What makes Mirage by Meat Puppets notable?

Mirage showcased the band's evolution and garnered attention for its inventive songwriting and instrumental experimentation. The album's unique sound contributed to the burgeoning alternative rock movement of the late '80s, influencing future bands and earning a place in discussions about underground music during that era. Released in 1987, Mirage was the Meat Puppets' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed second album, II. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from their early punk roots toward a more expansive sound that incorporated elements of psychedelia and folk.

Mirage works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, surreal soundscapes to explore and intricate melodies for detail seekers.

How many songs are on Mirage?

Mirage has 17 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Mirage

Meat Puppets · 1987

59 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of jangly guitars and surreal lyrics, evoking a sense of dreamlike disorientation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mirage — The title track introduces listeners to the album's dreamy atmosphere with its swirling guitar effects and introspective lyrics, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Confusion Fog — This track stands out for its layered instrumentation and complex lyrical imagery, capturing the essence of disorientation that pervades the album.
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Love Our Children Forever — A poignant reflection on societal issues, this track combines catchy melodies with deeper thematic content, illustrating the band’s lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases inventive songwriting with a blend of jangly guitars and surreal lyrics, though its cohesion suffers from the length.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.
The album includes multiple instances of layered vocal harmonies that create a dreamlike quality throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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
surreal soundscapes to explore
intricate melodies for detail seekers
dynamic journey of emotions

Maybe skip if you

prefer immediate gratification
seek straightforward, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Mirage showcases a unique sound that departs from the band's earlier punk roots.
Career context: Released in 1987, Mirage was the Meat Puppets' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed second album, II. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from their early punk roots toward a more expansive sound that incorporated elements of psychedelia and folk.
Stylistic neighbors: Pixies· Sonic Youth· They Might Be Giants

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Love Our Children Forever

The narrative shifts to address the listener directly, urging them to consider societal responsibilities in a haunting yet melodic refrain.

This direct address creates an intimate connection while contrasting with the broader social commentary present throughout the song.