Neil Finn did not follow through with the new wave direction of Split Eng. Rather, he chose a stripped down, back-to-basics combo. And, initially, the band toured and recorded under the name the Mullanes.

Following the band's formative days, guitarist Craig Hooper parted. Then, in June of 1985, the band signed with Capitol Records, which insisted that the band change its name. The members decided on Crowded House.

Shortly thereafter, Crowded House began working on its debut album, with the assistance of producer Mitchell Froom. Upon its release in the summer of 1986, however, Crowded House's album failed to receive much attention, stemming from the fact that Capitol Records did little in the way of promotion.

As a result, the members of Crowded House decided not to launch a large-scale tour. Instead, Crowded House performed in smaller venues such as recorded stores and ethnic restaurants in front of small crowds, creating talk within the industry and rousing the interest of American as well as Canadian audiences.

The album climbed to number twelve in the American Top 40 by February of 1987, and included the number two hit single entitled "Don't Dream It's Over."