CD of The Week

Hungry Ghosts, the fourth studio album from Chicago band OK Go, is an enchanting, fun trip through several decades. Listen: you will like at least one song, if not all, on the newest, versatile release from these masters of catchy pop songs.

While they only put out an album every few years, OK Go has created quite a following with their YouTube videos and Pop sensibility. The production of this album is smooth and clean, but their melodies are respectful of past eras. Maybe they tried to make an ageless album while trying to make something of their own? The album’s first single, “The Writing’s On the Wall,” has smooth production and an eye bending video (which it is a fair bet that you have already seen) to accompany the plucky guitar and singer Damien Kulash’s smooth vocals.

OK Go effortlessly move through genres and ages on Hungry Ghosts. “Another Set of Issues” has a heavy, distorted beat, random sounds and a soothing, synth-poppy voice that all mix together to make a song that feels like it could have come from a Hot Chip album, or perhaps Radiohead. “I Won’t Let You Down” has a groovy, funk feel. They meld genres and decades of music to create an album that is eclectically their own.

Hungry Ghosts is a fun, easy, and accessible release from OK Go. They are a little all over the place but this album is all-inclusive; there's something for everyone. You’ve already missed OK Go live at Union Transfer, but go have a listen to the album.