What makes Race for the Prize by The Flaming Lips notable?

Race for the Prize received critical acclaim, with publications like Pitchfork praising its ambitious blend of genres and sonic experimentation. The album's title track became a staple in their live performances and helped define the sound of late '90s alternative rock, influencing future artists within the genre. Released in 1999, Race for the Prize is The Flaming Lips' fourth studio album and marked their transition into mainstream recognition following the underground success of The Soft Bulletin. This album solidified their unique sound and artistic vision, leading to a breakthrough period in their career as they began to attract a wider audience.

How many songs are on Race for the Prize?

Race for the Prize has 3 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

Race for the Prize

The Flaming Lips · 1999

16 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

Psychedelic textures intertwine with orchestral arrangements, creating a surreal soundscape that challenges the boundaries of alternative rock.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Race for the Prize — This track encapsulates the album's themes of existential struggle and collective hope, driven by anthemic choruses and intricate instrumentation.
→
Riding to Work in the Year 2025 (Your Invisible Now) — A narrative-driven song that explores futuristic themes, it showcases the band's signature blend of whimsical lyrics with expansive soundscapes.
→
Thirty-Five Thousand Feet of Despair — This track delves into darker emotional territories while maintaining the album's overall psychedelic aesthetic, making it a poignant highlight.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single marked a shift to their distinctive psychedelic sound, gaining wider recognition.
Themes: cosmic competition· futuristic despair
Career context: Released in 1999, Race for the Prize is The Flaming Lips' fourth studio album and marked their transition into mainstream recognition following the underground success of The Soft Bulletin. This album solidified their unique sound and artistic vision, leading to a breakthrough period in their career as they began to attract a wider audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Animal Collective· Tame Impala· MGMT

New to The Flaming Lips? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Race for the Prize 4:23
2 Riding to Work in the Year 2025 (Your Invisible Now) (Zaireeka disc 1 mix) 6:56
3 Thirty-Five Thousand Feet of Despair (Zaireeka disc 1 mix) 4:49