Is VOID a good place to start with The Flaming Lips?

Yes, VOID is recommended as a starting point for new The Flaming Lips listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of whimsical melodies and surreal themes, enveloping listeners in a sonic universe of psychedelic rock. Released in 2005, VOID marked a significant moment in The Flaming Lips' career as they were riding high after the success of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. This album came shortly after their commercial breakthrough, consolidating their reputation for innovative soundscapes while exploring even more abstract and conceptual themes.

VOID works well if you're into kaleidoscopic sound exploration, steady pacing with whimsical peaks and immersive storytelling through sound.

How many songs are on VOID?

VOID has 18 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

VOID

The Flaming Lips · 2005

71 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of whimsical melodies and surreal themes, enveloping listeners in a sonic universe of psychedelic rock.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Mr. Ambulance Driver Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Do You Realize?? — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its poignant reflections on mortality and the celebration of life, showcasing the band's ability to blend profound lyrics with uplifting melodies.
→
Fight Test — This song stands out for its introspective lyrics and soothing yet powerful instrumentation, effectively conveying themes of vulnerability and existential questioning within an accessible framework.
→
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1 — The track serves as a hallmark of the band's signature storytelling style, mixing playful narrative with catchy hooks, illustrating their creative prowess in melding complex themes with engaging sounds.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental nature and varied structure create an engaging but sometimes disjointed listening experience.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as extended instrumental sections and abrupt transitions.
The use of layered instrumentation and effects creates a dense soundscape that often obscures traditional melodic lines.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
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

kaleidoscopic sound exploration
steady pacing with whimsical peaks
immersive storytelling through sound
reflective moments of joy
for late-night journeys

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The album pushes boundaries with its innovative sound and visual integration.
Themes: cosmic exploration· surreal urgency· mortality reflections
Career context: Released in 2005, VOID marked a significant moment in The Flaming Lips' career as they were riding high after the success of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. This album came shortly after their commercial breakthrough, consolidating their reputation for innovative soundscapes while exploring even more abstract and conceptual themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Animal Collective· Tame Impala· MGMT

New to The Flaming Lips? Find your way in →

Tracklist

1 Mr. Ambulance Driver Start here 5:00
2 Fight Test 3:50
3 Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1 3:39
4 Do You Realize?? (Interim Video) 3:31
5 Race for the Prize 4:25
6 Waitin’ for a Superman 4:35
7 This Here Giraffe 3:41
8 When You Smile 3:14
9 Bad Days 3:48
10 Christmas At the Zoo 3:08
11 Be My Head 3:27
12 She Don’t Use Jelly 3:47
13 Turn It On 4:04
14 Frogs 4:37
15 Talkin’ ’Bout the Smiling Deathporn Immortality Blues (Everyone Wants to Live Forever) 3:55
16 Phoebe Battles the Pink Robots 3:24
17 Are You A Hypnotist?? 4:44
18 Do You Realize?? 4:25