Music @ Work
The Tragically Hip · 2000
51 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of reflective lyrics and eclectic rock sounds that balances upbeat rhythms with contemplative melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Music at Work Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and introspective lyrics about the relationship between music and daily life, encapsulating the album's central theme.
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Lake Fever — With its rich imagery and narrative style, this track offers a deep dive into personal experiences and reflections, showcasing the band's lyrical depth and storytelling prowess.
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Freak Turbulence — This song features an energetic rhythm paired with sharp lyrics that critique societal norms, making it a standout example of the band's ability to meld commentary with catchy melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances reflective lyrics with eclectic rock sounds, showcasing solid craftsmanship and thematic cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first track features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered instrumentation that sets a reflective tone for the album.
- Several tracks incorporate shifts in dynamics, such as 'Lake Fever,' which transitions from quiet verses to a more intense chorus.
- The album includes moments of spoken word interspersed with melodic sections, particularly evident in 'The Bastard.'
- The final track, 'As I Wind Down the Pines,' concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of contemplation.
- 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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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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 for focus
- storytelling that invites reflection
- for afternoon work breaks
- vibrant energy without urgency
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening
- seek immediate emotional payoff
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its themes and sound, though not the most accessible entry point.
- Themes
- workplace reflections· Canadian cultural identity· everyday narratives
- Career context
- Released on June 6, 2000, Music @ Work was The Tragically Hip's seventh studio album, following their successful release Trouble at the Henhouse in 1996. At this point, the band was solidifying their legacy as one of Canada's most beloved rock acts while exploring new musical directions and lyrical themes that resonated with their dedicated fanbase.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Blue Rodeo· The Weakerthans· Gord Downie
Tracklist
- 1 My Music at Work Start here 3:06
- 2 Tiger the Lion 5:30
- 3 Lake Fever 4:34
- 4 Putting Down 3:13
- 5 Stay 3:22
- 6 The Bastard 4:54
- 7 The Completists 3:07
- 8 Freak Turbulence 2:53
- 9 Sharks 4:14
- 10 Toronto #4 2:59
- 11 Wild Mountain Honey 3:56
- 12 Train Overnight 3:17
- 13 The Bear 3:55
- 14 As I Wind Down the Pines 2:34
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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