Midnight Oil - 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 is the fourth studio album by Australian rock band Midnight Oil, originally released in November 1982 via Sprint and CBS Records.

Midnight Oil are an Australian rock band that evolved from a band formed around 1972 called Farm that comprised Rob Hirst (drums), Andrew James (bass) and Jim Moginie (guitars / keyboards). Peter Garrett who was studying at the ANU answered an advertisement placed by the band for a lead singer and passed the audition and by 1975 the band was gigging around the East Coast of Australia.

Martin Rotsey (guitar) joined the band in 1977 and they released their debut album in 1978 Midnight Oil via their own independent record label, Powderworks. James was forced to retire in 1980 due to ill health and was replaced by Peter Gifford and he in turn left the band in 1987 to be replaced by Bones Hillman.

Midnight Oil is more than just a rock band, carving out a unique sound combined with a high-octane energy live performance show, together with passionate activism for causes such as indigenous rights and environmentalism.

Their fourth album 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 broke the band into the mainstream popular music market in Australia, becoming their first Top 10 album, peaking at #3 on the Australian Albums charts, and remaining on the charts for 171 weeks.

This album is one of their best albums, incorporating commercial hooks and strong melodies into songs that mix complex rhythms with chord progressions, like a blend of pop rock with progressive rock.

The songs address social, environmental and political issues without compromise.

The album was recorded in London with British producer Nick Launay, and the quality of the recording still stands as fresh today as it did upon release in 1982.

The chart success for the album was driven by the success of the singles “US Forces”, "Power And The Passion" and "Read About It".

The album includes the band’s denunciation of American military interference in foreign affairs in "US Forces" and their critique of imperialist repression in "Short Memory". “Maralinga” touches on the nuclear testing conducted in Australia by the British and Australian military.

This is one of Midnight Oil’s very best albums.

This album is a 2017 reissue on 180 gram black vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve with a printed insert and remastered audio, pressed in Australia via Sony Music.