Essential Oils cover

Essential Oils

Midnight Oil · 2012

152 min · 36 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · punk

A potent mix of politically charged anthems and introspective melodies that captures Australia's restless spirit.

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 want

  • prefer short and concise tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Themes
climate activism· indigenous rights· Australian mining struggles
Career context
Released in 2012, 'Essential Oils' marked Midnight Oil's first album since their hiatus in 2002, showcasing their return to the music scene with renewed vigor. This collection features both new material and reimagined versions of their classic hits, reflecting on the band's enduring legacy and commitment to social issues.
Stylistic neighbors
The Clash· U2· R.E.M.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Shift by The Living End — Shares a politically charged energy and punk-infused rock sound with introspective lyrics.
Spring and Fall by Paul Kelly — Explores social themes and Australian identity through a blend of folk-rock and storytelling.
Dress Me Slowly by You Am I — Combines alternative rock with reflective songwriting, capturing a similar emotional depth and Australian context.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Run by Night 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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata