After the successful releases She Will Have Her Way (2005) and He Will Have His Way (2010), the compilations have been combined to showcase the best covers of the songs of Tim and Neil Finn entitled They Will Have Their Way. The latest compilation of covers was released on October 28, before the upcoming tour to compliment the release featuring Alexander Gow (Oh Mercy), Sarah Blasko, Clare Bowditch, Holly Throsby, Sally Seltmann, Paul Dempsey and Lior.

Unlike most releases for review, with the exception of the four new tracks on the album, (Seeker Lover Keeper’s “Sinner”, Old Man River & Washington’s “Dirty Creature” Lior & Emma-Louise’s “It’s Only Natural” and Hollie Smith’s “Weather With You”), I have listened to many of these tracks for years. I was raised on the music of Tim and Neil Finn, and many of these covers do the original justice and occasionally outshine the initial recording.

There are fourteen tracks featured from each gender, and overall, it’s the female covers that resonate most with me. There are a few notable exceptions; however, the females generally put their own twist on the already fantastic songs, without taking away from the original.

“Stuff and Nonsense”, originally recorded by Split Enz and covered by Missy Higgins, is one track that far outdoes the original. The song is performed acoustically and allows the listener to really appreciate the lyrical content that was lost in the original. Higgins’ voice is the perfect compliment to the song, making it a track that is hard to tire of.

“Fall At Your Feet”, a Crowded House favourite, is covered twice on the release, by Clare Bowditch and Boy & Bear. Bowditch’s voice is soothing to listen to, but overall her cover falls short of the original. Boy & Bear’s version, however, is sublime. The song is much slower than the original, and places great emphasis on the harmonies created by the band which, as always, cannot be faulted. The cover was placed at number five in the 2010 Triple J Hottest 100, which demonstrates how beloved this song and band are.

“Better Be Home Soon” is the most featured song on the release, being covered by Kasey Chambers, Bubsy Marou and The Sleepy Jackson. Chambers’ voice is a real love or hate affair, but in this instance, it allows her to deliver a beautiful cover that does justice to the original. There is barely any music to compliment her voice, as it is hardly necessary. Similarly, Bubsy Marou’s cover is also a standout. The band’s inclusion of a ukulele and harmonica combined with their wonderful harmonies create a memorable cover. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for The Sleepy Jackson, whose cover rips the initial recording to shreds. The song is completely unrecognisable and the lyrics undistinguishable.

“Distant Sun” by Brooke Fraser is one example of a song that does not delve greatly from the original, but still creates an impressive rendition. Chris Cheney (The Living End) covers the same track and also stays very close to the initial recording, despite swapping the acoustic guitar for the electric.

Other misses include Art vs. Science’s “I See Red” which sounds like a band pub rock cover, and “One Step Ahead” by Amiel who sounds too breathy and pop star like.

Perhaps the most famous Tim and Neil Finn song “Don’t Dream It’s Over” is tackled by Sarah Blasko. Although Blasko’s voice is hard to fault, overall, her rendition is lacklustre and does not produce the same emotion as the beloved original.

There are a number of remarkable covers on this album, also worth mentioning are Renee Geyer’s “Into Temptation”, Glenn Richards’ “She Got Body, She Got Soul”, and Lisa Miller’s “I Hope I Never”.

The four new tracks on They Will Have Their Way are all notable and include two exciting collaborations. The singer songwriter who is currently being featured everywhere from Grey’s Anatomy to The Slap Emma Louise teams up with Lior to record “It’s Only Natural”. Both artists’ voices are so lovely, it’s impossible to not appreciate the simple but enchanting version they produce.

I’m especially glad we are finally treated to a cover of “Weather With You”, one of Crowded House’s most renowned songs. Hollie Smith creates a soul rendition of the track, creating a piano ballad which makes for a refreshing rendition on the largely acoustic album.

After three compilations of Tim and Neil Finn covers, I can't help but wonder why so many of the classics are missing. Crowded House's "Something So Strong","World Where You Live" and "When You Come" are not featured at all, neither is Split Enz's "My Mistake" or "I Got You."

They Will Have Their Way proves that even decades later, the songs of Tim and Neil Finn are loved and will remain classics for years to come. Their lyrics are timeless, and will be able to reinvented endlessly for generations.

Review score: 8.5/10

MELBOURNE • Saturday 5 November & Sunday 6 November (SOLD OUT) • The Palais
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au

BRISBANE • Monday 7 November • QPAC
Tickets: www.qtix.com.au

ADELAIDE • Friday 11 November • Thebarton Theatre
Tickets: www.venuetix.com.au

PERTH • Saturday 12 November • Fremantle Arts Centre
Tickets: www.heatseeker.com.au

SYDNEY • Wednesday 16 November, Thursday 17 November (SOLD OUT) & Friday 18 November • Sydney Opera House
Tickets: www.sydneyoperahouse.com www.ticketek.com.au