Midnight Oil cover

Midnight Oil

Midnight Oil · 1978

34 min · 7 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · punk

Raucous guitars and fervent vocals collide with a raw punk energy that captures a restless spirit.

Why this album works

The album is significant for its early exploration of environmental and social issues, themes that would later become synonymous with Midnight Oil's identity. Although it did not chart highly, it laid the groundwork for their future success and influence within the Australian music landscape, particularly in addressing political activism through music.
Career context
Released in 1978, 'Midnight Oil' is the debut album by the Australian band Midnight Oil. At this point, the band was still relatively unknown, having recently formed in 1972 and begun to establish their presence in the burgeoning Australian rock scene. This album set the stage for their subsequent rise to prominence.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Powderworks Standout 5:35
  • 2 Head Over Heels Standout 4:05
  • 3 Dust 3:20
  • 4 Used and Abused 3:12
  • 5 Surfing With a Spoon 5:22
  • 6 Run by Night 3:57
  • 7 Nothing Lost - Nothing Gained Standout 8:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata