Complete List Of The Chills Albums And Songs

Released: 1987

Brave Words is the second studio album by The Chills, released in 1987. This album marks a significant point in the band’s career, capturing their jangle pop sound with a more polished production. It includes some of the band’s most beloved tracks, such as “Night of Chill Blue” and “16 Heartthrobs,” and showcases the songwriting prowess of frontman Martin Phillipps.

Produced by Mayo Thompson and recorded at Point Studios, London, Brave Words helped solidify The Chills’ reputation in the indie rock scene both in New Zealand and internationally. The album is noted for its lyrical depth and the cohesive sound that blends melancholic themes with upbeat pop melodies. The album was remixed by Greg Haver.

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

Released: 1990

Submarine Bells is perhaps the most acclaimed album by The Chills, released in 1990. 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.

Produced by Gary Smith and recorded at Jacob’s Studios in Farnham, England, Submarine Bells captures the ethereal quality of The Chills’ sound, with intricate arrangements and Phillipps’ introspective lyrics. This album remains a high point in the band’s discography, celebrated for its artistic depth and emotional resonance.

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

Released: 1992

Soft Bomb, released in 1992, 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.

Produced by Gavin MacKillop and recorded in Los Angeles, California, Soft Bomb showcases a diverse range of sounds from orchestral pop to harder rock elements. Despite facing mixed reviews initially due to its eclectic nature, it has been reevaluated as a deeply layered and richly textured work in The Chills’ catalog.

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

Released: 1996

Sunburnt, The Chills’ 1996 release, 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.

Produced by Craig Leon and recorded at various studios including Rockfield Studios in Wales, Sunburnt was met with moderate success, finding appreciation among long-time fans while aiming to reach a broader audience. The album’s accessible sound helped maintain The Chills’ presence in the international indie music scene despite the evolving musical landscape of the 1990s.

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

Released: October 30, 2015

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

Produced by Martin Phillipps and recorded at Albany Street Studios in Dunedin, New Zealand, this album reestablished The Chills as a relevant force in the indie rock scene, praised for its artistic vitality and lyrical relevance in the modern age.

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

Released: September 14, 2018

Snow Bound continued the revitalized output of The Chills, offering a concise collection of pop-rock songs that blend melodic hooks with introspective lyrics. Released in 2018, the album includes tracks such as “Complex” and “Lord of All I Survey,” showcasing the band’s ability to craft catchy yet meaningful songs. The album was well-received, with critics noting its energetic approach and mature songwriting.

Produced by Greg Haver and recorded at Roundhead Studios, Auckland, New Zealand, Snow Bound shows a band comfortable in its own skin, delivering pop anthems that resonate with both old fans and new listeners.

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

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Scatterbrain

Released: May 14, 2021

Scatterbrain is a reflective yet vibrant album from The Chills, showcasing Martin Phillipps’ songwriting at its most introspective. The album, released in 2021, 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.

Produced by Tom Healy and recorded at Roundhead Studios in Auckland, Scatterbrain captures a band that has grown and evolved, yet retains the melodic charm and lyrical depth that have always defined their music. The album is noted for its cohesive sound and thoughtful exploration of complex themes.

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

Brave Words (Spoken Bravely The Remix)

Released: October 13, 2023

Brave Words (Spoken Bravely The Remix) is a remastered and reissued version of The Chills’ iconic album Brave Words. Released by Fire Records, this edition brings new life to a classic album with a pearl vinyl LP format, enhancing the auditory experience with modern mastering techniques while preserving the original’s essence. The album was remastered at Tape One and Kog Studios, ensuring high-quality sound reproduction.

Recorded originally at The Point Studios and re-engineered by Danny Hyde and Scott Seabright, with assistance from Paul Apted, the album features the band’s classic lineup with Martin Phillipps (vocals, guitar), Justin Harwood (bass, double bass, acoustic guitar, backing vocals), Caroline Easther (drums, percussion, backing vocals), and Martin Todd (keyboards, backing vocals). Mayo Thompson’s production in the original tracks and the updated mixing by Greg Haver and Scott Seabright bridge the gap between the original recordings and contemporary audio standards.

Vinyl Track Listings:

Side A

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. “Ghosts” – 4:19

Side B

1. “Dan Destiny And The Silver Dawn” – 3:29
2. “Night Of Chill Blue” – 3:37
3. “16 Heart-throbs” – 3:44
4. “Brave Words” – 3:57
5. “Dark Carnival” – 3:29
6. “Creep” – 2:49

Side C

1. “The Oncoming Day” – 2:50
2. “I Think I’d Thought Of Nothing Else To Think About” – 3:46
3. “House With A Hundred Rooms” – 3:29

Side D

1. “Party In My Heart” – 3:37
2. “Living In A Jungle” – 2:49
3. “Rain (Alternate Instrumental Version)” – 3:14

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