Ego Is Not a Dirty Word cover

Ego Is Not a Dirty Word

Skyhooks · 1975

40 min · 10 tracks · glam rock

Glam rock exuberance collides with sharp wit and pointed social commentary across infectious melodies and vibrant instrumentals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ego Is Not a Dirty Word — The title track encapsulates the album's playful yet critical take on self-identity, marrying catchy hooks with tongue-in-cheek commentary on ego and society.
  • →
    All My Friends Are Getting Married — This track cleverly juxtaposes celebratory melodies with themes of existential dread and societal expectations, making it relatable for a generation grappling with adulthood.
  • →
    Mercedes Ladies — With its upbeat tempo and cheeky lyrics, this track critiques materialism while showcasing the band's knack for blending humor with sharp observations about modern life.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines sharp social commentary with infectious melodies, showcasing strong writing and production.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate playful shifts in tempo, particularly noticeable in 'Smartarse Songwriters' which contrasts slower verses with upbeat choruses.
  • The lyrics often employ irony and satire, directly addressing social issues, as seen in 'Mercedes Ladies' and 'Private Eye'.
  • The album maintains a consistent glam rock sound with vibrant guitar riffs and synthesizer embellishments throughout its ten tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • infectious melodies for sing-alongs
  • sharp wit with playful irreverence
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • weekend party energy and fun

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, contemplative music
  • want heavy, serious themes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1975, Ego Is Not a Dirty Word was the second studio album by Skyhooks, following their breakthrough debut album, Living in the 70's. At this time, the band was solidifying their reputation as pioneers of Australian glam rock, blending humor with edgy themes that resonated with youth culture.
Stylistic neighbors
The Sweet· T. Rex· Slade

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Love’s Not Good Enough

    The bridge shifts to a reflective tone where the singer confronts disillusionment with romance amidst lively instrumentals.

    This moment introduces a stark contrast to the otherwise upbeat energy of the song, highlighting vulnerability amid bravado.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Ego Is Not a Dirty Word 2:57
  • 2 Love on the Radio 4:23
  • 3 Saturday Night 2:50
  • 4 Love’s Not Good Enough 7:16
  • 5 The Other Side 3:14
  • 6 Smartarse Songwriters 4:12
  • 7 Mercedes Ladies 3:35
  • 8 All My Friends Are Getting Married 4:51
  • 9 Every Chase a Steeple 3:41
  • 10 Private Eye 2:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata