James Reyne ‎– Hard Reyne VG+/VG+

Released in 1989, James Reyne’s sophomore solo effort, Hard Reyne, marked a reunion with collaborator Simon Hussey. The album charted well in Australia, reaching number 7 on the ARIA charts, and spawned four singles. It showcased a shift in Reyne’s sound compared to his debut. Hard Reyne leaned into a mellower, more pop-influenced rock style, with bluesy undercurrents evident in tracks like “One More River” and “Wake Up Dead Man.”

While some reviewers felt the album lacked the raw energy of his earlier work, it still captured Reyne’s signature songwriting strengths. Tracks like “House of Cards” hinted at the intensity of his past hits, while others explored new directions. The overall feel was less furious, more introspective, offering a glimpse into a maturing artist.