About this album
Sound:
"Ethereal melodies intertwine with lush instrumentation, creating a surreal sonic landscape that invites introspection."
Where they were
Released in 1999, 'The Soft Bulletin' marked The Flaming Lips' transition from underground favorites to mainstream acclaim. This album followed their more experimental work, 'Zaireeka', and showcased a refined sound while embracing orchestral arrangements and electronic textures.
Why it matters
'The Soft Bulletin' received widespread critical acclaim, often cited as one of the best albums of the 1990s. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album and significantly boosted the band's visibility, influencing a wave of alternative and indie rock artists.
Essential tracks
- "Race for the Prize" — This track combines driving percussion with lush harmonies, encapsulating themes of competition and humanity's quest for meaning.
- "Waitin' for a Superman" — A poignant reflection on vulnerability and hope, this song showcases the band's ability to blend emotional depth with melodic beauty.
- "Feeling Yourself Disintegrate" — The track's haunting lyrics and expansive soundscape create an immersive experience that highlights the fragility of existence.
Release Date
May 17, 1999
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Race for the Prize 4:18
- 2 A Spoonful Weighs a Ton 3:32
- 3 The Spark That Bled 5:54
- 4 Slow Motion 3:48
- 5 What Is the Light? 4:04
- 6 The Observer 4:11
- 7 Waitin' for a Superman 4:17
- 8 Suddenly Everything Has Changed 3:54
- 9 The Gash 4:02
- 10 Feeling Yourself Disintegrate 5:17
- 11 Sleeping on the Roof 3:09
- 12 Race for the Prize (Peter Mokran remix) 4:08
- 13 Waitin' for a Superman (Peter Mokran remix) 4:20
- 14 Buggin' (Peter Mokran remix) 3:15