Hungry Ghosts cover

Hungry Ghosts

OK Go · 2014

45 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of power pop and experimental elements, infused with infectious melodies and clever lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Won't Let You Down — This track encapsulates the album's essence with its uplifting message and innovative production, highlighted by a memorable choreographed video featuring unicycles.
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    The Writing’s on the Wall — Notable for its clever lyrical play and visual storytelling, this song uses metaphors about perception and reality that resonate throughout the album.
  • →
    Upside Down & Inside Out Start here — This energetic track combines infectious rhythms with whimsical lyrics, showcasing the band's knack for creating engaging pop-rock anthems.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases inventive songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive narrative across its length.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective songs.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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, consistent energy levels
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • playful experimentation and creativity
  • immersive listening experience

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its catchy melodies and innovative visuals, but not the most accessible.
Themes
visual storytelling· playful experimentation· introspective whimsy
Career context
Released in 2014, Hungry Ghosts marked OK Go's fourth studio album, following the success of their 2010 album Of the Blue Colour of the Sky. At this point in their career, they were known for their inventive music videos and had developed a reputation for blending catchy hooks with artistic experimentation.
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Tracklist

  • 1 Upside Down & Inside Out Start here 3:07
  • 2 The Writing’s on the Wall 3:33
  • 3 Another Set of Issues 3:57
  • 4 Turn Up the Radio 2:56
  • 5 Obsession 3:08
  • 6 I’m Not Through 3:36
  • 7 Bright as Your Eyes 2:54
  • 8 I Won’t Let You Down 3:42
  • 9 The One Moment 3:42
  • 10 If I Had a Mountain 3:19
  • 11 The Great Fire 4:16
  • 12 Lullaby 3:54
  • 13 Fight Song 3:06

What to play next

Of the Blue Colour of the Sky
Listen next

Of the Blue Colour of the Sky

2010

Continues the playful experimentation with a mix of upbeat and eclectic sounds.
Twelve Days of OK Go
Go back to

Twelve Days of OK Go

2012

Leads into 'Hungry Ghosts' with its creative approach and engaging melodies.
Full OK Go discography Where to start with OK Go Artists like OK Go
alternative rock pop rock power pop

If this landed

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Torches

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Foster the People

Shares upbeat melodies and playful experimentation with a polished pop rock sound.

Heartthrob

Heartthrob

Tegan and Sara

Combines catchy hooks and clever lyrics in a modern pop framework, echoing 'Hungry Ghosts'.

Talking Is Hard

Talking Is Hard

Walk the Moon

Features vibrant production and infectious energy, aligning with the playful spirit of OK Go's work.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata