Office Politics cover

Office Politics

The Divine Comedy · 2019

116 min · 31 tracks · alternative rock · Britpop · baroque pop

A whimsical blend of orchestral pop and sharp wit reflecting the absurdities of modern work life.

Why this album works

'Office Politics' received critical acclaim upon release, with particular praise for its clever lyrics and orchestration. It peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart, marking a strong return for Hannon and reinforcing his status as a unique voice in British pop.
Best for
whimsical reflections on work life dynamic journey with peaks playful narratives and sharp wit
Context
Released on June 7, 2019, 'Office Politics' is The Divine Comedy's tenth studio album. Following a five-year hiatus since their previous album 'Foreverland', Neil Hannon reestablished his distinctive storytelling style, embedding satirical observations about contemporary office culture within lush arrangements.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Queuejumper 3:07
  • 2 Office Politics Standout 4:02
  • 3 Norman and Norma 3:45
  • 4 Absolutely Obsolete Standout 4:13
  • 5 Infernal Machines 3:04
  • 6 You’ll Never Work in This Town Again 4:11
  • 7 Psychological Evaluation 2:39
  • 8 The Synthesiser Service Centre Super Summer Sale 3:50

Disc 2

  • 1 The Life and Soul of the Party 3:28
  • 2 A Feather in Your Cap 4:00
  • 3 I’m a Stranger Here 4:38
  • 4 Dark Days Are Here Again 3:15
  • 5 Philip and Steve’s Furniture Removal Company 4:51
  • 6 ‘Opportunity’ Knox 3:43
  • 7 After the Lord Mayor’s Show 3:46
  • 8 When the Working Day Is Done 4:13

Disc 3

  • 1 Whistle for a Wind 6:04
  • 2 The Swallow 6:21
  • 3 The Conquering Heroes 4:23
  • 4 Fighting Swallow 1:15
  • 5 The Amazon Pirates 3:42
  • 6 The Parley 3:49
  • 7 Better Drowned Than Duffers 3:24
  • 8 Let’s Make the Best of It 4:00
  • 9 Navy Stroke 3:00
  • 10 Like Robinson Crusoe 3:48
  • 11 Titty’s Dream 4:10
  • 12 The Conquering Heroes, Victory Chorus 1:55
  • 13 The Black Spot 3:22
  • 14 The Parley – Flint’s Apology 3:26
  • 15 Swallows and Amazons Forever 2:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata