Top 10 Best Cold Chisel Songs

This iconic band has been a mainstay of the Aussie music scene for over four decades, and their music has become synonymous with the nation's love for all things rock and roll.

With a discography spanning over nine studio albums, Cold Chisel has produced some of the most iconic and memorable songs in Australian music history. From the raw and gritty sound of their early days to the polished, stadium-filling anthems of their later years, the band has continued to captivate audiences with their unique blend of rock, blues, and soul.

The Top Ten

Khe Sanh

Most people would think this was a song for bogans, but perhaps it's only Australians who can understand the deep meaning of the song in correlation to the Vietnam War.

Simply the best song. Sends chills down my spine when I hear it. I don't know what else to say, but it is simply awesome and speaks to every Australian.

I reckon more Australians know the words to this song than know the National Anthem. You also can't imagine a group of drunken party-goers erupting into spontaneous "Advance Australia Fair," but it regularly happens with "Khe Sanh."
Flame Trees

I was in love at the time, in the correct location, and almost the exact scenario. I can never forget how much I loved that girl whenever I hear this song.

Written by Don Walker and Steve Prestwich, from the album 20th Century.

This is what it is to be Australian.
When the War is Over

Achingly beautiful lyrics and understated vocals. A classic.

Written by Steve Prestwich, from the album Circus Animals.
Bow River

Written by Ian Moss, from the album Circus Animals.
Choir Girl
Forever Now

Absolutely love this song. It has one of the best beats ever. Love singing it at home on the mic loud as.

Best song, hands down. Not the one you bust out at the pub, but the best nonetheless.

Such a dreamy, lonely feeling rock love song. Emotional.
Cheap Wine
Ita

One of my go-to Cold Chisel songs, fully underrated and a well-sung lament full of great beats.
My Baby
Breakfast at Sweethearts

Written by Don Walker from the album Breakfast at Sweethearts.

The Newcomers

?
The Party's Over

There's another side to Cold Chisel. They released at least a half dozen smoky blues classics, and this was the first - and the best.
Khe Sanh, Flame Trees, Forever Now, etc., are great to listen to during the day, but this is what I want to hear late at night or in the early hours.
?
Shooting Star

The Contenders

You Got Nothing I Want
Standing on the Outside
No Sense

Written by Jimmy Barnes, from the album 20th Century.
Saturday Night

Such a funny song, yet it has such a deep meaning. So unique.
Letter to Alan

Best Cold Chisel song ever. In this song, Barnsey shows incredible light and shade versatility in his voice, and Mossy just shreds his guitar to pieces. An emotionally charged song written by Don Walker as a tribute to their roadie, Alan Dallow, who passed away when his truck crashed on the way to a gig. It was an absolute travesty that this song got almost zero airplay on mainstream radio.
Houndog

For me, I don't know why this song sums up Cold Chisel completely. Maybe because it is beautifully raw. Maybe because it also has so much energy. But more likely because, like Chisel in general, it is merely written from the heart.
No Good for You

From Circus Animals. While not as popular as many other contenders, and while it never charted well, this song is a gem of a tune similar to that of Ita. Great chorus. Great rocker.

Could never work out why this song was not released as a single. Very catchy.
Merry-Go-Round
Goodbye (Astrid Goodbye)
Taipan
Rising Sun
Star Hotel
My Turn to Cry
One Long Day

Not a bogan kind of piece. Demonstrates the depth and class those guys had.
Dresden

Should be top 5 minimum. Pity half the Chisel fans out there have never heard of it.