The Soft Bulletin cover

The Soft Bulletin

The Flaming Lips · 1999

58 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock · space rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with lush instrumentation, creating a surreal sonic landscape that invites introspection.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • atmospheric background focus
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • introspective and reflective moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Marked the transition to mainstream acclaim for The Flaming Lips.
Themes
humanity's quest· fragile existence
Career context
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.
Stylistic neighbors
Animal Collective· Tame Impala· MGMT
If this clicks, go next to
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots — Continues the ethereal sound while introducing more electronic elements.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Kid A by Radiohead — Shares the same ethereal soundscapes and introspective themes of existence and alienation.
Deserter's Songs by Mercury Rev — Similar lush instrumentation and surreal atmospheres, blending orchestral elements with dreamlike melodies.
Give Up by The Postal Service — Combines electronic textures with introspective lyrics, creating a reflective and atmospheric listening experience.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Race for the Prize".

  • 1 Race for the Prize Start here 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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata