After gradually assuming a front-and-center role in brother Tim's band Split Enz, native New Zealander and transplanted Australian Neil Finn moved firmly into a leadership position with Crowded House, a trio whose debut album appeared in 1986. Slightly more mainstream than his new-wavy Split Enz work, the record nonetheless evinced signs of darkness ("Don't Dream It's Over," "World Where You Live," "Hole in the River") among more chipper numbers such as "Something So Strong." Often gorgeous, Crowded House proved to be the group's biggest release in America, which didn't seem to have a radio home for them after the success of "Don't Dream" and "Something." They disbanded in 1996. --Rickey Wright