Feature Photo: deep ghosh from Melbourne, VIC, Australia, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Silverchair was formed in Newcastle, New South Wales, in 1992. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Daniel Johns, bassist Chris Joannou, and drummer Ben Gillies. They gained international fame with their debut single “Tomorrow,” which was released in 1994 and became a huge hit in Australia and the United States. Silverchair released five studio albums throughout their career: Frogstomp (1995), Freak Show (1997), Neon Ballroom (1999), Diorama (2002), and Young Modern (2007). In addition to their studio albums, they released several live albums and compilations, including The Best Of: Volume 1 (2000) and Rarities 1994–1999 (2002).
Silverchair achieved significant commercial success, with each of their studio albums reaching number one on the Australian Albums Chart. Frogstomp and Freak Show were both certified multi-platinum in the United States, while Neon Ballroom and Diorama received critical acclaim for their innovative and mature sound. The band won numerous awards, including 21 ARIA Music Awards, which is the most won by any artist in ARIA history. Their awards include Best Group, Album of the Year, and Single of the Year. They also received international recognition, with Frogstomp peaking at number 9 on the Billboard 200 and Freak Show reaching number 12.
Throughout their career, Silverchair was known for their ability to evolve and experiment with their sound. From their grunge beginnings on Frogstomp to the orchestral and art rock elements of Diorama, the band’s music consistently showcased their versatility and creativity. Despite their success, Silverchair went on an indefinite hiatus in 2011, with the members pursuing various solo projects. Daniel Johns released solo work and collaborated with other artists, while Chris Joannou and Ben Gillies remained active in the music industry.
SILVERCHAIR STUDIO ALBUMS
Frogstomp
Released: March 27, 1995
Frogstomp is Silverchair’s debut studio album, recorded at Festival Studios in Sydney, Australia, from December 1994 to January 1995. The album was produced by Kevin Shirley. It features a raw, grunge sound that catapulted the young Australian band to international fame. The album peaked at number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified double platinum by the RIAA.
CD Track Listings:
- “Israel’s Son” – 5:18
- “Tomorrow” – 4:26
- “Faultline” – 4:19
- “Pure Massacre” – 4:58
- “Shade” – 4:02
- “Leave Me Out” – 3:03
- “Suicidal Dream” – 3:13
- “Madman” – 2:43
- “Undecided” – 4:36
- “Cicada” – 5:10
- “Findaway” – 2:56
Freak Show
Released: February 4, 1997
Freak Show is Silverchair’s second studio album, recorded at Festival Studios in Sydney, Australia, from May to November 1996. The album was produced by Nick Launay. It showcases the band’s evolution and features more complex compositions. The album peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Slave” – 3:56
- “Freak” – 3:47
- “Abuse Me” – 4:03
- “Lie to Me” – 1:21
- “No Association” – 3:52
- “Cemetery” – 4:02
- “The Door” – 3:37
- “Pop Song for Us Rejects” – 3:30
- “Learn to Hate” – 4:25
- “Petrol & Chlorine” – 5:49
- “Roses” – 3:30
- “Nobody Came” – 6:06
- “The Closing” – 3:29
Neon Ballroom
Released: March 8, 1999
Neon Ballroom is Silverchair’s third studio album, recorded at Festival and Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne, Australia, from May to August 1998. The album was produced by Nick Launay. It marked a significant departure from their earlier grunge style, incorporating more orchestral arrangements and diverse musical influences. The album reached number 50 on the Billboard 200 chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Emotion Sickness” – 6:00
- “Anthem for the Year 2000” – 4:02
- “Ana’s Song (Open Fire)” – 3:42
- “Spawn Again” – 3:30
- “Miss You Love” – 4:00
- “Dearest Helpless” – 3:34
- “Do You Feel the Same” – 4:18
- “Black Tangled Heart” – 4:34
- “Point of View” – 3:35
- “Satin Sheets” – 2:23
- “Paint Pastel Princess” – 4:33
- “Steam Will Rise” – 5:17
Diorama
Released: March 31, 2002
Diorama is Silverchair’s fourth studio album, recorded at Studio 301 in Sydney, Australia, from June to November 2001. The album was produced by David Bottrill and Daniel Johns. It features a more elaborate and polished sound, incorporating lush orchestral arrangements. The album peaked at number 91 on the Billboard 200 chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Across the Night” – 5:37
- “The Greatest View” – 4:05
- “Without You” – 5:17
- “World Upon Your Shoulders” – 4:37
- “One Way Mule” – 4:14
- “Tuna in the Brine” – 5:40
- “Too Much of Not Enough” – 4:42
- “Luv Your Life” – 4:30
- “The Lever” – 4:22
- “My Favourite Thing” – 4:14
- “After All These Years” – 5:25
Young Modern
Released: March 31, 2007
Young Modern is Silverchair’s fifth studio album, recorded at various studios including Seedy Underbelly in Los Angeles, California, from 2006 to 2007. The album was produced by Nick Launay and Daniel Johns. It features a more pop-oriented and experimental sound compared to their earlier work. The album peaked at number 70 on the Billboard 200 chart.
CD Track Listings:
- “Young Modern Station” – 4:13
- “Straight Lines” – 4:16
- “If You Keep Losing Sleep” – 3:20
- “Reflections of a Sound” – 4:09
- “Those Thieving Birds (Part 1) / Strange Behaviour / Those Thieving Birds (Part 2)” – 7:05
- “The Man That Knew Too Much” – 4:20
- “Waiting All Day” – 4:30
- “Mind Reader” – 3:06
- “Low” – 3:48
- “Insomnia” – 3:06
- “All Across the World” – 4:05
Read More: Top 10 Silverchair Songs
Complete List Of Silverchair Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024