It's Complicated Being a Wizard
Portugal. The Man · 2007
46 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
Ethereal soundscapes blend with whimsical melodies, crafting a dreamlike atmosphere that transports listeners into a labyrinth of sonic exploration.
Top tracks — play these first
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It’s Complicated Being a Wizard Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit with its sprawling length and layered instrumentation, creating an immersive listening experience that reflects the band's signature style.
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Ruby Magic — This track stands out for its infectious rhythm and catchy hooks, showcasing the band’s ability to fuse accessibility with experimental sounds.
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Black Magic — With its darker tones and introspective lyrics, Black Magic highlights the emotional depth present in the album, contrasting playful elements with somber themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases a cohesive theme and immersive sound but lacks the depth for extensive replay value.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent thematic structure, with each track named after a different type of magic, creating a cohesive narrative.
- Tracks 2 through 9 maintain a similar tempo and mood, contributing to an ethereal soundscape that feels immersive.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- whimsical sounds for daydreaming
- magical wonder on quiet evenings
- short interludes enhance flow
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a departure in sound, showcasing unique genre blends and sonic exploration.
- Themes
- dreamlike exploration· whimsical magic· introspective contrasts
- Career context
- Released in 2007, It's Complicated Being a Wizard is Portugal. The Man's third studio album, following their breakthrough record, Church Mouth. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to establish their distinctive sound, combining elements of indie rock and experimental pop, which would later serve as a foundation for their commercial success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tame Impala· MGMT· Foster the People
Tracklist
- 1 It’s Complicated Being a Wizard Start here 23:00
- 2 Opal Magic 0:50
- 3 Ruby Magic 4:04
- 4 Sapphire Magic 2:19
- 5 Amethyst Magic 2:18
- 6 Emerald Magic 2:31
- 7 Amber Magic 3:25
- 8 Gold Magic 2:27
- 9 Crystal Magic 1:27
- 10 Black Magic 3:37
What to play next
Censored Colors
2008
Continues the ethereal soundscapes while introducing more varied instrumentation.
Church Mouth
2007
Sets the stage with a similar whimsical vibe, leading into the experimental nature of the current album.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Both explore whimsical narratives through layered soundscapes and dreamy melodies.
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Shares a similar blend of introspective themes and expansive, ethereal arrangements.
Yellow House
Grizzly Bear
Features intricate harmonies and a dreamlike quality that aligns with introspective exploration.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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