The Works cover

The Works

Bananarama · 2007

181 min · 48 tracks · new wave

A vibrant collection of dance-pop anthems that encapsulates Bananarama's catchy hooks and playful energy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Really Saying Something Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Cruel Summer — This track captures the quintessential summer vibe with its infectious melody and lyrics about longing, embodying the essence of Bananarama's early hits.
  • →
    Venus — A definitive anthem, this song blends rock and pop elements, showcasing Bananarama's knack for transforming covers into chart-topping successes.
  • →
    I Heard a Rumour — With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, this track exemplifies the duo's signature style while addressing themes of love and gossip.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful energy for gatherings
  • nostalgic sing-along moments
  • dynamic collection for road trips
  • short bursts of joy
  • vibrant hooks that uplift

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking deep, introspective themes
  • prefer lengthy immersive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Bananarama's ability to reinvent their sound after a long hiatus.
Themes
girl group revival· 2000s pop nostalgia· dance floor empowerment
Career context
The Works is Bananarama's seventh studio album, released in 2007, marking their return after a nine-year hiatus since 1998's Drama. At this point in their career, the duo had navigated various musical styles and line-up changes, with this album reflecting their enduring appeal within the pop landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Dead or Alive· Culture Club· Kylie Minogue

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye

    The song features a shift from personal narrative to a collective chant that invites audience participation.

    This communal aspect not only enhances the song's catchiness but also reflects the band's ability to engage listeners in a fun and memorable way.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Really Saying Something Start here 2:43
  • 2 Shy Boy 3:13
  • 3 Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye 3:28
  • 4 Cruel Summer 3:32
  • 5 Robert De Niro's Waiting 3:40
  • 6 Cheers Then 3:30
  • 7 Rough Justice 3:33
  • 8 Hotline to Heaven (7" version) 3:53
  • 9 Wish You Were Here 3:42
  • 10 Through a Child's Eyes 3:40
  • 11 Aie A Mwana 3:34
  • 12 He's Got Tact 2:57
  • 13 Young at Heart 3:10
  • 14 King of the Jungle 3:32
  • 15 State I'm In 2:46
  • 16 The Wild Life 3:56

Disc 2

  • 1 Venus 3:51
  • 2 Love in the First Degree 3:32
  • 3 I Want You Back 3:46
  • 4 I Heard a Rumour 3:25
  • 5 A Trick of the Night 4:40
  • 6 Do Not Disturb 3:25
  • 7 I Can't Help It 3:31
  • 8 More Than Physical (single version) 5:04
  • 9 White Train 3:52
  • 10 True Confessions 5:19
  • 11 Set on You 3:57
  • 12 Clean Cut Boy (Party Size) 4:38
  • 13 Mr Sleaze 4:43
  • 14 Bad for Me 3:38
  • 15 Once in a Lifetime 4:03
  • 16 Ecstasy (Wild Style) 5:36

Disc 3

  • 1 Help 2:57
  • 2 Nathan Jones 3:19
  • 3 Love Truth and Honesty 3:25
  • 4 Cruel Summer (1989 Swing Beat single version) 3:19
  • 5 Preacher Man 3:14
  • 6 More, More, More 3:22
  • 7 Only Your Love 3:58
  • 8 Long Train Running 3:30
  • 9 Movin' On 4:34
  • 10 Last Thing on My Mind 3:32
  • 11 Is Your Love Strong Enough? 5:06
  • 12 Tripping on Your Love (single mix) 3:13
  • 13 Ain't No Cure 3:26
  • 14 Outta Sight 4:32
  • 15 Give It All Up for Love 3:55
  • 16 Is She Good to You 3:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata