His debut album was produced by Stuart Pearce and Dave Marett on a budget CBS had provided for a single.

It was recorded in Australia at Greystoke Music Studios and included contributions from Dave Dobbyn.

New Zealand rock historian John Dix wrote, "Wellington had the Warratahs; Auckland had the indomitable Al Hunter.

In 1993 Pagan released The Singer, cementing Hunter's rep as a genuine country rock talent.

"[2] Eight tracks from Hunter's 1997 release Cold Hard Winter reappeared on the compilation album Troubadours – NZ Singer-Songwriter Series: Vol 1, which also featured eight tracks each from Glen Moffatt and Red McKelvie.