On this day June 2, 1980, Cold Chisel released their third studio album East. The record became a massive hit in Australia, reaching number 2 on the charts and later being awarded Australian Album of the Year.
East marked a turning point for the band as they expanded their sound beyond hard rock to include elements of pop, soul and new wave. The album featured standout tracks like Choirgirl, Cheap Wine and My Baby, all of which became staples of Australian rock radio. It was also one of the first albums by an Australian band to include music videos for multiple songs, helping to set a new standard in music promotion.
East solidified Cold Chisel’s reputation as one of Australia’s most important rock acts of the era and showcased the band’s ability to blend gritty storytelling with accessible songwriting.
80s insight: East captured the early spirit of 80s rock in Australia with its raw emotion and polished musicianship. Its influence helped push Australian rock into new creative territory and showed how bands outside the US and UK were starting to shape the global music conversation.
East marked a turning point for the band as they expanded their sound beyond hard rock to include elements of pop, soul and new wave. The album featured standout tracks like Choirgirl, Cheap Wine and My Baby, all of which became staples of Australian rock radio. It was also one of the first albums by an Australian band to include music videos for multiple songs, helping to set a new standard in music promotion.
East solidified Cold Chisel’s reputation as one of Australia’s most important rock acts of the era and showcased the band’s ability to blend gritty storytelling with accessible songwriting.
80s insight: East captured the early spirit of 80s rock in Australia with its raw emotion and polished musicianship. Its influence helped push Australian rock into new creative territory and showed how bands outside the US and UK were starting to shape the global music conversation.
