Essential Oils
Midnight Oil · 2012
152 min · 36 tracks · alternative rock
A dynamic blend of rock and political urgency, driven by anthemic choruses and poignant lyrics reflecting Australia’s socio-political landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Run by Night Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
-
→
Beds Are Burning — This track remains a powerful anthem for climate action and social justice, emblematic of the band's enduring message and musical intensity.
-
→
US Forces — The song critiques American military influence and intervention, showcasing Midnight Oil's signature blend of hard-hitting rock with politically charged lyrics.
-
→
Blue Sky Mine — Addressing the struggles of workers affected by industrial exploitation, this track exemplifies the band’s ability to weave narratives of personal loss into broader societal issues.
-
→
Forgotten Years — This reflective piece explores themes of memory and legacy, representing a poignant moment in the album that balances personal introspection with collective history.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- politically charged anthems for reflection
- introspective melodies for deep thinking
- wave-like pacing with varied energy
- cathartic sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short and concise tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Revived the band's activism and sound after a decade-long hiatus.
- Themes
- climate activism· indigenous rights· Australian mining struggles
- Career context
- Released in 2012, 'Essential Oils' marks Midnight Oil's first new material since their breakup in 2002. This album serves as a reunion of sorts, showcasing the band's commitment to social issues while re-establishing their presence in the music world. The record reflects their evolution, blending classic sound with contemporary themes.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Run by Night Start here 3:57
- 2 Cold Cold Change 3:30
- 3 Back on the Borderline 3:11
- 4 Wedding Cake Island 3:12
- 5 No Time for Games 4:34
- 6 Don't Wanna Be the One 3:06
- 7 Armistice Day 4:31
- 8 Lucky Country 4:53
- 9 Only the Strong 4:34
- 10 Short Memory 3:53
- 11 Read About It 3:54
- 12 US Forces 4:07
- 13 Power and the Passion 5:40
- 14 When the Generals Talk 3:33
- 15 Best of Both Worlds 4:05
- 16 Kosciusko 4:41
- 17 Progress 3:55
- 18 Hercules 4:29
Disc 2
- 1 Beds Are Burning 4:16
- 2 Put Down That Weapon 4:40
- 3 Dreamworld 3:37
- 4 The Dead Heart 5:12
- 5 Warakurna 4:39
- 6 Blue Sky Mine 4:16
- 7 Forgotten Years 4:28
- 8 King of the Mountain 3:51
- 9 One Country 5:54
- 10 Truganini 5:09
- 11 My Country 4:55
- 12 In the Valley 4:42
- 13 Surf's Up Tonight 3:07
- 14 Redneck Wonderland 3:09
- 15 White Skin Black Heart 4:03
- 16 Say Your Prayers 4:26
- 17 Golden Age 3:43
- 18 Luritja Way 4:00
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Shift
The Living End
Shares a politically charged energy and punk-infused rock sound with introspective lyrics.
Spring and Fall
Paul Kelly
Explores social themes and Australian identity through a blend of folk-rock and storytelling.
Dress Me Slowly
You Am I
Combines alternative rock with reflective songwriting, capturing a similar emotional depth and Australian context.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.