“I Want You” is a song by the Australian pop duo Savage Garden, released in Australia on 27 May 1996 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album, “Savage Garden.” The duo consisted of singer Darren Hayes and instrumentalist Daniel Jones. Upon its release, “I Want You” achieved significant success on the charts worldwide. It topped the chart in Canada and reached the top ten in several other countries, including the United States, where it peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Much of the song’s chart success in the US was the result of Rosie O’Donnell playing the song on several episodes of The Rosie O’Donnell Show
“I Want You” is an upbeat and infectious pop song with elements of dance-pop and rock. It showcases Savage Garden’s signature sound, characterized by catchy melodies, lush harmonies, and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of desire and infatuation, with lines like “I want you, I don’t know if I need you, but ooh, I’d die to find out.”
Two music videos were released for the song. Both videos present Darren Hayes.The first video is a low-budget version released in 1996 for Australian markets. It showed the band performing in a room full of disco lights and Darren Hayes singing on the back of a moving vehicle. The second video, directed by British music video and film director Nigel Dick, was filmed on a high budget . It was filmed on 11 February 1997 at the Harbor Generating Station in Long Beach, California.
“I Want You” introduced Savage Garden to a global audience and established them as a prominent pop act. It set the stage for their subsequent hits and solidified their place in the ’90s music scene. Savage Garden went on to release several more successful singles and albums, becoming one of Australia’s most successful musical exports. “I Want You” remains one of Savage Garden’s most recognizable and beloved songs. Its catchy hooks, memorable chorus, and Darren Hayes’ emotive vocals contributed to its enduring popularity. The song continues to be celebrated as a nostalgic pop classic and a defining moment in Savage Garden’s discography.