(Los Angeles, California) Some artists spend a lifetime in search of mainstream success, while others strike gold right out of the box. Savage Garden is definitely an example of the latter.

With only two albums to their credit, the Australian duo made up of Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones better known as Savage Garden, racked up worldwide sales of more than 23 million units and earned a string of #1 hits before calling it quits a few years back while still at the top of their game.

At their height, some found their style a bit bubble gum and syrupy sweet, while others found their lyrical style and Darren Hayes’ slick vocals just what the pop doctor ordered. But no matter what quibble anyone had with their sound, the bottom line is that they had a sound that captivated the market and resulted in many sweet returns for radio listeners and record label honchos alike.

Truly Madly Completely, celebrates the best of Savage Garden with a set list that includes some of the duo’s biggest hits along with some lesser known B-Sides that could have been hits in their own right.

The expected tracks like the lilting chart-topping ballad “I Knew I Loved You”, the more rock oriented “To The Moon & Back” and the sentimental “Truly Madly Deeply” are all present and accounted for on this collection, but the highlights of the collection for me were two new songs by Darren Hayes entitled “So Beautiful” and “California”, both of which highlight where Savage Garden might have gone had they stayed together.

Another high point in the collection is the inclusion of the song “Affirmation” which in addition to being a personal favorite of mine, shows the duo’s fearlessness in confronting social issues as well as their ability to move outside the safe “radio friendly” pop star box.

Add to this 5 great B-sides and you’ve got a solid collection from one of pop’s biggest (if not enduring) duos from the last decade.

This ain’t music that’s going to change the world, but it is music that will make you smile and sometimes that’s just enough, no?

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Savage Garden: Truly, Madly, Completely
(*** out of four)

Savage Garden lead singer Darren Hayes has one of the purest sounding instruments in music today. Which is why it's a damn shame that most of his recordings these days are only enjoyed overseas. After his two- album stateside run with Savage Garden, he put out a poorly received solo set and then made a beeline back toward international waters.

Which is what makes Truly, Madly, Completely all the more irresistible. It's all of Savage Garden's hits (plus a few songs that never got radio airplay but probably should have), a few of Hayes on his own and a reminder that this duo (including Daniel Jones… can't forget him) put out some damn good music. At first listen, a few of their more schmaltzy tracks ("I Knew I Loved You" comes to mind) echo early Backstreet Boys. But dig a little deeper and you'll find expert lyricism, intoxicating hooks and Hayes' oh so lovely voice.

Not to mention the oh-so lovely man with the oh-so lovely voice. Three stars for now… for if they repackage this bad boy with a pull out poster.