Egomaniac cover

Released 10 years ago

Egomaniac

Kongos · 2016

43 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of alternative rock infused with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics that explore identity and connection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Take It From Me — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and relatable message about self-empowerment and resilience.
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    I Want It Free — This song captures a rebellious spirit with its catchy chorus and critiques societal expectations, resonating well with listeners seeking independence.
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    Underground — With its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, this track explores themes of struggle and authenticity, embodying the album's overall ethos.
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    Hey You, Yeah You — This track features an upbeat tempo and playful lyrics that invite engagement, reflecting the band's lively performance style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The lyrics often employ conversational phrasing, with a focus on personal themes and introspection.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
  • introspective reflections on life
  • catchy hooks for road trips
  • consistent energy for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow soundscapes
  • desire instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Egomaniac is Kongos' third studio album, following their successful 2014 release, Lunatic. At this stage in their career, the band was building on the momentum from their breakout hit 'Come With Me Now' and refining their sound, which merges alternative rock with elements of pop and folk.
Stylistic neighbors
Young the Giant· Mumford & Sons· The Lumineers

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Take It From Me 3:11
  • 2 The World Would Run Better 3:00
  • 3 I Want It Free 3:45
  • 4 Underground 3:18
  • 5 Autocorrect 3:24
  • 6 Where I Belong 3:08
  • 7 Birds Do It 3:15
  • 8 2 in the Morning 3:13
  • 9 Look at Me 3:53
  • 10 I Don’t Mind 3:27
  • 11 Hey You, Yeah You 3:01
  • 12 Repeat After Me 3:50
  • 13 If You Could 3:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata