About this album
Where they were
Released in 1990, 'Submarine Bells' was The Chills’ third album and marked their return after a five-year hiatus following 'Brave Words'. By this time, the band had solidified their sound, drawing on influences from both the Dunedin sound and broader alternative rock, positioning them as key figures within the New Zealand music scene.
Why it matters
'Submarine Bells' features the hit single 'Heavenly Pop Hit', which received significant airplay and helped the album reach No. 5 on the New Zealand charts. Its critical acclaim further cemented The Chills' reputation, contributing to the international recognition of the New Zealand alternative music movement during the early 1990s.
Essential tracks
- "Heavenly Pop Hit" — This track epitomizes The Chills' signature sound with its infectious melody and vivid lyrics celebrating love and nostalgia.
- "Part Past Part Fiction" — The song's introspective lyrics combined with its lush instrumentation highlight the band's ability to blend emotion with pop sensibility.
- "Submarine Bells" — The titular track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and reflection, featuring layered harmonies that create a haunting atmosphere.
Release Date
January 1, 1990
Artist Origin
New Zealand
Tracklist
- 1 Heavenly Pop Hit 3:28
- 2 Tied Up in Chain 3:16
- 3 The Oncoming Day 3:06
- 4 Part Past Part Fiction 2:56
- 5 Singing in My Sleep 2:40
- 6 I SOAR 3:05
- 7 Dead Web 2:16
- 8 Familiarity Breeds Contempt 3:21
- 9 Don’t Be—Memory 4:46
- 10 Effloresce and Deliquesce 2:45
- 11 Sweet Times 0:42
- 12 Submarine Bells 3:41
