St. Lenox, the creative project led by Andrew Choi, is set to release a new album titled Ten Modern American Work Songs. This upcoming record is a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Ten Songs Of Worship And Praise For Our Tumultuous Times, released in 2021. With this new album, St. Lenox continues to explore themes of contemporary life, but this time with a particular focus on work, education, and the pursuit of upward mobility in the modern world.
Choi’s new album explores the broken promises of education and jobs in today’s world. Many people believe that going to college and working hard will lead to success and a better life. But Choi’s album challenges this idea, showing the tough realities that often come with chasing these dreams. In a press release, Choi said he wants the album to capture what it’s really like to work in modern times. He focuses on making his music feel real, hoping listeners will truly understand the experience of working today. Choi believes this realism can inspire people to think and act differently.
The lead single from the album, titled “Rudy,” gives us a taste of what’s to come. The song largely features Choi’s powerful voice, accompanied by acoustic guitar and organ. As the track progresses, a minimalist pop arrangement unfolds, adding layers to the sound. The lyrics in “Rudy” lightly satirize the “grindset” mentality—a term often used to describe the relentless pursuit of work and success at the cost of personal well-being.
In conjunction with the release of “Rudy,” Choi also shared a video titled “How To Get A Table At Tatiana.” The video is a creative response to Choi’s inability to secure a reservation at the highly acclaimed NYC restaurant, Tatiana. Instead of dining out, Choi opts for home cooking, showcasing a humorous yet pointed commentary on the difficulties and absurdities of modern life.
Choi’s goal with Ten Modern American Work Songs is to give an honest picture of work life today. Through his music, he wants to encourage people to think about and discuss the pressures and expectations around work and success in society. By mixing his personal experiences with wider social issues, Choi creates an album that speaks to anyone who has ever wondered about the true value of their work or the promises of moving up in life.
In a time when the boundaries between work and personal life are becoming less clear, and traditional ways to achieve success are less certain, Ten Modern American Work Songs offers a timely and thought-provoking look at what it means to work in America today. As people listen to the album, they will be prompted to think about their own experiences and the social systems that influence them.
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