The Chase cover

The Chase

Illy · 2010

56 min · 14 tracks · Australian hip-hop

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and introspective lyricism, reflecting the pulse of contemporary Australian hip-hop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Go — Opening with an infectious energy, this track showcases Illy’s signature lyrical style while setting an upbeat tone for the entire album.
  • →
    Cigarettes — In this track, Illy tackles heavier themes of addiction and regret through vivid storytelling, highlighting his ability to blend personal narratives with catchy melodies.
  • →
    Diamonds — This song exemplifies Illy's knack for creating anthemic choruses while addressing aspirations and self-identity, making it relatable to many listeners.
  • →
    The Chase — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of ambition and perseverance, marked by a reflective tone that resonates with its audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The Chase combines catchy hooks with introspective lyrics, marking a solid entry in Australian hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of melodic hooks that recur throughout multiple tracks, creating a cohesive sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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 pacing for focused listening
  • introspective moments for reflection
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs
  • vibrant energy for commuting
  • gradual peaks that engage attention

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
The Chase is Illy's second studio album, released in 2010 following his debut, Long Story Short. By this point, he was establishing himself as a significant voice in the Australian hip-hop scene, building on the success of his first release and gaining wider recognition.
Stylistic neighbors
Allday· Kerser· Tash Sultana

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Go 3:47
  • 2 Guess I Could 4:50
  • 3 It Can Wait 3:37
  • 4 On the Bus 5:33
  • 5 Cigarettes 3:56
  • 6 Without a Doubt 2:23
  • 7 We Don’t Care 3:34
  • 8 Numbers Game 3:49
  • 9 Feel Something 5:18
  • 10 Put Em in the Air 3:14
  • 11 Diamonds 4:01
  • 12 The Chase 4:16
  • 13 I Know 4:10
  • 14 Same Number, Same Hood 4:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata