Cargo
Men at Work · 1983
41 min · 10 tracks · new wave
A vibrant blend of pop rock and new wave infused with reggae rhythms, reflecting the band's Australian roots.
Top tracks — play these first
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Overkill — This track features introspective lyrics paired with a haunting melody, exemplifying the band's lyrical depth and melodic sophistication.
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It's a Mistake — With its memorable chorus and critique of war, this song stands out for its poignant social commentary wrapped in an accessible pop format.
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Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive — This track showcases the band's playful approach to storytelling through music, combining catchy rhythms with clever lyrics about duality.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Cargo showcases a mix of upbeat tracks and introspective moments, reflecting Men at Work's evolving sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features a prominent saxophone riff, setting a lively tone for the first half.
- Several tracks incorporate reggae-inspired rhythms, particularly in the percussion and bass lines, which are distinctively Australian.
- The second half of the album introduces more introspective themes, with 'Overkill' featuring a slower tempo and reflective lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo flow
- thoughtful lyrical reflections
- immersive listening experience
- melodic and catchy hooks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Cargo was Men at Work's second album, following their breakout debut Business as Usual in 1981. Released in 1983, this album came during a peak period in the band's commercial success, showcasing their ability to evolve while maintaining catchy hooks and social commentary.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Culture Club· Talking Heads
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive 4:38
- 2 Overkill 3:44
- 3 Settle Down My Boy 3:30
- 4 Upstairs in My House 4:02
- 5 No Sign of Yesterday 6:09
- 6 It's a Mistake 4:33
- 7 High Wire 3:00
- 8 Blue for You 3:53
- 9 I Like To 4:01
- 10 No Restrictions 4:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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