Approximately Infinite Universe cover

Approximately Infinite Universe

Yoko Ono · 1973

87 min · 22 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of experimental rock and avant-garde pop that explores complex emotional landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Yang Yang Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Death of Samantha — This track stands out for its hauntingly repetitive structure and layered vocals that evoke a sense of despair while exploring themes of loss.
  • →
    What a Bastard the World Is — With its raw vocal delivery and confrontational lyrics, this song encapsulates Ono's critique of societal norms and personal struggles.
  • →
    I Have a Woman Inside My Soul — This track exemplifies Ono's exploration of identity through metaphor, combining poignant lyrics with an ethereal soundscape that reflects inner conflict.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative structures and sounds but lacks consistent cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and extended instrumental passages.
  • The use of varied instrumentation, including strings and electronic elements, contributes to the album's experimental soundscape.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • wave-like pacing for reflective moments
  • kaleidoscopic soundscapes for exploration
  • late-night introspection and contemplation
  • emotive melodies for personal connection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — The album showcases bold experimentation, diverging from conventional sounds.
Themes
societal critique· identity exploration· emotional despair
Moods
Dreamy· Nostalgic
Career context
Approximately Infinite Universe marked Yoko Ono's second studio album, following her debut, Fly, released in 1971. At this point in her career, she was increasingly recognized for her innovative approach to music, blending genres and challenging conventional songwriting structures. The album emerged during a time when Ono was establishing herself as a solo artist distinct from her work with John Lennon.
Stylistic neighbors
Laurie Anderson· Stereolab· Animal Collective
New to Yoko Ono? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Yang Yang Start here 3:50
  • 2 Death of Samantha 6:22
  • 3 I Want My Love to Rest Tonight 5:11
  • 4 What Did I Do! 4:10
  • 5 Have You Seen a Horizon Lately 1:57
  • 6 Approximately Infinite Universe 3:20
  • 7 Peter the Dealer 4:44
  • 8 Song for John 2:05
  • 9 Catman (The Rosies Are Coming) 5:32
  • 10 What a Bastard the World Is 4:33
  • 11 Waiting for the Sunrise 2:32

Disc 2

  • 1 I Felt Like Smashing My Face in a Clear Glass Window 5:07
  • 2 Winter Song 3:36
  • 3 Kite Song 3:19
  • 4 What a Mess 2:41
  • 5 Shiranakatta (I Didn't Know) 3:13
  • 6 Air Talk 3:21
  • 7 I Have a Woman Inside My Soul 5:31
  • 8 Move On Fast 3:43
  • 9 Now or Never 4:57
  • 10 Is Winter Here to Stay? 4:20
  • 11 Looking Over From My Hotel Window 3:31

What to play next

Feeling the Space
Listen next

Feeling the Space

1973

Continues the experimental vibe while introducing more structured elements.
Fly
Go back to

Fly

1971

Sets the stage for the avant-garde exploration found in Approximately Infinite Universe.
Full Yoko Ono discography Where to start with Yoko Ono Artists like Yoko Ono
alternative rock electronica new wave

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata