"I Hate the Music" is a pop song written by George Young and Harry Vanda and recorded by Australian pop singer John Paul Young. The song was released in March 1976 as the lead single from the singer's second studio album, J.P.Y. (1976). It peaked at number 2 on the Kent Music Report in Australia, remaining on the chart for 20 weeks. It was certified gold in Australia.[1] It reached number 1 on the South African singles chart.[2]
| "I Hate the Music" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by John Paul Young | ||||
| from the album J.P.Y. | ||||
| Released | March 1976 | |||
| Recorded | 1975 | |||
| Studio | Albert | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Label | Albert/Ariola | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Harry Vanda, George Young | |||
| Producer(s) | Harry Vanda, George Young | |||
| John Paul Young singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
In 1998, the song was covered by Ratcat and John Paul Young for the Occasional Coarse Language soundtrack.
Background edit
The song was inspired by a conversation with George Young and Harry Vanda in the Boomerang House elevator after a day in the studio. The conversation involved George's general frustration with a song that he couldn't get to sound right. The song originally had a banjo introduction but was changed to a piano.[3]
Reception edit
Cash Box magazine said "The song is about a man who 'hates the music' because it reminds him of an old love. The melody is fresh and attractive. The chorus is a hook."[4]
Track listing edit
7" (AP 11037) (Ariola – 17 220)
- Side A "I Hate the Music" – 3:25
- Side B "My Name is Jack" – 3:25
Charts edit
Weekly charts edit
| Chart (1976–77) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian (Kent Music Report)[5] | 2 |
| South Africa [2] | 1 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[6] | 18 |
Year-end charts edit
| Chart (1976) | Position |
|---|---|
| Australian (Kent Music Report)[7][8] | 18 |
Certifications edit
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[1] | Gold | 50,000^ |
|
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||
References edit
- ^ a b "MILESAGO: Australasian Music & Popular Culture 1964-1975". Miles Ago. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
- ^ a b "South African Rock Lists Website – SA Charts 1969–1989 Acts (Y)". South Africa's Rock Lists. South African Rock Encyclopedia. Retrieved 14 August 2009.
- ^ John Tait (2012). Vanda and Young: Inside Australia's Hit Factory. UNSW Press. p. 155. ISBN 9781742240107.
- ^ "Single Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. 15 May 1976. p. 16. Retrieved 21 November 2021 – via World Radio History.
- ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. St Ives, NSW: Australian Chart Book. p. 346. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "John Paul Young – I Hate the Music". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
- ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. St Ives, NSW: Australian Chart Book. p. 428. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "National Top 100 Singles for 1976". Kent Music Report. 27 December 1976. Retrieved 15 January 2022 – via Imgur.