Men At Work – Cargo

Men At Work – Cargo

Released in April 1983, Cargo is the second studio album from Australian rock band Men At Work, following the extraordinary international success of their multi-million-selling debut Business as Usual. Building on the distinctive sound that had made them one of the biggest new wave bands of the early 1980s, the album delivers another accomplished collection of melodic pop rock, new wave, reggae-influenced rhythms and sharp, character-driven songwriting.

Led by singer, guitarist and principal songwriter Colin Hay, Men At Work developed a musical identity that stood apart from many of their contemporaries. Their sound combined infectious guitar hooks, inventive keyboard and saxophone arrangements, tightly constructed rhythms and Hay's distinctive vocal delivery. The contributions of Greg Ham, Ron Strykert, John Rees and Jerry Speiser were equally important, giving the band a colourful and instantly recognisable ensemble sound.

Produced by Peter McIan, Cargo was recorded during 1982 at studios in Melbourne, Sydney and Los Angeles. Although it followed a hugely successful debut, the album demonstrated that Men At Work were capable of developing their songwriting and arrangements rather than simply repeating an established formula. Its songs move between energetic, rhythmically driven rock and more reflective melodic compositions, with a slightly darker and more varied atmosphere than its predecessor.

One of the album's standout tracks is Overkill, a beautifully constructed song featuring an atmospheric arrangement, memorable guitar work and one of Colin Hay's finest vocal performances. Its introspective lyrics and understated musical tension made it one of the band's most enduring recordings. It's A Mistake provides another major highlight, combining an infectious pop rock arrangement with pointed commentary on the threat of nuclear conflict during the Cold War era. Both tracks became international hits and helped establish Cargo as a substantial success in its own right.

The opening Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive showcases the band's playful lyrical imagination and energetic musicianship, while Settle Down My Boy and Upstairs In My House demonstrate their ability to combine quirky storytelling with inventive arrangements. No Sign Of Yesterday offers a more atmospheric and reflective conclusion to the first side.

The second half continues with the punchy High Wire, the melodic Blue For You and the more understated I Like To, before closing with No Restrictions. Throughout, the band's distinctive blend of guitar-driven rock, new wave sensibilities, reggae-influenced rhythms and melodic pop remains consistently engaging.

Commercially, Cargo confirmed Men At Work's position as one of Australia's most successful musical exports of the early 1980s. The album reached the top of the Australian charts and climbed to number three on the US Billboard 200, further cementing the group's international reputation.

A superb example of early-1980s Australian new wave and pop rock, Cargo combines memorable songwriting, distinctive arrangements and an unmistakable sense of character. An essential Men At Work release for fans of classic new wave, melodic rock and the golden era of 1980s pop.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive
A2. Overkill
A3. Settle Down My Boy
A4. Upstairs In My House
A5. No Sign Of Yesterday

Side B
B1. It's A Mistake
B2. High Wire
B3. Blue For You
B4. I Like To
B5. No Restrictions