"Who Can It Be Now?" is a popular song by the Australian rock band Men at Work, released in 1981 on their debut album, "Business as Usual." Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Debut Single Success: "Who Can It Be Now?" was Men at Work's debut single and became an instant hit. It reached the number one spot on the Australian Kent Music Report and the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song's catchy melody and distinctive saxophone riff contributed to its success.
Colin Hay's Distinctive Vocals: The song's lead vocalist, Colin Hay, has a unique and distinctive voice, which became one of the band's signature sounds. His voice is often described as nasal and quirky, making Men at Work's music easily recognizable.
Saxophone Solo: One of the standout features of the song is the saxophone solo, played by Greg Ham. The solo adds a memorable and catchy element to the song. Greg Ham's saxophone work became a defining characteristic of the band's sound.
Music Video: The music video for "Who Can It Be Now?" features surreal and eccentric imagery, which is a hallmark of many 1980s music videos. The video showcases the song's theme of paranoia and isolation and was directed by David Tickle.
Paranoia and Isolation: The lyrics of the song explore themes of isolation and paranoia, with the protagonist feeling uneasy about unexpected visitors to his home. This narrative, combined with the catchy melody, resonated with many listeners.
Grammy Award: Men at Work's debut album, "Business as Usual," featuring "Who Can It Be Now?" won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1983, further cementing the band's success.
Cultural Impact: "Who Can It Be Now?" is often considered one of the iconic songs of the 1980s, and it continues to be a staple of '80s music playlists. The song's enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Legal Controversy: In 2010, Men at Work faced a legal battle when it was alleged that the flute riff in their hit song "Down Under" (from the same album) bore a striking resemblance to the melody of "Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree," a popular Australian folk song. The band was ultimately found guilty of copyright infringement.
"Who Can It Be Now?" remains a classic example of 1980s pop-rock music and is a key part of Men at Work's legacy. The band continued to release successful albums and songs during their career, making them one of Australia's most celebrated musical exports.