Let’s face it, the workday is no one’s vision of fun. Yet, it’s all but mandated for each individual that walks the Earth. In some ways, it makes sense: you must contribute to the society in which you live. You must produce things in order to sustain yourself and others around you. But that reality doesn’t make it any easier.
But what can make it easier is music. Great music. The kind of music that gets the hair on the back of your neck to stand up. Below, we wanted to explore three songs that do just that. More specifically, we wanted to dive into a trio of one-hit wonders that excited and offered relief from the workday. Indeed, these are three one-hit wonders perfect for when you get off work.
Videos by American Songwriter
“I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred from ‘Up’ (1991)
When you’re feeling glum after a long workday, work week or work life, you need something to pump you up. Something that will make you feel better. Something that will have you looking into the mirror and saying to yourself: “I’m too sexy!” Well, that is exactly what this 1991 hit from Right Said Fred is all about. It’s like your own deep-voiced ferry whispering in your ear how hot and alluring you are. It’s an antidote to the banal monotony of the job world. So, stand up straight, bat those eyelashes and get you some loving this weekend! Right Said Fred told you so!
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin from ‘Simple Pleasures’ (1988)
This Bobby McFerrin classic is like a dollop of honey to make the medicine go down. It’s like finishing a long project at work and then taking a jet to a tropical paradise. It’s a one-hit wonder that’s meant to shed your worries from your spine and let you bask in the sunlight of melody and song. While the advice is simple, it’s also well said and heartfelt. Indeed, don’t spend your life worrying and toiling over nonsense. Instead, find what makes you happy and lean into that. Even if it’s just a few minutes of music in your car after work.
“Relax” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood from ‘Welcome To The Pleasuredome’ (1983)
The direction is in the title of the song. Working is hard. Your muscles tense up. Your energy is drained. Your mind worries about what your bosses or your peers might say if you make an error. But then in comes the new wave band Frankie Goes to Hollywood with simple, clear advice. Relax. Just relax. Let the difficulties melt off you. What do they matter, anyway? Indeed, stretch out and enjoy the time you have on this Earth. For life is short. So, just relax!
Photo by David Partridge/Shutterstock
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Rock music legend Janis Joplin performs at the free Woodstock Music and Art Fair. The festival took place on Max Yasgur's dairy farm, which he rented to event organizers for $75,000. About 450,000 people attended the three day concert, which turned into chaos due to the crowds, heavy rains, and traffic jams. It is nonetheless romantically remembered as a symbol of the liberal spirit of the hippie generation. (Photo by Henry Diltz/Corbis via Getty Images)







