Get Born
Get Born is the debut studio album by the Australian rock band Jet, released on 14 September 2003 by Capitol Records.[1] Produced by Dave Sardy at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles, the album draws heavily from garage rock, blues rock, and classic rock influences reminiscent of bands like AC/DC and the Rolling Stones.[2] Featuring 13 tracks, including the international hit single "Are You Gonna Be My Girl", it propelled Jet to global fame and has sold over four million copies worldwide.[3] The album's energetic sound and raw production captured the early 2000s garage rock revival, with Sardy's involvement—known for his work with acts like the Dandy Warhols—helping to refine Jet's high-octane performances.[2] Key singles such as "Rollover D.J." and "Look What You've Done" followed "Are You Gonna Be My Girl", contributing to its chart success: it topped the Australian Albums Chart, reached number 26 on the US Billboard 200, and earned platinum certifications in multiple countries, including the United States by the RIAA for over 1 million units shipped.[4] Critically, Get Born received generally positive reviews for its infectious hooks and nostalgic rock vibe, though some critics noted its derivative style; AllMusic praised it as a "seriously rocking album" blending bluesy insouciance with thunderous energy.[5] Get Born won six ARIA Awards in 2004, including Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, and Single of the Year for "Are You Gonna Be My Girl", marking a high point in Jet's career and solidifying their place in Australian rock history.[6] Its enduring popularity led to a 20th-anniversary tour in 2023, with an extended run in 2024 and ongoing North American dates in 2025; the band also released a new single "Hurry Hurry" in 2024 and a follow-up studio album in 2025, highlighting tracks like "Cold Hard Bitch" and "Get Me Outta Here" that continue to resonate with fans of straightforward, anthemic rock.[7][8][9]Background and development
Band formation and early career
Jet was formed in 2001 in Melbourne, Australia, by brothers Nic Cester (vocals and guitar) and Chris Cester (drums), who were later joined by Nic's school friend Cameron Muncey on guitar and bassist Mark Wilson. The lineup solidified as the band honed their raw, garage rock sound inspired by classic influences, performing initial gigs in local pubs and small venues across Melbourne.[6][10] During their early years, Jet faced significant challenges, including difficulties securing consistent bookings and radio play in a competitive local scene marked by industry cynicism toward emerging rock acts. Financial constraints were evident as they operated independently, relying on self-funded rehearsals and performances to build momentum. Mark Wilson's recruitment as bassist helped stabilize the group amid these hurdles, allowing them to focus on developing material that would capture attention.[10] The band's breakthrough came with the release of their debut EP, Dirty Sweet, in 2002—a limited-edition vinyl pressing of 1,000 copies that sold out within a week, generating substantial buzz in the Australian music underground. This independent effort showcased their energetic rock'n'roll style and attracted interest from international labels. By early 2003, the EP's success sparked a fierce bidding war among U.S. record companies, leading to a signing with Elektra Records, which reissued Dirty Sweet and paved the way for their major-label debut.[6][10]Pre-album influences and demos
Jet's sound for Get Born was deeply rooted in the garage rock revival of the early 2000s, drawing heavily from 1960s and 1970s rock acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, and AC/DC, whose raw energy and blues-infused riffs shaped the band's high-octane style.[11] Frontman Nic Cester cited his father's record collection, featuring The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and AC/DC, as a primary influence, alongside Australian contemporaries like You Am I, whose 1995 album Hi Fi Way inspired Jet's straightforward rock approach.[11] Additionally, Motown elements, such as the Supremes' rhythmic drive, informed specific tracks, blending with British mod rock from The Jam to create a punchy, revivalist edge.[12][11] The band, formed in Melbourne in 2001 by brothers Nic and Chris Cester alongside guitarist Cameron Muncey, honed their signature high-energy style through intensive home rehearsals and gigs in the city's underground pub scene, where opportunities were scarce.[11] Lacking frequent bookings, the young musicians—most in their late teens—spent hours in a backyard bungalow refining songs, with Cester composing much of the material while seated on the toilet, the space's only reliable perch.[13] Live performances at venues like the Duke of Windsor hotel became crucial testing grounds, where they debuted raw versions of tracks with improvised lyrics, building crowd rapport through relentless, sweat-soaked sets that echoed AC/DC's stadium swagger.[14] Key demo efforts crystallized in 2002 with the self-released Dirty Sweet EP, a vinyl-only run of 1,000 copies that previewed the album's gritty sound through tracks like "Cold Hard Bitch" and "Rollover D.J.," recorded in Melbourne studios.[11] An early demo of "Are You Gonna Be My Girl," written by Cester around age 17 and influenced by The Who's "My Generation," featured an unintended cough that was later preserved in the final version; the song was performed live in Melbourne pubs that year, often with placeholder lyrics, helping to generate buzz.[12][14] Manager Dave Powell joined around the EP's release, guiding the band through its rapid ascent by promoting the limited pressing, which sold out quickly and drew endorsements from outlets like NME.[11] This momentum sparked interest from EMI Australia, who signed Jet domestically after the EP's success, paving the way for international deals with Elektra and Capitol while allowing the band to refine their raw demos into the polished yet visceral energy of Get Born.[11]Writing and recording
Songwriting process
The songwriting for Get Born was primarily led by Nic Cester, who composed approximately 75% of the album's material, often drawing from personal experiences such as his parents' divorce, fleeting relationships, and the exuberant rebellion of youth.[15] Cester began crafting many of these songs in unconventional settings, including the toilet in a bungalow at his parents' house in Melbourne, where he wrote the majority of the tracks between the ages of 17 and 19, capturing raw, pre-fame reflections on life.[13] Contributions from other band members added depth to the process, with Chris Cester providing lyrics and melodies for songs like "Rollover DJ," frequently collaborating with guitarist Cameron Muncey on riffs and chorus ideas.[15] The compositions emerged spontaneously during intensive jam sessions in Melbourne, held three to four nights a week in the band's early rehearsal spaces, where riff-driven ideas were honed into energetic rock structures inspired by a desire to revive danceable rock 'n' roll amid the fading grunge scene.[15][16] Songs typically evolved from initial acoustic sketches and basement demos into fuller band arrangements, with revisions informed by live testing in local pubs to gauge audience reactions and refine their kinetic appeal.[15][16] Ultimately, the band finalized 13 tracks for the album, deliberately excluding certain early demos to maintain thematic cohesion centered on unbridled rock 'n' roll energy and youthful defiance.[15]Studio sessions and production
The recording of Get Born took place primarily at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, Los Angeles, with additional sessions at Larrabee East, also in Los Angeles, during early 2003.[1] The process spanned approximately six weeks, beginning with two weeks of tracking before the band paused to support The Rolling Stones on their Australian tour; they returned for another four weeks to complete the album in a secondary studio.[17] This fragmented timeline reflected the band's rising profile but also imposed constraints, culminating in a finished product just months before its September 2003 release.[17] Producer Dave Sardy, known for his work with acts like The Dandy Warhols and Marilyn Manson, guided the sessions to emphasize the band's raw energy and chemistry.[18] To achieve this, Sardy employed analog recording techniques, including 2-inch tape for tracking on Sunset Sound's vintage Neve console, which contributed to the album's gritty, live-in-the-room aesthetic.[19] The production team, bolstered by specialists like drum tuner Ross Garfield (the "Drum Doctor"), customized elements such as vintage kits—including a 1920s Slingerland set—for individual tracks, ensuring a punchy, retro rock tone without excessive digital intervention.[17][19] Specific enhancements during production included Sardy's own slide guitar contributions on tracks like "Lazy Gun."[1] While the core arrangements drew directly from the band's 17 demos with few alterations, Sardy focused on dynamic shifts and high-energy captures, such as tuning drums uniquely per song to heighten the album's visceral impact.[17] Guest musician Billy Preston provided keyboards on select cuts, including "Rollover D.J.," further enriching the sound under Sardy's direction.[1] The final mixing occurred at The Village, preserving the analog warmth amid the tight schedule.[1]Musical style and composition
Genre and influences
Get Born is classified as a garage rock revival album incorporating elements of hard rock, pop rock, and blues, with a total runtime of 48:40.[5][20] The album's sound is driven by the band's core instrumentation: lead vocalist and guitarist Nic Cester delivers raw, energetic vocals and gritty guitar riffs; his brother Chris Cester provides propulsive, driving drums; rhythm guitarist Cameron Muncey contributes punchy guitar layers; and bassist Mark Wilson anchors the tracks with solid bass lines while adding keyboard accents for texture.[21][22] The album draws heavily from classic rock influences, evident in its swaggering attitudes and power chord progressions reminiscent of bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who.[22] Other inspirations include AC/DC's hard-edged energy and Motown's rhythmic bounce, as the band cited influences from 1960s acts like Martha and the Vandellas.[11][22] Get Born features a varied tempo range of approximately 70-150 BPM across its tracks, blending high-energy rockers with slower, ballad-like songs for a dynamic pace.[23]Themes and song structures
The lyrics of Get Born predominantly explore themes of romance, frustration, and escapism, drawing from the personal experiences of the band members during their late teenage years. Nic Cester, who wrote the majority of the album's songs between ages 17 and 19, infused the material with reflections on relationships, including the excitement and disappointments of young love. For instance, "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" captures the urgency of romantic pursuit as a chase anthem, evolving from initial frustration over unrequited interest into a direct, hopeful plea, inspired by Motown rhythms and classic rock energy. Similarly, "Look What You've Done" delves into regret and betrayal following a breakup, presenting a mellow, introspective counterpoint to the album's more aggressive tracks, tied to Cester's own life events such as his parents' divorce. These elements emphasize universal rock tropes like heartbreak and fleeting connections, with escapism evident in songs evoking partying and emotional release, such as the high-energy "Rollover DJ" and "Get Me Outta Here." The album avoids political or geopolitical commentary, focusing instead on personal and relational narratives untainted by broader societal concerns. Lyrically, this approach aligns with the band's intent to channel raw, youthful emotion without external agendas, as seen in the optimistic undercurrents amid tales of tough luck and boy-meets-girl dynamics. Tracks like "Cold Hard Bitch" highlight relational friction through blunt, irreverent language, while ballads such as "Timothy"—a tribute to guitarist Cameron Muncey's late brother—add layers of tenderness and loss. Structurally, the songs on Get Born adhere to a classic verse-chorus format, often punctuated by extended guitar solos that amplify the rock-oriented drive. Most tracks feature straightforward progressions with riff-heavy intros and builds to anthemic choruses, allowing for dynamic shifts between verses and instrumental breaks; for example, "Move On" incorporates a prominent solo that underscores its themes of departure and renewal. The 13 songs average approximately 3 minutes and 45 seconds in length, contributing to the album's tight, propulsive feel without unnecessary elaboration. This consistency supports a narrative arc that begins with the urgent, electric opener "Last Chance," setting a tone of immediacy and rebellion, and progresses to the reflective closure of "Come Around Again," a ballad offering resolution and hope amid the preceding relational turmoil.Release and promotion
Album release details
Get Born was first released in Australia on September 14, 2003, through Rubber Records, an imprint of EMI Music Australia.[24] The album saw international rollout shortly thereafter, debuting in the United Kingdom on September 29, 2003, via EMI, and in the United States on October 7, 2003, under Capitol Records and Elektra Records.[25][5] These label partnerships reflected EMI's global distribution strategy for the Australian rock act, positioning the debut for broad market penetration.[1] The standard edition consisted of a 13-track CD featuring the core album sequence, including hits like "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" and "Rollover DJ."[26] A limited-edition vinyl LP was issued concurrently in Australia on white vinyl, emphasizing the album's raw rock aesthetic.[27] Digital downloads became available in subsequent years through platforms under EMI/Capitol licensing, while no deluxe edition launched initially; however, regional variants like the Japanese release included bonus tracks such as "Hey Kids."[1] Label decisions extended to the album's visual identity, with artwork copyrighted to the band's Real Horrorshow Pty Ltd entity and featuring a gritty, retro-style portrait of the four members in a stark, dimly lit pose that echoed 1970s rock iconography.[26] This design choice aligned with the record's garage rock revival sound, aiding its appeal in alternative and mainstream rock circles.[11] The initial rollout garnered early press in outlets like Rolling Stone Australia and Billboard, highlighting the band's Sunset Sound recording pedigree.[7]Marketing campaigns and tours
Prior to the official release of Get Born on September 14, 2003, the lead single "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" generated significant pre-release buzz through early radio play and demos, helping amplify anticipation for the album among international audiences.[28] This exposure contributed to early hype, particularly in the US market where the track's energetic garage rock sound positioned Jet as an emerging act. In Australia, promotion emphasized the band's local roots with intensive club circuit performances in late 2003, allowing them to build grassroots support through intimate venues before larger arenas.[29] Regional strategies varied, with heavier domestic marketing in Australia leveraging national radio airplay and ARIA Award nominations to drive sales, while in the US, Elektra Records framed Jet as a fresh rock import from the Australian garage revival scene.[28] Key marketing tactics included aggressive radio promotion, which propelled "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" to No. 3 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and No. 7 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and substantial investment in music videos, such as the black-and-white clip for the single directed by Robert Hales, featuring ink-splattered animation effects produced by Blind studios to enhance visual appeal on MTV.[30][31] The single's use in an Apple iPod commercial further boosted US visibility, aligning with the album's raw, high-energy aesthetic.[30] The supporting tours commenced with Jet opening for the Rolling Stones on the Australian leg of their 2003 Licks World Tour, providing arena-level exposure during album recording breaks.[32] This was followed by international headlining and support slots, including the 2004 "Aussie Invasion" US tour alongside The Vines and The Living End, transitioning from small clubs to larger venues as popularity grew.[33] Overall, the campaign encompassed numerous shows across 2003–2005, spanning Australia, the US, Europe, and Asia, solidifying Get Born's global reach.[34]Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Upon its release in September 2003, Get Born received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning a Metacritic score of 70 out of 100 based on 15 aggregated reviews, indicating generally favorable reception overall.[35] Reviewers frequently praised the album's high-energy rock sound and infectious enthusiasm, which captured the spirit of the early 2000s garage rock revival, while others critiqued its heavy reliance on derivative influences from 1970s acts like The Rolling Stones and AC/DC, questioning its originality within the genre.[35] Positive responses highlighted the album's raw urgency and polished production, which lent it a vibrant, anthemic quality suitable for live settings. Alternative Press awarded it a perfect 10 out of 10, commending Jet's diverse appeal and catchy compositions that positioned the band as a fresh entrant in the rock scene.[36] Entertainment Weekly gave it a B grade (equivalent to 83/100), appreciating its "young, loud, and snotty" aesthetic reminiscent of The White Stripes and AC/DC.[37] Similarly, Q magazine rated it 4 out of 5 stars (80/100), noting the raw immediacy that belied its dated influences across fast-paced shout-alongs and slower ballads.[38] In mixed assessments, critics acknowledged the album's unbridled energy and solid songcraft but faulted it for lacking innovation and authenticity amid the garage rock wave. Spin magazine scored it 6.7 out of 10, praising the energetic delivery while calling it dated and overly familiar.[39] AllMusic described it as a "seriously rocking" effort blending bluesy swagger and hard rock but ultimately unoriginal in its execution.[5] Pitchfork delivered one of the more pointed critiques with a 3.7 out of 10, lambasting the over-reliance on 1970s tropes like Iggy Pop-style antics and Stones-esque riffs, which it saw as shameless imitation without a distinct identity.[40] More negative takes emphasized the album's perceived lack of depth and joy in its rock hybridity, sparking broader debates on the authenticity of bands riding the garage revival trend. Uncut rated it 2 out of 5 stars (40/100), labeling it an "efficient if fairly joyless" fusion of The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Oasis influences, bereft of wit or self-awareness compared to contemporaries like The Datsuns.[41] These reviews collectively underscored appreciation for Get Born's slick production and revivalist spirit—evident in tracks like "Are You Gonna Be My Girl"—against concerns that it prioritized nostalgic mimicry over genuine innovation in the garage rock landscape.[40][35]Retrospective assessments
In 2010, Get Born was ranked number 89 in the book 100 Best Australian Albums by John O'Donnell, Toby Creswell, and Craig Mathieson, where it was lauded for its pivotal role in launching a wave of Australian rock exports during the early 2000s garage rock revival, alongside bands like The Vines.[42] Retrospective reviews in the 2020s have reframed the album as a timeless entry in garage rock, evoking nostalgia for the era's raw energy amid renewed interest in 2000s alternative scenes. A 2023 Rolling Stone Australia feature on the album's 20th anniversary described it as a "rock'n'rollercoaster" that captured a global wave of garage rock enthusiasts, emphasizing its enduring hits and high-spirited attitude despite initial mixed critical reception.[11] Similarly, a 2023 review in The Footy Almanac praised its vibrant sound as the work of a young band "enthusiastically flexing their musical muscles," noting how it continues to hold up well two decades later.[43] Criticisms of the album have evolved to position it as a bridge between 2000s alt-rock and classic influences, including The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and even Motown elements from The Supremes, blending retro swagger with contemporary punch. While a 2020 expanded edition provided some remastered material, the album's profile has been boosted primarily through streaming, with Jet amassing over 6.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify as of 2024.[11][44] Its high-octane style has influenced later acts like The Struts, who echo its throwback rock ethos in their glam-infused sound.[45]Commercial performance
Chart achievements
Get Born experienced strong chart performance globally, particularly in Australia and key international markets, reflecting its widespread appeal in the early 2000s rock scene. In Australia, the album debuted at number three on the ARIA Albums Chart before reaching number one for two consecutive weeks beginning May 16, 2004.[46] It demonstrated remarkable longevity on the chart, accumulating over 100 weeks in total across its run.[47] In the United States, Get Born peaked at number 26 on the Billboard 200 chart in April 2004 after debuting at number 79 in October 2003, spending 37 weeks on the ranking.[48] It further succeeded on genre-specific lists, including number one on the Heatseekers Albums chart. The album reached number 14 on the UK Official Albums Chart upon its October 2003 entry, where it charted for 53 weeks overall, with notable endurance including 15 weeks in the Top 40.[25] In Scotland, it performed even stronger, peaking at number eight and logging 61 weeks.[25] Internationally, Get Born entered the New Zealand Albums Chart at number 25 in January 2004 and peaked at number 17. In the Netherlands, it achieved a peak of number 68 on the Dutch Albums Top 100, charting for 4 weeks, contributing to its European momentum alongside solid showings in Germany (peak number 19) and Italy (peak number 14).[49]| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ARIA Albums | 1 | 119 |
| United States | Billboard 200 | 26 | 37 |
| United Kingdom | Official Albums | 14 | 53 |
| New Zealand | Recorded Music NZ | 17 | N/A |
| Netherlands | Dutch Top 100 | 68 | 4 |
| Germany | Media Control | 19 | 8 |
| Italy | FIMI | 14 | 20 |
Sales figures and certifications
Get Born has sold over 4 million copies worldwide as of 2005, with subsequent streaming equivalents contributing to its enduring commercial legacy.[50][11] The album achieved significant certifications across multiple regions, reflecting its strong performance in key markets. In Australia, it was certified 9× Platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments exceeding 630,000 units, marking it as one of the top-selling Australian rock albums.[6] In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded it Platinum certification for 1,000,000 units shipped.[51] The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it Platinum in the United Kingdom for 300,000 units, while Music Canada granted Platinum status in Canada for 100,000 units.[51]| Region | Certification | Units Shipped | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 9× Platinum (ARIA) | 630,000 | ARIA |
| United States | Platinum (RIAA) | 1,000,000 | BestSellingAlbums.org |
| United Kingdom | Platinum (BPI) | 300,000 | BestSellingAlbums.org |
| Canada | Platinum (Music Canada) | 100,000 | BestSellingAlbums.org |
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Last Chance" | 1:53 |
| 2 | "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" | 3:55 |
| 3 | "Rollover DJ" | 3:16 |
| 4 | "Look What You've Done" | 3:50 |
| 5 | "Get What You Need" | 4:07 |
| 6 | "Move On" | 4:20 |
| 7 | "Radio Song" | 4:32 |
| 8 | "Get Me Outta Here" | 2:56 |
| 9 | "Cold Hard Bitch" | 4:03 |
| 10 | "Come Around Again" | 4:30 |
| 11 | "Take It or Leave It" | 2:22 |
| 12 | "Lazy Gun" | 4:42 |
| 13 | "Timothy" | 4:32 |
Personnel
Jet
- Nic Cester – lead vocals, guitar[1]
- Cameron Muncey – guitar, backing vocals[1]
- Mark Wilson – bass, keyboards, harmonica (track 6)[1]
- Chris Cester – drums, backing vocals, percussion[1]
Additional musicians
- Billy Preston – keyboards (tracks 3, 11)[1]
- Roger Joseph Manning Jr. – keyboards (tracks 5, 7, 8, 13)[1]
- Andre Warhurst – slide guitar (track 6)[1]
- Dave Sardy – guitar (track 2), tambourine[1]