Around My Head
Cage the Elephant · 2011
3 min · 1 track · alternative rock
Psychedelic guitar riffs entwine with introspective lyrics, creating a soundscape that's both vibrant and haunting.
Top tracks — play these first
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Around My Head — This track encapsulates the album's essence with its catchy chorus and layered instrumentation, highlighting the band's ability to merge introspection with accessible melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The song showcases strong dynamics and instrumentation but lacks depth for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The track features a dynamic shift in intensity, starting with a subdued verse that builds into a powerful chorus.
- Vocal delivery alternates between melodic singing and more aggressive, shouted sections, creating contrast.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This single contributed to their growing popularity post their debut album.
- Career context
- Around My Head was released as part of Cage the Elephant's prolific output following their breakout debut album in 2008. By 2011, they were establishing themselves as a prominent force in alternative rock, having gained substantial recognition for their energetic live performances and eclectic sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Arctic Monkeys· The Black Keys· Tame Impala
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Around My Head
The bridge shifts tone dramatically, invoking a sense of urgency as it highlights internal conflict through vivid imagery.
This change in intensity serves to deepen the emotional impact of the narrative, contrasting serene verses with a chaotic climax.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Around My Head 3:12
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Lonerism
Tame Impala
Shares vibrant psychedelic textures and introspective lyrics, blending rock with dreamy soundscapes.
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Combines catchy melodies with a psychedelic atmosphere, exploring themes of youth and self-reflection.
Brothers
The Black Keys
Features garage rock energy and bluesy undertones, with a focus on personal and emotional storytelling.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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