As a self-proclaimed music aficionado, I am extremely well-qualified to share which albums I believe you should be listening to based on your work experiences. These five albums will be organized and qualified based on scenario, emotional state, the music itself, the music’s messaging/advertising, and your desired mindset.
When listening to music at work, you may need to find something that is energizing, or helps you focus. On the other hand, you may be seeking something that reflects your emotional state. Most of these recommendations are to be played through headphones, to ensure that no one is offended by any expletives, of course.
Modern technology, and modern streaming services, offer a wide range of options at your very fingertips, from the vibrant, driving post-punk of Fontaines DC, to the introspective, self-critical Bon Iver. Read on, and your mind will be opened to the infinite possibilities of work music.
Album 1: Peach Pit’s Laid-Back Anthem for the Everyday Grind
For a laid-back, chilled atmosphere, I recommend Peach Pit’s Magpie. Writing from a modern-day bluesy yet relaxed perspective, Neil Smith will guide you out of your cubicle into his exciting yet generic exploration of sobriety, dissonance, and past relationships. Although his lyrics are delivered casually, the band’s overall energy is driven by biting and nose-smearing guitars which will force you to hammer that annoying spreadsheet home. Listen to the titular track for a lung-bursting dopamine boost; it’ll hit like a flying bus.
Album 2: Fontaines DC’s Arena Rock Rollick Will Boost Your Energy
After consuming maybe too much caffeine, throw on Fontaines DC’s Romance. The Dublin group’s recent examination of love, marketed with Y2K imaging and bolstered by stadium sized production will have you inhaling god knows what from neon cartridges (they only do this in music videos). Fortunately, there is a great deal of variety to be found within this series of post-punk songs, with some bright and shiny sounding guitar licks and ragged, potted drum tracks. Listen to “Starburster” for a truly face-melting, sensual experience. It’ll feel like frontman Grian Chatten is about to walk straight over to your cubicle, flash a smile, and rail a coke line off your desk.
Album 3: The Pretenders’ Powerful Close Rock Discovery Will Reassure You
If, perhaps, you are in more of a subdued, familial, and supportive mood, give The Pretender’s Last of the Independents a spin. This 90s alt-rock will have you feeling right at home amongst your co-workers. If there’s any fear of corporate ladder-climbing and backstabbing, it will quickly be dispelled by “I’ll Stand By You.” Show me the face of the man who dislikes this song, and I will declare it the face of a lunatic thereafter. The Pretenders are truly comforting, reassuring, and homely, which will create a wonderful, collaborative environment. Honestly, this may need to be played on a speaker rather than your AirPods.
Album 4: Bon Iver’s Wet Eyed Acoustics Will Have You Mourning
Or maybe, you are caught navigating difficult interactions with coworkers and clients on a daily basis. Maybe there’s an element of chagrin, or a level of self-awareness, that should be present in your shared office space, but it just isn’t. To deal with these co-workers or clients, recommend that they listen to something calming, something that makes them float along the lazy river of tranquil self-reflection. Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago will absolutely provide them with a sense of doubt and self-interrogation. A deadly cocktail of biting acoustic guitar with choral backing, which makes them feel like they are in the room with Justin Vernon, and screeching reflection, which will have them bawling in your office. This one may be suited for those with a private office, to hide their tears as Justin details the story of his unfortunate circumstances.
Album 5: Radiohead’s Seminal Work Shatters Capitalism
Last but not least, I would like to be allowed to paint a picture. The office you work in has a window overlooking a foggy, dark, yet strangely welcoming forest. The sky opens up, and it is raining. Sighing, you need something to fit the mood, to fully drive home this message of magical dreary-ism. May I present it to you, OK Computer, by Radiohead? There is no album more sad or rainy than this. As a bonus, the music is really rather good. Try “Let Down,” or “No Surprises,” to truly feel one with the rain.
So, for specific situations, whether you are trying to lean into a rainy mood or working on embracing a sense of self-interrogation, listen to these various albums. Although these songs are highly situational, there is a remarkable sense of talent and musicianship present within all of this music. At the very least, give these songs or albums a listen, ideally in the workplace. You will not be disappointed.
