Hippopotamus
Sparks · 2017
55 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
Whimsical melodies intertwine with sharp, satirical lyrics creating a playful yet introspective sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me) — This track cleverly juxtaposes personal reflection with cultural commentary, showcasing Sparks' ability to merge humor and poignancy seamlessly.
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Scandinavian Design — With its infectious hook and tongue-in-cheek lyrics about consumer culture, this song exemplifies the album's playful yet critical lens on modern society.
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So Tell Me Mrs. Lincoln Aside from That How Was the Play? — This track stands out for its witty title and narrative style, highlighting Sparks' signature blend of theatricality and introspection within a pop framework.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Sparks' 'Hippopotamus' blends whimsical melodies with sharp lyrics, showcasing strong composition and craft while maintaining a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of whimsical melodies that often contrast with the sharpness of the lyrics, creating a playful yet introspective atmosphere.
- Several tracks employ unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks, which challenge typical pop formats.
- The lyrics frequently include satirical commentary on various subjects, delivered in a conversational tone that invites listener engagement.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 irony
- steady mid-tempo playful flow
- light-hearted reflections on life
- short tracks for quick engagement
- enjoyable sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer intense emotional experiences
- seek lengthy immersive soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Reaffirmed Sparks' status with critical acclaim after an eight-year hiatus.
- Career context
- Released on September 8, 2017, Hippopotamus marked Sparks' first studio album in eight years, following the relatively under-the-radar album Two Hands One Mouth: Live in Europe. At this point, Sparks had already established themselves as pioneers of art rock and experimental pop, and this album further showcased their unique blend of theatrical storytelling and catchy melodies.
- Stylistic neighbors
- They Might Be Giants· Devo· XTC
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Probably Nothing 1:21
- 2 Missionary Position 4:18
- 3 Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me) 4:32
- 4 Scandinavian Design 4:10
- 5 Giddy Giddy 3:10
- 6 What the Hell Is It This Time? 4:03
- 7 Unaware 3:54
- 8 Hippopotamus 3:47
- 9 Bummer 3:58
- 10 I Wish You Were Fun 4:04
- 11 So Tell Me Mrs. Lincoln Aside from That How Was the Play? 4:00
- 12 When You're a French Director 2:45
- 13 The Amazing Mr. Repeat 2:59
- 14 A Little Bit Like Fun 3:57
- 15 Life with the Macbeths 4:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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