An Argument with Myself EP cover

An Argument with Myself EP

Jens Lekman · 2011

17 min · 5 tracks · indie pop

A whimsical blend of introspective lyrics and melodic hooks wrapped in a lo-fi indie pop aesthetic.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    An Argument with Myself — This title track encapsulates the EP's themes of self-reflection and existential musings, delivered through Lekman's signature melodic charm.
  • →
    Waiting for Kirsten — This track showcases Lekman's storytelling prowess, weaving a narrative that mixes longing and humor, highlighting his unique songwriting style.
  • →
    So This Guy at My Office — With its conversational tone and relatable subject matter, this song exemplifies Lekman's ability to draw listeners into his personal anecdotes while keeping an upbeat tempo.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Lekman's storytelling and melodic hooks create a cohesive and engaging listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The EP opens with a title track that features a conversational vocal style, blending spoken word and melody.
  • Each song employs a distinct narrative structure, often using personal anecdotes to convey broader themes.
  • The instrumentation is minimalistic, primarily featuring acoustic guitar and subtle electronic elements, creating an intimate atmosphere.
  • The final track includes a spoken outro that reflects on the preceding songs, providing a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical storytelling with charm
  • for short reflective breaks
  • playful melodies for lighthearted moments
  • introspective thoughts during commute

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer extended musical explorations
  • seek immediate emotional gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2011, Jens Lekman released An Argument with Myself EP as a follow-up to his acclaimed album Night Falls Over Kortedala from 2007. This EP marked a return after a four-year hiatus, showcasing Lekman's unique storytelling and lyrical wit while maintaining his distinct sound.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 An Argument with Myself 3:44
  • 2 Waiting for Kirsten 3:45
  • 3 A Promise 4:32
  • 4 New Directions 2:40
  • 5 So This Guy at My Office 2:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata