Internationalist – Powderfinger

Internationalist, released in 1998, is Powderfinger’s third studio album and the record that cemented their place as one of Australia’s most important rock bands of the era. Expanding on the grunge and alt-rock influences of their earlier work, the band leaned into more melodic and textured songwriting, blending atmospheric ballads with driving rock anthems. Tracks like The Day You Come, Passenger, and Don’t Wanna Be Left Out highlight Bernard Fanning’s emotive vocals and the group’s knack for balancing intimacy with stadium-ready power.

The album’s strength lies in its maturity and diversity—shifting seamlessly from soaring choruses to quieter, reflective moments, while tackling themes of identity, politics, and personal struggle. Internationalist resonated strongly in Australia, debuting at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart and winning multiple ARIA Awards. It stands as both a critical and commercial breakthrough, a record that showcased Powderfinger at the height of their creativity and ambition.

Reviews

“Internationalist is the sound of a band hitting their stride, full of confidence and purpose.” – AllMusic

“Powderfinger balance introspection and anthemic power with impressive ease.” – Rolling Stone

“A richly crafted record that confirmed Powderfinger’s place at the forefront of Australian rock.” – The Guardian

“Internationalist is ambitious yet deeply personal, a career-defining moment for the band.” – NME