What makes Power and the Passion by Midnight Oil notable?

The album features the title track which became one of Midnight Oil's signature songs, charting high in Australia and contributing to their growing reputation. Its themes focused on environmental issues and political activism resonated deeply during a time of significant social change in Australia, helping cement the band's legacy as advocates for indigenous rights and ecological matters. Released in 1983, Power and the Passion was Midnight Oil's fourth studio album, coming off the success of their previous record, 10, 9, 8... The band was gaining international attention, particularly in Australia, as they began to fuse their politically charged lyrics with a more polished sound while maintaining their punk rock roots.

How many songs are on Power and the Passion?

Power and the Passion has 3 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Power and the Passion

Midnight Oil · 1983

14 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A pulsating blend of punk energy and new wave textures that speaks to social consciousness and personal introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Power and the Passion (special version) — As the album's lead track, it encapsulates Midnight Oil's commitment to melding potent lyrics with an infectious beat, making it a defining anthem of their career.
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Glitch Baby Glitch (Power and the Passion dub) — This experimental dub version highlights the band's willingness to explore different sonic landscapes while retaining their core message about societal issues.
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Wedding Cake Island — Combining melodic hooks with introspective lyrics, this track showcases the band's knack for juxtaposing personal themes against broader social commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The record showcases strong energy and varied arrangements but lacks depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving beat with layered guitars that create a sense of urgency and intensity.
The second track is a dub version that strips down the original elements, emphasizing rhythm over melody.
The final track presents a more subdued tempo, contrasting with the energy of the first two tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Midnight Oil's reputation with signature tracks and increased international attention.
Themes: Australian activism· political unrest· cultural commentary
Career context: Released in 1983, Power and the Passion was Midnight Oil's fourth studio album, coming off the success of their previous record, 10, 9, 8... The band was gaining international attention, particularly in Australia, as they began to fuse their politically charged lyrics with a more polished sound while maintaining their punk rock roots.
Stylistic neighbors: The Clash· U2· R.E.M.