Men at Work Albums (4)
'Two Hearts'
Release Date 1/26/1999
Tracks 10
Label Sony International
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Originally only available as an import in 1996 (titled Brazil 96), the slightly renamed Brazil was finally released stateside two years later. Recorded live during a sold-out Brazilian tour, the '96 version of Men at Work contained only two of its original members -- singer/guitarist Colin Hay and saxophonist/flutist Greg Ham. But the new members sound almost identical to the originals, and with a stellar set list comprised almost entirely of classic material, it's near-impossible to hear the difference between the Men at Work lineups of 1996 and 1983. Positively electric versions of all their hits are here -- "Who Can It Be Now?," "Overkill," "It's a Mistake," and "Down Under," as well as strong album tracks ("Touching the Untouchables," "Down By the Sea," "Catch a Star," etc.) and a couple of songs that were popular '80s videos ("Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive," "Be Good Johnny"). Also included is an all-new composition, the Greg Ham-penned "The Longest Night," recorded in March of 1998. Brazil shows why Men at Work was one of the '80s' greatest success stories, and one of the few bands of that era who doesn't sound dated in the present. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Cargo was bashed out fairly quickly, but its release was delayed because of the success of Men at Work's debut, Business as Usual. Though it was recorded on the road, Cargo is considerably more diverse -- but not necessarily more ambitious -- than its predecessor. Again, the album is anchored by two extraordinary singles. Fortunately, the soaring ballad "Overkill" and the satiric, anti-nuclear "It's a Mistake" aren't rewrites of "Who Can It Be Now?" and "Down Under," demonstrating more depth than anything on the debut. Despite this growth, the remainder of Cargo is weighed down by filler. "Doctor Heckyll and Mr. Jive" might be goofy fun and "High Wire" and "Blue for You" are tight pop songs, but the rest are simply pleasant, occasionally embarrassing ("I Like To," "Settle Down My Boy") new wave pop. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Business as Usual became a surprise international hit on the basis of "Who Can It Be Now?" and "Down Under," two excellent singles that merged straight-ahead pop/rock hooks with a quirky new wave production and an offbeat sense of humor. Colin Hay's keening vocals uncannily recall Sting, and the band's rhythmic pulse and phased guitars also bring to mind a bar band version of the Police. And that helps make the remainder of Business as Usual enjoyable. There's a fair amount of filler on the record, but "Be Good Johnny," "I Can See It in Your Eyes," and "Down by the Sea" are all fine new wave pop songs, making Business as Usual one of the more enjoyable mainstream-oriented efforts of the era. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
