East
Cold Chisel · 1980
41 min · 12 tracks · hard rock
A vibrant blend of hard rock and pub rock, infused with storytelling that captures the essence of Australian life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cheap Wine — This track encapsulates the spirit of the album with its anthemic chorus and relatable lyrics about youthful escapism and camaraderie.
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Star Hotel — A narrative-driven song that reflects on the nightlife and social scenes of Australia, showcasing Cold Chisel's ability to weave storytelling into their music.
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Rising Sun — With its infectious melody and poignant lyrics, this track stands out as a representation of the struggle and hope that permeates the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, capturing the essence of its genre while maintaining a cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track and maintains a consistent energy level through the first half, before introducing slower ballads in the latter part.
- Several tracks feature prominent storytelling elements in the lyrics, often reflecting Australian culture and experiences.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
- gritty anthems for gatherings
- nostalgic reflections on youth
- cathartic release with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer faster-paced music
- seek complex song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified their reputation in Australia and reached number one on the charts.
- Career context
- Released on June 2, 1980, 'East' is Cold Chisel's third studio album, following their breakthrough self-titled debut in 1978. At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation in Australia with a growing fanbase and was beginning to achieve commercial success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Angels· Midnight Oil· Hoodoo Gurus
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Standing on the Outside 2:53
- 2 Never Before 4:09
- 3 Choirgirl 3:13
- 4 Rising Sun 3:25
- 5 My Baby 3:59
- 6 Tomorrow 3:34
- 7 Cheap Wine 3:23
- 8 Best Kept Lies 3:47
- 9 Ita 3:34
- 10 Star Hotel 4:07
- 11 Four Walls 2:24
- 12 My Turn to Cry 3:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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