Office Politics (album)

Office Politics is the fifth studio album by Northern Irish chamber pop band The Divine Comedy, released in 1997. The album is characterized by its satirical and often humorous commentary on the mundane aspects of office life, corporate culture, and societal expectations. Musically, Office Politics incorporates a diverse range of styles, including orchestral pop, synth-pop, and electronic elements, a departure from the more purely orchestral sound of their earlier work, Casanova.

Neil Hannon, the band's frontman and principal songwriter, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of the workplace environment, creating a narrative exploring themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the absurdity of corporate jargon. The album features prominent use of synthesizers and drum machines, reflecting the influence of 1980s electronic music.

Notable tracks on Office Politics include "Everybody Knows (Except You)," "The Frog Princess," "Theme from 'Casanova'," and "Something for the Weekend." The album was a commercial success, reaching number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and solidifying The Divine Comedy's status as a prominent act in the Britpop era. Office Politics is generally considered a critical and commercial highlight in The Divine Comedy's discography, praised for its witty lyrics, sophisticated arrangements, and insightful social commentary. The album's title itself has entered popular lexicon as a concise descriptor of workplace dynamics and power struggles.