Men At Work was the classic 1980s band, here today and gone tomorrow. Their debut record in 1981, Business as Usual, spent 15 weeks atop the Billboard album charts and sold 15 million copies worldwide. The band's follow-up, 1983's Cargo, reached the top 10 in several nations and sold five million units.
By the time 1985's Two Hearts was released, though, the music-loving public had mostly moved on from Men At Work. The group never released another record.
The band still plays concerts, but the only remaining member is the most important one: Colin Hay. The songwriter, vocalist, multi-instrumentalists has one of the more unique voices of the 1980s, but not because of poor quality. Instead, he has a smooth style that begs one to listen. Just as the following five songs do.
5 gems from Men At Work still worth hearing 40 years later
"Overkill" from Cargo
Lack of sleep due to anxiety and stress? Many of us have struggled with that. Few of us can turn that into a slightly haunting melody with a sound that Men At Work was able to carve out. The track is sweet and sad, and perfectly stated. The song doesn't get played all that often on the radio now, but it did reach No. 3 in the United States.
"Everything I Need" from Two Hearts
Two Hearts was a bit of a mess to record. The band members weren't getting along all that well, which led to many parts being recorded on their own. That led to a disjointed record, but one with several songs that are still very strong. Another great Colin Hay track, but one that is overly happy while also reflective. If you have been in a long-term relationship, this is the song for you.
"Down Under" from Business as Usual
To be fair, no list of elite Men At Work tracks can be taken seriously without their signature song. Is it silly in parts? Of course, but intentionally so. The song isn't the official national anthem of Australia, but maybe unofficially it is. Fun, peppy, and unforgettable.
"Blue for You" from Cargo
The subject matter of the song was already depressing enough, of course. Post-breakup, the narrator is holed up in their apartment, reflecting on what has been lost. It is the implications of one thinking about suicide that add weight to the top, though. The music is classic Men At Work with an easy beauty, but the subject is a difficult one, sung and performed exceptionally.
"I Can See It in Your Eyes" from Business as Usual
A song about another relationship that has run its course, this one offers far more subtle humor than "Blue for You." The first verse includes a line about looking at recipes of the other person's mother. Sounds silly, but it's lyrically clever. This fast-paced diamond never loses control, and might have been lost, as it's the second song on the album, with the first being "Who Can It Be Now?"
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