What is the best Icehouse album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Man of Colours" (1987). It's the most representative of what makes Icehouse worth hearing.

What are the best Icehouse albums?

The essential Icehouse albums include "The Berlin Tapes", "Icehouse" (1980), "Primitive Man" (1982), "Icehouse" (1982) and "Sidewalk" (1984).

How many albums does Icehouse have?

Icehouse has 35 releases in their discography, including 19 albums and 5 EPs.

Photo: Katie · CC BY-SA 2.0

Icehouse

Q: Who is Icehouse for?

If you're into new wave, Icehouse is worth your time. With pulsing synths that create buoyancy beneath soaring melodies, Icehouse crafts an evocative tension between movement and stillness.

With pulsing synths that create buoyancy beneath soaring melodies, Icehouse crafts an evocative tension between movement and stillness.

new wave

Australia Est. 1977

Read about Icehouse on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Man of Colours (1987)

This album showcases Icehouse's signature blend of new wave and rock, featuring strong melodies and well-produced tracks for easy listening.

The song

“Great Southern Land” from Great Southern Land

The song features an engaging hook and encapsulates Icehouse's style, making it a introduction to their sound.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Shakin' the Cage (Techno)" — from Full Circle (1994)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Crazy" — from Man of Colours (1987)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Icehouse" — from Icehouse (1980)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Great Southern Land" — from Primitive Man (1982)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"Touch the Fire" — from Great Southern Land (1989)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Taking The Town" — from Sidewalk (1984)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Icehouse

Icehouse carved out a distinctive space in the music landscape by merging melodic sensibilities with an atmospheric sound that resonated deeply with audiences.

They captured the zeitgeist of their era, deftly combining emotional depth with the emerging electronic influences of the time, ultimately shaping the soundscape of new wave and rock music in significant ways. Their ability to weave personal narratives within broader themes of identity and connection allowed them to resonate with listeners who sought both refuge and reflection in their music. The band’s approach centered around innovative production techniques that elevated their sound beyond traditional rock frameworks. By incorporating synthesizers and electronic elements, Icehouse created a textural richness that provided a fresh perspective on songwriting. This commitment to exploring different sonic realms enabled them to craft songs that felt expansive yet intimate, drawing listeners into their world while encouraging them to contemplate deeper themes. Lyrically, Icehouse often navigates the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and existential ponderings, employing a storytelling technique that balances sincerity with an impressionistic flair. Their voice fluctuates from reflective introspection to anthemic declarations, creating a dynamic emotional landscape that invites listeners to engage on multiple levels.

19 studio albums· 35 total releases· 3 decades· Australia