Split Enz

Because of the hurried schedule of newfound international success, the follow-up to True Colours suffered. Waiata follows much of the same formula of its predecessor, though in a slightly darker form that often lacks the punch that made True Colours great. Despite a couple of classic singles -- "One Step Ahead" and "History Never Repeats" -- and a handful of other inspired tracks, the album marks the band's first lateral move. "Waiata" is the Maori word for "party" (the album was given the aboriginal party title, Corroboree, in Australia). Following in the trend of True Colours, A&M issued three different colored covers for the worldwide release. [Mushroom reissued the album in 2006, adding a bonus track.] ~ Chris Woodstra, All Music Guide