"Business as Usual" is the debut studio album by Australian new wave band Men at Work, released in November 1981 in Australia and April 1982 in the United States. The album became a massive commercial success, both in Australia and internationally. It spent nine weeks at the top of the Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart and was one of the highest-selling Australian albums of the early 1980s, eventually shipping 6 million copies in the U.S. alone. The album also had a record-breaking run at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200, staying there for 15 weeks from late 1982 into early 1983, and spent five weeks at No. 1 in the United Kingdom Albums Chart in early 1983. Business as Usual remains one of the most successful albums ever released by an Australian band.
By the time of Business as Usual, the band had already made a name for themselves in Australia, especially with their breakthrough single "Who Can It Be Now?", released in June 1981. This song became a hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart. For Business as Usual, the band worked with U.S.-born producer Peter McIan, who had previously worked with artists like Franne Golde and Serious Young Insects. McIan's production helped the band craft a polished yet energetic sound that blended catchy pop hooks with quirky new wave elements. The band's signature blend of upbeat rhythms, playful instrumentation (especially Greg Ham's flute), and witty lyrics was key to their appeal.
The band, which consisted of Greg Ham (flute, saxophone, keyboards, vocals), Colin Hay (vocals, guitar), John Rees (bass guitar), Jerry Speiser (drums, backing vocals), and Ron Strykert (lead guitar, vocals), had formed in 1979 and spent a few years honing their sound before breaking into the mainstream. The group had already released their second single, "Who Can It Be Now?", in June 1981. The track became a breakthrough success for the band, reaching No. 2 in Australia and later No. 1 in the U.S. It helped establish Men at Work's unique sound, which combined reggae influences, new wave, and pop.
The album features several notable tracks. "Who Can It Be Now?" was their second single and one of their biggest hits. Written solely by Colin Hay, the song became a breakthrough success for the band, reaching No. 2 in Australia and later No. 1 in the U.S. It helped establish Men at Work's unique sound, which combined reggae influences, new wave, and pop. "Down Under" was released as the second single from Business as Usual in November 1981. Co-written by Hay and Strykert, it quickly became a global anthem, topping charts around the world. The song is known for its catchy flute riff and its lyrics celebrating Australian culture, as well as a playful commentary on the idea of "being down under" geographically and metaphorically. It became Men at Work's first No. 1 hit in Australia and was also a massive success internationally, including a No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. "Be Good Johnny" was another highlight of the album, showcasing the band's trademark humor and catchy instrumentation. It was the third single released from the album. "I Can See It in Your Eyes" is a deep cut that showcases the band's versatility, combining their new wave and reggae influences into an infectious track.
The Australian version of Business as Usual featured a black and white cover, while the international versions (including the U.S. and U.K.) used a similar design, but with a black and yellow color scheme. The album cover features a whimsical design that fits the playful and quirky nature of the band's music.
In February 2010, a significant legal case emerged regarding the song "Down Under". The Federal Court of Australia ruled that the flute riff in "Down Under" was plagiarized from the 1932 Australian folk song "Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree," written by Marion Sinclair. The court ruled that Larrikin Music, who owned the rights to "Kookaburra," was entitled to 5% of the royalties from "Down Under," dating back to 2002, and also future profits from the song. While Larrikin Music had initially requested 60% of the royalties, the court ultimately settled on a much smaller figure. This case drew attention to the similarity between the two pieces, although many still defend "Down Under" as an original composition despite the legal ruling.
Business as Usual became one of the highest-selling Australian albums of the 1980s and remains one of Men at Work's most iconic records. The album's success helped establish the band as one of the most successful international acts of the 1980s, and it marked a pivotal moment in the global rise of Australian music during the era. Men at Work’s blend of new wave, pop, and reggae, alongside their sense of humor and clever songwriting, made them stand out in a crowded music scene. In October 2010, Business as Usual was featured in "100 Best Australian Albums," cementing its place in Australian music history.
