Twentieth Century (Remastered)

iTunes Review

In late 1983, Cold Chisel announced their imminent breakup and set off on the farewell Last Stand national tour. They also recorded fifth studio album Twentieth Century around the same time, and it debuted at #1 on the local chart upon release in April of the following year. There are moments of inspired brilliance and sheer beauty across the set that manage to highlight all the best qualities in the Chisel canon. Keyboard player Don Walker penned eight of the tracks, Steve Prestwich and bass player Phil Small co-wrote a track each with Walker, and singer Jimmy Barnes contributed three. “Build This Love” opens the collection with its plea for trust and unity. From there, the listener is treated to a mix of hard-driving songs boasting classic Chisel arrangements — Walker’s “Twentieth Century,” “Ghost Town,” “Painted Doll,” and “Hold Me Tight”; Barnes’ “No Sense” and “Temptation” — to more reflective moments. The mellow, doo-wop inspired “Saturday Night” also features a killer Chisel chorus that rises up to pull the listener closer in, giving this unique song a timeless feel.