especially due to hit singles like "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Something So Strong". "Don't Dream It's Over" remains one of the band's most known songs, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The album itself peaked at number 1 on the Australian Album Chart and number 3 on the US Billboard 200.
The album's creation came after Finn's prior band, Split Enz, dissolved in 1984. The band was initially named 'The Mullanes’, with Neil Finn, Paul Hester, Nick Seymour, and Craig Hooper as its members. However, Hooper left the band before the album was created. After signing with Capitol Records, the band changed their name to Crowded House, inspired by the cramped quarters they shared during the recording sessions in Los Angeles.
The album is notable for its combination of strong, engaging melodies with intelligent, witty lyricism characterized by a sense of melancholy. It not only marked the band’s debut but also set the tone for their future contributions to the music world.
