Embryonic
The Flaming Lips · 2009
70 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock
A sprawling, experimental odyssey blending chaotic noise with moments of serene melody and introspective lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
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Convinced of the Hex Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its hypnotic rhythms and surreal lyrics, showcasing the band's blend of chaos and beauty.
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Powerless — With its haunting melodies and poignant reflections on human vulnerability, this track encapsulates the emotional core of the album.
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Worm Mountain — This song features a dynamic interplay between dissonance and harmony, illustrating the band's knack for creating immersive soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental nature and unique sound structure contribute to its distinctiveness and craft.
What we noticed
- The use of unconventional song structures is evident, as several tracks lack traditional verses and choruses, opting instead for freeform arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- wave-like dynamics that surprise
- immersive journey through sound
- mind-bending exploration of themes
- subconscious reflections and thoughts
- moments of fractured serenity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Embryonic marks a significant shift in sound, exploring new textures and structures.
- Themes
- subconscious exploration· avant-garde soundscapes
- Career context
- Released in January 2009, Embryonic marked The Flaming Lips' twelfth studio album and their first major release since the critically acclaimed At War with the Mystics in 2006. This album represents a shift toward a more avant-garde sound, embracing improvisation and experimentation during a period where the band sought to redefine their musical boundaries.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Animal Collective· Tame Impala· MGMT
Tracklist
- 1 Convinced of the Hex Start here 3:56
- 2 The Sparrow Looks Up at the Machine 4:13
- 3 Evil 5:38
- 4 Aquarius Sabotage 2:10
- 5 See the Leaves 4:24
- 6 If 2:04
- 7 Gemini Syringes 3:41
- 8 Your Bats 2:34
- 9 Powerless 6:57
- 10 The Ego's Last Stand 5:39
- 11 I Can Be a Frog 2:14
- 12 Sagittarius Silver Announcement 2:58
- 13 Worm Mountain 5:21
- 14 Scorpio Sword 2:01
- 15 The Impulse 3:29
- 16 Silver Trembling Hands 3:58
- 17 Virgo Self-Esteem Broadcast 3:44
- 18 Watching the Planets 5:16
What to play next
The Terror
2013
Continues the experimental sound with darker themes and immersive textures.
At War with the Mystics
2006
Sets up a blend of experimentation and melody that leads into Embryonic's journey.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
Shares experimental textures and a vibrant, layered sound that explores subconscious themes.
Lonerism
Tame Impala
Offers immersive soundscapes with fractured melodies and introspective lyrical themes.
The Eternal
Sonic Youth
Utilizes avant-garde sound exploration with an emphasis on abstract melodies and sonic experimentation.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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