Complete List Of The Chills Albums And Songs

The Chills: A Journey Through Their Discography

The Chills are a renowned New Zealand rock band known for their catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and eclectic sound. Formed in the early 1980s, the band has undergone several lineup changes, but the core membership has always been centered around lead vocalist and songwriter Martin Phillipps. This article will take you on a journey through their discography, exploring their notable albums, track listings, and key features.

Brave Words (1987)

Released in 1987, Brave Words marks a significant point in the band’s career, capturing their jangle pop sound with a more polished production. The album features some of their most beloved tracks, such as "Night of Chill Blue" and "16 Heartthrobs," showcasing the songwriting prowess of Martin Phillipps.

CD Track Listings:

1. "Push" – 2:55
2. "Rain" – 3:05
3. "Speak for Yourself" – 3:37
4. "Look for the Good in Others and They’ll See the Good in You" – 3:46
5. "Wet Blanket" – 3:21
6. "Ghostships" – 4:19
7. "House with a Hundred Rooms" – 3:29
8. "Party in My Heart" – 3:37
9. "Living in a Jungle" – 2:49
10. "Dan Destiny and the Silver Dawn" – 2:59
11. "Night of Chill Blue" – 3:18
12. "16 Heartthrobs" – 3:44
13. "Brave Words" – 3:57

Submarine Bells (1990)

Submarine Bells, released in 1990, is perhaps the most acclaimed album by The Chills. The album features the hit single "Heavenly Pop Hit," which brought the band significant attention and success, particularly in the United States where it reached various college radio charts. The lush production and catchy melodies exemplify The Chills’ unique blend of indie pop and dream pop elements.

CD Track Listings:

1. "Heavenly Pop Hit" – 3:26
2. "Tied Up in Chain" – 3:19
3. "The Oncoming Day" – 2:50
4. "Part Past Part Fiction" – 2:56
5. "Singing in My Sleep" – 3:38
6. "I SOAR" – 3:19
7. "Dead Web" – 2:24
8. "Familiarity Breeds Contempt" – 3:13
9. "Don’t Be – Memory" – 3:32
10. "Effloresce and Deliquesce" – 3:23
11. "Sweet Times" – 2:56
12. "Submarine Bells" – 3:39

Soft Bomb (1992)

Released in 1992, Soft Bomb represents one of The Chills’ more ambitious projects, with a variety of musical influences and a somewhat turbulent recording process due to lineup changes. The album includes tracks like "The Male Monster from the Id" and "Double Summer," which delve into complex emotional and philosophical themes.

CD Track Listings:

1. "The Male Monster from the Id" – 3:58
2. "Background Affair" – 2:54
3. "Double Summer" – 3:15
4. "Sanctuary" – 1:54
5. "Oncoming Day" – 3:01
6. "Entertainer" – 4:10
7. "Soft Bomb, Pt. 1" – 1:39
8. "Soft Bomb, Pt. 2" – 1:29
9. "Halo Fading" – 2:41
10. "There Is No Harm in Trying" – 3:53
11. "Strange Case" – 3:21
12. "Soft Bomb" – 3:17
13. "So Long" – 3:53
14. "Song for Randy Newman Etc." – 3:27
15. "Sleeping Giants" – 2:55

Sunburnt (1996)

Sunburnt, released in 1996, moved further towards a more mainstream rock sound while retaining the band’s characteristic lyrical wit and melodic complexity. Songs like "Lost in Space" and "Come Home" demonstrate a maturing sound and more refined production compared to earlier works.

CD Track Listings:

1. "As Far as I Can See" – 3:33
2. "Premonition" – 3:31
3. "Sunburnt" – 3:24
4. "Lost in Space" – 3:10
5. "You Can Understand Me" – 3:14
6. "Come Home" – 3:56
7. "Surrounded" – 2:55
8. "Angel" – 2:44
9. "The Streets" – 3:15
10. "So Long" – 3:44
11. "Water Wolves" – 3:27
12. "Stupid Way to Go" – 2:54

Silver Bullets (2015)

Silver Bullets, released in 2015, marked a significant return for The Chills, coming nearly two decades after their last studio album. The album, featuring tracks like the politically charged "America Says Hello" and the reflective "Aurora Corona," was seen as a triumphant return, capturing the essence of The Chills’ classic sound while addressing contemporary issues.

CD Track Listings:

1. "Father Time" – 4:02
2. "Warm Waveform" – 3:52
3. "Silver Bullets" – 3:49
4. "Underwater Wasteland" – 4:17
5. "America Says Hello" – 4:12
6. "Liquid Situation" – 3:11
7. "Piranha" – 3:14
8. "I Can’t Help You" – 3:24
9. "Aurora Corona" – 4:13
10. "Molten Gold" – 4:24
11. "Tomboy" – 3:36
12. "When the Poor Can Reach the Moon" – 5:34

Snow Bound (2018)

Snow Bound, released in 2018, continued the revitalized output of The Chills, offering a concise collection of pop-rock songs that blend melodic hooks with introspective lyrics. The album includes tracks such as "Complex" and "Lord of All I Survey," showcasing the band’s ability to craft catchy yet meaningful songs.

CD Track Listings:

1. "Bad Sugar" – 3:28
2. "Time to Atone" – 3:18
3. "Complex" – 2:50
4. "When the Poor Can Reach the Moon" – 3:58
5. "Lord of All I Survey" – 3:26
6. "Deep Belief" – 3:09
7. "Snow Bound" – 3:01
8. "Easy Peasy" – 2:53
9. "In Harmony" – 3:03
10. "Scarred" – 3:55

Scatterbrain (2021)

Scatterbrain, released in 2021, is a reflective yet vibrant album from The Chills, showcasing Martin Phillipps’ songwriting at its most introspective. The album explores themes of life, death, and personal history, with tracks like "Monolith" and "Little Alien" drawing on a rich tapestry of influences to create a deeply personal narrative.

CD Track Listings:

1. "Monolith" – 3:45
2. "Hourglass" – 2:53
3. "Destiny" – 3:42
4. "Caught in My Eye" – 3:33
5. "You’re Immortal" – 3:23
6. "Little Alien" – 3:06
7. "The Walls Beyond Abandon" – 4:05
8. "Scatterbrain" – 3:14
9. "The Greatest Guide" – 3:58
10. "It’s Only Natural" – 3:52

Conclusion:

The Chills have maintained a remarkable consistency throughout their discography, showcasing their ability to evolve and adapt to changing musical landscapes while retaining their unique sound and style. From the early jangle pop of Brave Words to the introspective and reflective Scatterbrain, their music has captivated audiences and inspired countless fans around the world.

FAQs:

Q: What is the most popular album by The Chills?
A: Submarine Bells is often cited as the band’s most popular and critically acclaimed album.

Q: Who is the lead vocalist and songwriter of The Chills?
A: Martin Phillipps is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of The Chills.

Q: What is the significance of the album Silver Bullets?
A: Silver Bullets marked a significant return for The Chills, coming nearly two decades after their last studio album and receiving widespread critical acclaim.

Q: What themes are explored in the album Scatterbrain?
A: Scatterbrain explores themes of life, death, and personal history, with tracks like "Monolith" and "Little Alien" drawing on a rich tapestry of influences to create a deeply personal narrative.

Q: What is the current status of The Chills?
A: The Chills are still active and continue to release new music, with their latest album Scatterbrain released in 2021.