Is Evil Friends a good place to start with Portugal. The Man?

Yes, Evil Friends is recommended as a starting point for new Portugal. The Man listeners. A vibrant blend of psychedelic rock and pop infused with sharp social commentary and catchy hooks. Released on May 31, 2013, Evil Friends marked Portugal. The Man's major label debut after signing with Atlantic Records. Following their previous album, In the Mountain in the Cloud (2011), this record showcased a shift towards a more polished sound while maintaining their experimental roots.

Who is Evil Friends for?

Evil Friends works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, introspective vibes for reflection and vibrant soundscapes to explore.

How many songs are on Evil Friends?

Evil Friends has 12 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Evil Friends

Portugal. The Man · 2013

48 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of psychedelic rock and pop infused with sharp social commentary and catchy hooks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Plastic Soldiers Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Purple Yellow Red and Blue — This track encapsulates the album's playful yet incisive approach to identity and societal norms, making it a standout anthem for embracing individuality.
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Holy Roller (Hallelujah) — With its infectious chorus and biting lyrics, this song critiques commercialism and conformity while providing an energetic contrast that drives the album forward.
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Modern Jesus — The track juxtaposes contemporary spirituality with modern societal issues, reflecting a unique perspective that resonates throughout the album's themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy hooks with thoughtful lyrics, maintaining a strong production quality throughout.

What we noticed

The album opens with a punchy track that sets a mid-tempo pace, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more introspective pieces in the latter half.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and prominent use of synthesizers, creating a rich soundscape that contrasts with the sharpness of the lyrics.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion that feels distinct from the energetic start.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

steady mid-tempo groove
introspective vibes for reflection
vibrant soundscapes to explore
engaging sing-along moments
for afternoon hangouts

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked the band's major label debut and solidified their mainstream presence.
Themes: commercialism critique· modern spirituality· identity exploration
Career context: Released on May 31, 2013, Evil Friends marked Portugal. The Man's major label debut after signing with Atlantic Records. Following their previous album, In the Mountain in the Cloud (2011), this record showcased a shift towards a more polished sound while maintaining their experimental roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Tame Impala· MGMT· Foster the People