What makes Two Hearts by Men at Work notable?

Two Hearts peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200, showcasing Men at Work's continued commercial appeal. The album features hit singles like 'Man With Two Hearts', which contributed to its success, solidifying the band's reputation during the mid-1980s. Released in 1985, Two Hearts was Men at Work's third studio album, following their successful sophomore effort Cargo. At this point in their career, the band was riding the wave of international recognition from hits like 'Down Under' and 'Who Can It Be Now?', establishing themselves as a staple of the new wave movement.

Who is Two Hearts for?

Two Hearts works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, uplifting sing-along moments and vibrant energy for gatherings.

How many songs are on Two Hearts?

Two Hearts has 10 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Two Hearts

Men at Work · 1985

36 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of pop rock and reggae rhythms infused with introspective lyrics and catchy melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Man With Two Hearts — As the lead single, this track encapsulates the album's themes of duality and emotional complexity, featuring a memorable chorus that highlights the band's signature sound.
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Children on Parade — This track stands out with its poignant reflection on innocence and societal issues, showcasing deeper lyrical content amid the upbeat arrangement.
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Giving Up — The song contrasts a lively melody with lyrics about resignation, illustrating the band's ability to merge catchy hooks with thoughtful themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases varied tempos and styles but lacks the depth of their earlier work.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong lead single that features a prominent saxophone riff, setting a vibrant tone.
Tracks often shift between upbeat pop rock and slower, introspective moments, creating dynamic contrasts.
Several songs incorporate reggae rhythms, particularly in the bass lines and guitar strumming patterns.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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 groove
uplifting sing-along moments
vibrant energy for gatherings
nostalgic reflections on youth

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek deep introspective themes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1985, Two Hearts was Men at Work's third studio album, following their successful sophomore effort Cargo. At this point in their career, the band was riding the wave of international recognition from hits like 'Down Under' and 'Who Can It Be Now?', establishing themselves as a staple of the new wave movement.
Stylistic neighbors: The B-52's· Culture Club· Talking Heads