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Shaka Rock
Studio album by
Jet
Released19 August 2009 (2009-08-19)
RecordedOctober 2008 – April 2009
StudioLos Angeles, California
GenreHard rock
Length40:50
LabelReal Horrorshow Records, EMI Music
Producer
Jet chronology
Shine On
(2006) 		Shaka Rock
(2009) 		Get Born Live
(2018)
Singles from Shaka Rock
  1. "She's a Genius"
    Released: 22 June 2009
  2. "Black Hearts (On Fire)"
    Released: September 2009
  3. "Seventeen"
    Released: April 2010

Shaka Rock is the third studio album by Australian rock band Jet. It was released on 21 August 2009 by Virgin Records.[1]

History

[edit]

The band began working on the album in 2008. After touring was completed for their previous album, Shine On, the band took a short break. The album was originally thought to be released in late 2008 but a secret show was played in Melbourne in December 2008 only to debut new material. Various tracks from the album were played at this concert, including the first single "She's a Genius". In an interview with MTV's Ruby Rose on Channel 10's 7PM Project, it was said two unnamed tracks were recorded in Australia, one in Melbourne and one in Sydney.[citation needed] The album was posted on 20 August 2009 on the band's MySpace page.

The track "K.I.A (Killed in Action)" was added to Jet's website in early April 2009. Altsounds.com first reported on the album in late April 2009—drawing on information from the leaked press kit and providing the image of the album cover.

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic51/100[2]
Review scores
SourceRating
The AgeStarStarStar[3]
AllMusicStarStar[4]
Billboard(favourable)[5]
The Boston Globe(favorable)[6]
Los Angeles Times(mixed)[7]
MojoStarStar[8]
QStarStarStarStar[9]
Rolling StoneStarStar
SpinStarStarStarStarStarStar[10]
UncutStarStar[8]

Shaka Rock was met with "mixed or average" reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, this release received an average score of 51 based on 9 reviews.[2]

Q rated "K.I.A" in the Q50 for September 2009 and the album as a whole fell just outside the magazine's best fifty albums of the year. The record has been made Entertainment Weekly Picks of The Week for 23 August.[11]

Track listing

[edit]
Shaka Rock track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."K.I.A. (Killed in Action)"C. Cester3:31
2."Beat on Repeat"N. Cester, C. Cester2:32
3."She's a Genius"C. Cester3:01
4."Black Hearts (On Fire)"C. Cester, Muncey3:14
5."Seventeen"N. Cester, C. Cester, Muncey3:41
6."La Di Da"N. Cester2:55
7."Goodbye Hollywood"N. Cester4:13
8."Walk"C. Cester, Muncey3:07
9."Times Like This"N. Cester, Muncey, Wilson, C. Cester3:22
10."Let Me Out"N. Cester3:12
11."Start the Show"Muncey, Wilson3:59
12."She Holds a Grudge"N. Cester, Muncey4:17
Japanese bonus tracks[12]
No.TitleLength
13."Don't Break Me Down"3:35
14."Everything Will Be Alright"2:54
Vinyl bonus track[13]
No.TitleLength
13."One Hipster One Bullit"2:12
iTunes bonus tracks[14]
No.TitleLength
13."Look What You've Done" (iTunes Originals version)3:54
14."Are You Gonna Be My Girl?" (iTunes Originals version)3:34
15."Never Tear Us Apart" (INXS acoustic cover; pre-order only)3:17

Personnel

[edit]

Jet

  • Chris Cester – drums, percussion (1–6, 8, 9, 11), vocals (1, 2, 8), backing vocals (5, 7, 9), samples (1), smashing glass (8)
  • Nic Cester – vocals (1–11), guitar (1–5, 7–12), percussion (2, 6, 7), backing vocals (6, 12), acoustic guitar (6, 8), fuzz guitar (6), Arp keys (7), wah-wah (11)
  • Cameron Muncey – guitar (1–11), backing vocals (2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11), 12-string guitar (7), vibraphone (11), lead vocals (12), slide guitar (12), Acoustic Guitar (12)
  • Mark Wilson – bass (1–7, 9–12), samples (2, 3), backing vocals (2, 9), synthesizer (4, 5), piano (5, 12), fuzz bass (8)

Additional musicians

[edit]
  • Chris Smith – guitar (1, 3, 12), Hammond M1 (7), tremolo guitar (7), backing vocals (9)
  • Troupe Gammage – piano (5, 6, 8)
  • Brooks Johnson – vocals (1)
  • Ella Stovall – vocals (1)
  • Josie Johnson – vocals (1)
  • Theo Tolan – vocals (1)
  • Samantha May – vocals (1)
  • Caroline Pollan – vocals (1)
  • Hanna Rimel – vocals (1)
  • Asia Biddle – vocals (1)
  • Matthew Beck – vocals (1)
  • Drew Eno – vocals (1)
  • Meimei Graber – vocals (1)
  • Alex Clark – vocals (1)
  • John Clark – vocals (1)
  • Madelyn Rimel – vocals (1)
  • Lane Loudamy – vocals (1)
  • Jonathan Shim – snare drum (1)
  • Rannon Ching – snare drum (1)
  • Blake Brunson – bass drum (1)
  • Jeremy Burchard – tenor drums (1)
  • James King – saxophone (3)
  • Ian McLagan – Hammond B3 (7)
  • Georgia Gutjahr – backing vocals (9)
  • Allie Freeland – backing vocals (9)
  • Clea Freeland – backing vocals (9)
  • Louis Macklin – piano (10)
  • Lukas Haas – Rhodes piano (12)

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2009) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[15] 5
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[16] 38
Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)[17] 34
French Albums (SNEP)[18] 135
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[19] 59
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[20] 12
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[21] 22
Scottish Albums (OCC)[22] 46
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[23] 15
UK Albums (OCC)[24] 53
US Billboard 200[25] 27
US Indie Store Album Sales (Billboard)[26] 11
US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[27] 9
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[28] 11

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[29] Platinum 70,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[30] Gold 7,500‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Label
Japan 19 August 2009 EMI
Australia 21 August 2009
United States 25 August 2009
United Kingdom 7 September 2009
Brazil 8 September 2009

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shaka Rock

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shaka Rock is the third studio album by the Australian rock band Jet, released on August 25, 2009. It was the band's third and final studio album until a new one announced for 2025. Formed in in 2001, Jet consists of brothers on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, on drums and backing vocals, on lead guitar and backing vocals, and Mark Wilson on bass and keyboards. The band rose to international fame with their 2003 debut album , which sold over four million copies worldwide and featured hits like "Are You Gonna Be My Girl." Shaka Rock was co-produced by the band members and Chris "Frenchie" Smith, and recorded across multiple studios in locations including and in , Austin in , in New York, and in . The album comprises 12 tracks, including "K.I.A. ()," "," "Seventeen," and "Goodbye Hollywood," blending the raw, garage-rock energy of with the more melodic and polished style of their 2006 follow-up Shine On. Released under labels including Real Horrorshow Records, Five Seven Music, and , it marked Jet's return after a three-year hiatus and was described by frontman as the band's most honest work to date. Critically, Shaka Rock received mixed reviews, earning a Metascore of 51 out of 100 on based on nine critic assessments, with praise for its high-energy riffs and rock 'n' roll swagger but criticism for lacking standout songs and originality. User reception was similarly average, with a score of 5.4 out of 10 from 39 ratings. Despite this, the album captured Jet's signature blend of classic influences from bands like and , solidifying their place in the garage rock revival movement of the .

Background and development

Conception

Following the completion of extensive touring for their second album Shine On in 2007, Jet took a short break before beginning work on their third album in early 2008. The band aimed to return to the raw, energetic rock roots that defined their debut Get Born, seeking a harder and more aggressive sound in contrast to Shine On's polished production style. This creative direction stemmed from a desire for greater autonomy, allowing the members to prioritize authentic expression over label-driven expectations. The Cester brothers' personal experiences during this period heavily influenced the album's conception. grappled with , which strained his relationships and contributed to the band's internal conflicts, while dealt with his own relational challenges. These challenges were compounded by the lingering impact of their father's death in , which had already affected the making of Shine On. These issues led to a pivotal meeting in an Italian village, where heated arguments, tears, and reconciliations reaffirmed their commitment to making together. later noted that for eight or nine months, he was uncertain if another Jet record would ever materialize. This transitional phase from Shine On's commercial pressures fueled a motivation to reinvigorate the band's dynamic, emphasizing unfiltered rock energy drawn from their hiatus reflections. The initial ideas focused on recapturing the charisma of influences while infusing contemporary swagger, setting the stage for a self-financed project that prioritized creative freedom.

Pre-release activities

Following the creative momentum from their previous Shine On, Jet returned to in late for a brief home visit, during which they recorded two unnamed tracks as proofs-of-concept for the project's direction—one in and one in . On December 17, 2008, the band held a secret performance in , debuting new material including the song "She's a " to a small crowd of fans. In early 2009, Jet utilized to build anticipation among fans, sharing snippets of upcoming tracks and exclusive audio previews to foster engagement ahead of the album's completion. The track "K.I.A. ()" was made available for streaming on the band's official website in April 2009, offering an initial taste of the record's sound. The band also participated in interviews with Australian media outlets, such as , where they described the album's energetic and rock-driven vibe without disclosing full songs or production specifics.

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording sessions for Shaka Rock took place from 2008 to April 2009 across multiple studios. The band established routines centered on live band tracking to preserve the raw energy of their performances. These sessions were marked by several challenges, including the integration of new song structures and experimentation with heavier riffs, which ultimately shaped the album's sound and resulted in 12 core tracks. Initial tracking occurred during the fall of 2008, with overdubs continuing through the winter months and final mixes completed by spring 2009. Building on brief pre-recordings conducted in as starting points, the sessions allowed the band to refine their material in focused environments.

Production process

The production of Shaka Rock was co-led by the band Jet and engineer Chris "Frenchie" Smith, who collaborated closely to capture a raw, authentic sound with greater creative autonomy than on prior albums. Recording took place across multiple locations, including studios in (such as The Bubble, Wire Recording, and Ohm Recording Facility), Big Jesus Burger Studios and Studios in , as well as sites in and , allowing the band to experiment with diverse sonic environments over several months. This decentralized approach emphasized live, in-the-moment performances to infuse the tracks with organic energy, minimizing external label influence and focusing on analog equipment like consoles and Pultec equalizers for a gritty, textured quality. Key recording techniques highlighted the band's commitment to unpolished rock authenticity, particularly in drum and guitar tracking. Drums were captured live in confined spaces like the small "Al Green Suite" at for tight, dry tones, supplemented by overhead microphones, rear room mics, and an RCA to add natural ambience without extensive post-editing. Guitars and bass were layered through multi-tracking to build dense distortion and drive, as exemplified on "Walk," where dual basses—a clean Fender Precision and a distorted 1966 Vox—were blended for rhythmic punch. Digital effects were kept minimal, prioritizing analog outboard gear to preserve the instrumentation's aggressive edge while ensuring Nic Cester's vocals remained prominent in the mix. Mixing was handled primarily at Public Hi-Fi in Austin by drummer Jim Eno, with additional contributions from Greg Gordon and Jason Buntz, who balanced the dense guitar layers against the rhythm section and vocals for a cohesive, radio-friendly dynamic. The sessions focused on clarity and impact, avoiding over-compression to retain the album's live-wire feel. Mastering was completed by at Sterling Sound, optimizing loudness for broadcast while maintaining sufficient to honor the analog-rooted production.

Composition

Musical style

Shaka Rock is primarily a album infused with garage and punk influences, marking a return to the raw energy of Jet's debut while bridging the melodic grace of their sophomore effort Shine On. Unlike the ballad-heavy focus of Shine On, the album emphasizes fewer acoustic interludes and leans into a more robust rock sound, though some reviews note a subtle softening in overall edge compared to earlier works. The sonic palette features driving rhythms, crunchy and distorted guitar riffs, and anthemic choruses that evoke swagger with occasional nods to glam elements. Tracks like "Beat on Repeat" showcase stuttering, riff-driven guitars blended with reggae-tinged experimentation, while the album's punk-rooted aggression appears in snarling blasts such as "She's a ." Broader influences from and T. Rex add bluesy and glam flourishes, contributing to the record's loud, noisy texture powered by prominent guitars and big, engaging hooks. Specific tracks highlight the album's stylistic range: the opener "K.I.A. (Killed in Action)" delivers a strange, high-energy rocker with Oasis-like intensity and punk swagger, setting a militaristic tone through its urgent drive. "Black Hearts (On Fire)" combines emotional balladry with explosive builds, transitioning from tension to release in an anthemic structure. Overall, Shaka Rock clocks in at 40:45, with tempos varying from mid-tempo grooves to uptempo bangers that maintain a consistent rock momentum across its 12 tracks.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of Shaka Rock were primarily written by brothers Nic and Chris Cester, who handled the bulk of songwriting credits across the album, with occasional collaborative input from bandmates on choruses to broaden their appeal. The content draws heavily from the Cester brothers' post-fame experiences, capturing a period of personal and professional turbulence following the darker introspection of Jet's prior album Shine On, which was shaped by their father's death. Nic Cester later reflected on the album's creation as a "real low moment," marked by reluctance and disillusionment amid strained band dynamics, infusing the words with raw authenticity born from adversity. Central themes include rebellion against industry expectations, fraught relationships, and from fame's excesses, often conveyed through a defiant, nostalgic lens that contrasts the album's outward with earlier inward focus. For instance, "Seventeen" explores lost youth and relational intrusion through vivid, gritty imagery of "bleeding hearts decaying," evoking the reckless chaos of young and . Similarly, "She's a " pays tribute to resilient, unconventional women who navigate turmoil with sharp intellect, praising their ability to "" amid surrounding disorder. In "Goodbye Hollywood," Nic Cester critiques the seductive pressures of the music industry, recounting his own spiral into "way too many drugs and hanging out with the wrong people" in , ultimately signaling a desire to break free and return to roots. This thematic shift toward bold escapism and relational defiance is amplified by the album's edge, lending an aggressive urgency to the nostalgic undertones.

Release and promotion

Marketing and formats

Shaka Rock was released through , an imprint of , employing a staggered rollout strategy across international markets to maximize exposure. The album launched first in on 19 August 2009, followed by on 21 August, the on 25 August, the on 7 September, and later in in 2009. This approach allowed for region-specific tailoring, with the Australian release distributed via Music Australia under the band's independent Real Horrorshow Records imprint. The album appeared in multiple formats to cater to diverse consumer preferences, including the standard 12-track edition, digital download via platforms like , and a limited-edition vinyl LP pressed for collectors. Deluxe editions with bonus content were available in select markets; for instance, the Japanese version included two additional tracks, "Don't Break Me Down" and "Everything Will Be Alright," extending the runtime and appealing to international fans. exclusives further enhanced digital accessibility, featuring bonus tracks such as "Look What You've Done" ( Originals version) in some regions. These variations helped broaden the album's reach without overcomplicating the core release structure. Marketing for Shaka Rock emphasized cost-effective, tactics over heavy spending, focusing on organic buzz cultivated through pre-release shows and online engagement. In , television advertisements aired to build anticipation, while tie-ins with major rock festivals provided live previews of material. Digital promotion included an early full-album stream on the band's page on 20 August 2009, just ahead of the Australian launch, fostering fan interaction and word-of-mouth momentum. The album's packaging incorporated bold, graffiti-style graphics evoking the relaxed yet rebellious "" hand gesture, symbolizing the record's high-energy rock ethos and streetwise aesthetic.

Singles

The from Shaka Rock, "She's a Genius", was released on 22 June 2009. The track received moderate on rock radio stations, peaking at number 18 on the US Mainstream Rock chart and number 21 on the Alternative Songs chart. In , it entered the ARIA Singles Chart at number 87, its peak position, before dropping out after three weeks with limited sales of around 818 digital downloads in its final week. The music video, directed by the Australian team Krozm, features high-energy visuals of performing amid chaotic antics, including a teenage character on a bike ride, emphasizing the song's raw rock energy. "Black Hearts (On Fire)" followed as the second single in September 2009. It garnered some rock radio support in the US, reaching number 32 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The single's promotion included live session videos showcasing the band's energetic delivery, aligning with a strategy focused on radio airplay and visual content to highlight the album's garage rock revival style. Unlike the lead single, it did not chart in Australia. The third single, "Seventeen", arrived in April 2010 and became a modest success in the band's home market, peaking at number 31 on the ARIA Singles Chart after 11 weeks. Though it underperformed commercially compared to earlier releases, the track gained traction as a fan favorite for its nostalgic lyrics and driving riff, with the single package including B-sides and remixes to extend its appeal. The release continued the album's promotion through high-energy music videos and targeted radio pushes on alternative stations. Overall, the singles strategy for Shaka Rock emphasized radio airplay on rock formats and dynamic visuals to recapture the band's early momentum, though the tracks achieved limited mainstream breakthrough beyond niche rock audiences.

Touring and live performances

Following the release of Shaka Rock on 21 August 2009 in , Jet embarked on a world tour to promote the album, beginning with home-soil performances including festival appearances before expanding internationally. The band played a pre-release show on 2 August 2009 at Big Top in , where they debuted several new tracks from the album, marking an energetic return after a three-year hiatus from touring. Their first post-release performances included sets at the in the UK on 22-23 August 2009. This Australian leg included headline dates in major cities such as and in December 2009, drawing strong local crowds and blending Shaka Rock material with earlier hits to re-engage fans. The tour then moved to in 2009, with seven UK shows announced as part of the jaunt, including festival appearances that showcased the album's raw rock edge. The Shaka Rock Tour, spanning late 2009 to early 2010, encompassed 55 concerts across , , and , with over 20 dates in the alone highlighting the band's focus on rebuilding momentum in key markets. Setlists typically integrated fresh cuts like "She's a Genius," "Black Hearts (On Fire)," "Seventeen," and "Beat On Repeat" alongside staples from such as "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" and "Cold Hard Bitch," creating a high-energy mix that averaged 15-20 songs per performance. This approach allowed Jet to highlight the album's revival while capitalizing on their established anthems, often closing shows with extended encores to sustain audience enthusiasm. In , the itinerary kicked off in October 2009 with arena and theater headline slots, extending into a spring 2010 run that wrapped on 6 March at Northern Lights in . Notable highlights included Jet's set at the in the UK on 22-23 August 2009, where they delivered a tight performance of Shaka Rock tracks amid rainy conditions, earning praise for their unyielding stage presence. Later in the year, they supported on 16 December 2009 at in as part of the Tour, exposing the album to a broader rock audience in a high-profile co-bill. The tour faced underlying challenges with internal band dynamics, as founding members navigated creative tensions that would later contribute to their 2012 disbandment, though these did not visibly disrupt the live shows at the time. Overall, the outing reaffirmed Jet's live prowess, with consistent sold-out venues underscoring the album's role in sustaining their career trajectory. In the years following the original tour, Shaka Rock tracks saw occasional revivals during Jet's sporadic reunions, particularly in their 2023 20th anniversary shows across . These performances dusted off songs like "Black Hearts (On Fire)" and "Last Chance," integrating them into sets dominated by debut-era material to celebrate the band's full catalog. The 2023 induction further spotlighted their legacy, with live medleys incorporating Shaka Rock elements during the ceremony. Extending into 2024-2025, reunion activity included North American dates and festival appearances, where select Shaka Rock numbers continued to appear—alongside the 2024 single "Hurry Hurry"—signaling a renewed appreciation for the album's contributions amid plans for a fourth studio album in 2025.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release in 2009, Shaka Rock garnered mixed reviews from critics, reflected in its Metacritic aggregate score of 51 out of 100 based on nine reviews, indicating generally average reception. Publications such as Billboard praised the album's high-energy guitar assaults and its appeal to modern rock audiences, describing it as a solid effort that maintained Jet's raw, riff-driven style reminiscent of classic influences like AC/DC. Similarly, Q Magazine highlighted its successful harnessing of "Stones-age rock with a groovy undercarriage," noting how tracks like "She's a Genius" delivered infectious hooks and a back-to-basics vigor that revitalized the band's sound. However, several reviewers critiqued the album for its lack of innovation and over-reliance on 1970s rock tropes, with calling it a formulaic continuation of Jet's earlier work that failed to evolve beyond competent but predictable structures. Mojo echoed this sentiment, arguing that while the production captured echoing ancestral voices from rock's past, the songs lacked the strength to stand independently, resulting in a feel compared to the fresher songwriting on Jet's debut . Uncut described it as "worryingly lacking in pizzazz," pointing to overt references and weaker lyrical depth that diminished its overall impact. The noted its "unmistakable and confident move toward respectability."

Commercial performance

Shaka Rock debuted at number 5 on the Albums Chart in , spending a total of eight weeks in the top 50 and earning a certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association for shipments exceeding 35,000 units. In the United States, the album entered the at its peak position of number 27 before dropping off the chart after one week, reflecting limited mainstream appeal compared to Jet's earlier releases. The album also charted modestly in the , reaching number 53 on the Official Albums Chart for a single week. Internationally, Shaka Rock achieved peaks of number 38 on the Austrian Albums Chart (two weeks), number 22 on the Albums Chart (two weeks), number 15 on the Swiss Albums Chart (four weeks), and number 135 on the French Albums Chart (one week).

Track listing

Standard edition

The standard edition of Shaka Rock, released in 2009, features 12 tracks all written by members of the band Jet. With a total runtime of 40:54, the track listing is as follows:
No.TitleDuration
1."K.I.A. (Killed in Action)"3:29
2."Beat on Repeat"2:30
3."She's a "2:59
4."Black Hearts (On Fire)"3:14
5."Seventeen"3:41
6."La Di Da"2:53
7."Goodbye Hollywood"4:13
8."Walk"3:07
9."Times Like This"3:20
10."Let Me Out"3:12
11."Start the Show"3:59
12."She Holds a Grudge"4:17

Bonus tracks and variations

Pre-order exclusives for the and markets offered an acoustic cover of INXS's "" (3:17), available only to early buyers as a digital download. The Japanese edition added two exclusive bonus tracks to the standard listing: "Don't Break Me Down" (3:35) and "Everything Will Be Alright" (2:57). The vinyl pressing was limited to the standard edition tracks.

Personnel

Band members

The lineup for Shaka Rock consisted of Jet's four founding members, unchanged from their previous albums (2003) and Shine On (2006), with all performing on the album's core tracks. provided lead vocals, rhythm guitar (electric and acoustic), and percussion across the album, while serving as a primary songwriter on tracks including "La Di Da" and "Goodbye Hollywood." His brother handled drums on all tracks and sampler duties on tracks 1 and 2, contributed backing and lead vocals (notably on "K.I.A. ()" and "Walk"), and co-wrote several songs such as "Beat on Repeat"; he also participated in production as part of the band's co-production role with Chris "Frenchie" Smith. Cameron Muncey played (including slide and 12-string variations) on most tracks, on "Start the Show," and backing vocals throughout. Mark Wilson contributed on all tracks, on select tracks, along with backing vocals, on select songs, and co-writing credits on pieces like "Seventeen." Songwriting credits for the album are distributed among the band members, with writing tracks such as "Black Hearts (On Fire)," "La Di Da," "Goodbye Hollywood," "Start the Show," and "She Holds a Grudge"; writing "K.I.A. ()," "She's a ," and co-writing several others; Mark Wilson writing "Seventeen"; and various co-writes for the remainder.

Additional musicians

In addition to the core band members, Shaka Rock features contributions from several session musicians who provided overdubs and specialized instrumentation to enhance the album's texture and dynamics. Chris "Frenchie" Smith, who also served as co-producer, played on tracks 1 ("K.I.A. ()"), 3 ("She's a Genius"), and 12 ("She Holds a Grudge"), as well as Hammond M1 organ and tremolo guitar on track 7 ("Goodbye Hollywood"), adding layered guitar elements and organ swells that bolstered the songs' rhythmic drive and atmospheric depth. Ian McLagan, the renowned keyboardist formerly of the Faces, contributed Hammond B3 organ to track 7 ("Goodbye Hollywood"), infusing the track with rich, soulful organ tones characteristic of his pedigree. Other session players included percussionists Blake Brunson (), Jeremy Burchard (tenor drums), Jonathan Shim (), and Rannon Ching () on track 1, creating a martial percussion backdrop; saxophonist James King on track 3 for a punchy horn accent; Troupe Gammage on tracks 5 ("Seventeen"), 6 ("La Di Da"), and 8 ("Walk"); Louis Macklin on track 10 ("Let Me Out"); and actor/musician on Fender Rhodes for track 12. These contributions were primarily limited to targeted overdubs, supporting the band's foundational sound without integrating into full performances.

Charts and certifications

Chart positions

Shaka Rock achieved moderate commercial success on international charts following its release in 2009, with its strongest performance in and limited longevity elsewhere. The album did not appear in any year-end top 100 rankings globally.
Chart (2009)Peak positionWeeks on chart
(ARIA Albums Chart)520
(ARIA Top 20 Rock Albums)11
Austria ()381
(SNEP Top Albums)1351
(Official German Charts)591
(RMNZ Albums Chart)222
()152
(Official Albums Chart)531
Billboard 200275
Top Rock Albums ()118
The album's chart runs were brief outside , reflecting its targeted rock audience and competition from mainstream releases that year.

Sales certifications

Shaka Rock was certified in by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments exceeding 35,000 units. The album did not receive sales certifications in the United States, , or any other regions. No further certifications have been issued.

References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/album/shaka-rock-mw0000824605
  2. https://www.jetofficial.com/
  3. https://www.discogs.com/release/27981090-Jet-Shaka-Rock
  4. https://www.amazon.com/Shaka-Rock-JET/dp/B002HWON2K
  5. https://www.nme.com/news/music/jet-9-1310422
  6. https://www.metacritic.com/music/shaka-rock/jet
  7. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jet-mn0000346806
  8. https://australianmusician.com.au/jet-shaka-rock/
  9. https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/oz-rockers-jet-recovering-from-career-turbulence-idUSTRE56K5XE/
  10. https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jet-feature-1571/
  11. https://www.last.fm/music/Jet/Shaka%2BRock/%2Bwiki
  12. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/jet/shes-a-genius
  13. https://guitarhero.fandom.com/wiki/Jet
  14. https://www.discogs.com/master/212108-Jet-Shaka-Rock
  15. https://imcmusic.net/artists/jet/
  16. https://myvinylreview.blogspot.com/2009/09/short-spin-jet-shaka-rock-180-gram.html
  17. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/jet_our_next_record_has_to_be_something_pretty_special.html
  18. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/compact_discs/jet/shaka_rock/9184/
  19. https://www.tuftsdaily.com/article/2009/09/jet-rocks-softer-but-soundly-with-shaka-rock
  20. https://www.spin.com/2009/08/jet-shaka-rock-real-horrorshowfive-seven/
  21. https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/mjf9/
  22. https://spinningplatters.com/album-review-jet-shaka-rock/
  23. https://www.songwritingmagazine.co.uk/interviews/interview-jets-nic-cester
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/8595726-Jet-Shaka-Rock
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/2491603-Jet-Shaka-Rock
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/3470349-Jet-Shaka-Rock
  27. https://open.spotify.com/album/62irbG3MbuDZ7T9Y5JQRU1
  28. https://www.antimusic.com/news/09/april/23New_Jet_Album_Landing_in_August.shtml
  29. https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/jet-single-flops/
  30. https://www.billboard.com/artist/jet/chart-history/alt-01/
  31. https://acharts.co/song/54729
  32. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/jet?page=4&year=2009
  33. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/jet-play-new-songs-at-sydney-concert-20090803-e6co.html
  34. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/jet/2009/metro-theatre-sydney-australia-bd4757e.html
  35. https://www.nme.com/news/music/jet-10-1311216
  36. https://guestpectacular.com/artists/jet/events/tour/shaka-rock
  37. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/jet-3bd6d060.html?year=2009
  38. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/jet/2009/azteca-music-hall-amarillo-tx-bd0f596.html
  39. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/jet/2009/weston-park-weston-under-lizard-england-5bd09b38.html
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pseaVFFtHFU
  41. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/jet?page=1&year=2009
  42. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/jet-3bd6d060.html?year=2023
  43. https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/jet-induction-2023-aria-hall-of-fame-1235415603/
  44. https://consequence.net/2025/01/jet-2025-north-american-tour/
  45. https://www.noise11.com/news/jet-to-release-fourth-album-15-years-after-shaka-rock-20240313
  46. https://www.metacritic.com/music/shaka-rock/jet/critic-reviews/?publication=billboardcom
  47. https://www.metacritic.com/music/shaka-rock/jet/critic-reviews/?publication=q-magazine
  48. https://www.metacritic.com/music/shaka-rock/jet/critic-reviews/?publication=mojo
  49. https://www.metacritic.com/music/shaka-rock/jet/critic-reviews/?publication=uncut-uk
  50. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/08/25/long-derided-rockers-of-jet-make-bold-move-toward-respectability/
  51. https://acharts.co/album/49116
  52. https://www.bmg.com/news/BMG-acquires-Jets-recordings-catalogue
  53. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/jet-announces-break-up-1098226/
  54. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/jet-shaka-rock/
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/1902110-Jet-Shaka-Rock
  56. https://www.discogs.com/artist/46819-Jet-2
  57. https://www.discogs.com/release/4532445-Jet-Shaka-Rock
  58. https://acharts.co/australia_albums_top_50/2009/39
  59. https://www.chartsinfrance.net/Jet/Shaka-Rock-a106724497.html
  60. http://musicchartsarchive.com/albums/jet/shaka-rock
  61. https://www.aria.com.au/accreditations
  62. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/jet-reunite-get-born-anniversary-tour-1235353803/
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