Midnight Oil (Midnight Oil album)

Midnight Oil is the debut studio album by Australian rock band Midnight Oil, released in November 1978 on Powderworks Records. The album showcases the band's early raw energy and politically charged lyrical content, setting the stage for their later successes.

While not reaching the commercial heights of their later albums, Midnight Oil established the band's distinct sound, characterized by Peter Garrett's powerful vocals, driving guitars, and socially conscious themes. Key tracks on the album include "Run by Night," which became a staple of their live performances and a popular Australian song, and "Used and Abused." The album's themes touch upon urban alienation, political corruption, and environmental concerns – subjects that would become recurring motifs in Midnight Oil's discography.

The album was produced by Keith Walker, and its cover art features a stark, minimalist design. Midnight Oil received generally positive reviews upon release, praised for its intensity and originality. The album remains a significant entry in the band's catalog, offering a glimpse into their formative years and demonstrating the burgeoning talent that would later propel them to international fame.