In January 1982, around the time of the live recording of "Don't Wanna Be the One" at Wanda Beach, Midnight Oil had recently released their album "Place Without a Postcard" in late 1981. This album marked an important phase for the band, showcasing their unique blend of rock and socially conscious lyrics that would come to define their sound. "Place Without a Postcard" included themes reflecting Australian identity and environmental concerns, which later became a hallmark of their music. The live performance at Wanda Beach illustrated the band's raw energy and commitment to live shows, contributing to their growing reputation. Notably, this era was characterized by the band's increasing engagement with political issues, evident in both their lyrics and their dynamic stage presence, setting the stage for their later commercial successes.