Laurie Anderson is a visionary artist, musician, and performer who has been pushing the boundaries of music and multimedia art for over four decades. Her unique blend of spoken-word poetry, electronic music, and performance art has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following around the world. With a career spanning several albums and numerous collaborations, Anderson has created a body of work that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Laurie Anderson songs of all time. From her early experimental works to her more recent albums, we will examine the songs that have defined Anderson’s career and cemented her place in the pantheon of great musicians and artists. We will delve into the themes and ideas that Anderson explores in her music, including love, loss, technology, and the human condition. We will also examine the musical and artistic influences that have shaped Anderson’s unique style, and the ways in which she has influenced other artists in turn.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Laurie Anderson or just discovering her music for the first time, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of her greatest songs and the impact they have had on the world of music and art. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to the ethereal world of Laurie Anderson’s music.
1. O Superman
“O Superman” is an experimental art-pop song by Laurie Anderson, released in 1981. The song is over eight minutes long, and features Anderson’s distinctive spoken-word delivery, interspersed with bursts of synthesizer and electronic effects. At its core, “O Superman” is a meditation on the relationship between technology and human emotion, as Anderson poses the question, “Why is it that we don’t know the other side of our feelings?” The lyrics reference Superman, the iconic superhero, as a symbol of strength and invincibility, contrasting his power with the vulnerability and uncertainty of human emotion. The song’s hypnotic rhythms and surreal imagery create a sense of disorientation, inviting the listener to explore the limits of their own understanding of the world around them. “O Superman” is a landmark of avant-garde pop music, and its influence can be heard in everything from the experimental electronica of Aphex Twin to the dreamy, introspective ballads of Lana Del Rey.
2. Big Science
“Big Science” is the title track of Laurie Anderson’s debut album, released in 1982. The song is a rhythmic, spoken-word piece that blends elements of rock, jazz, and electronic music to create a sound that is both futuristic and deeply rooted in the present moment. At its core, “Big Science” is a meditation on the ways in which technology shapes our understanding of the world, and the ways in which we can use it to connect with each other and explore the limits of our own imagination. Anderson’s spoken-word delivery is both hypnotic and thought-provoking, weaving together images of space travel, laboratory experiments, and everyday life in a way that invites the listener to think deeply about the world around them. The song’s playful, experimental approach to music-making has influenced countless artists in the decades since its release, from Radiohead to Björk to Grimes. “Big Science” remains a touchstone of avant-garde pop music, a testament to the power of art to push the boundaries of our understanding and connect us with the infinite possibilities of the universe.
3. From the Air
“From the Air” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Laurie Anderson’s 1982 album “Big Science”. The song features Anderson’s signature spoken-word delivery and is accompanied by minimalistic electronic instrumentation that creates a sense of otherworldliness. The lyrics describe the experience of flying, from the perspective of a passenger on an airplane. Anderson’s vivid imagery captures the beauty and wonder of being airborne, but also reflects on the underlying sense of isolation and detachment that can accompany modern air travel. The song’s dreamlike quality makes it a perfect soundtrack for contemplative moments or introspection, and the sparse yet evocative instrumentation creates an immersive sonic landscape that transports the listener to a world of pure imagination.
4. Language Is a Virus
“Language Is a Virus” is a high-energy, experimental track from Laurie Anderson’s 1984 album “Mister Heartbreak”. The song features a mix of spoken-word vocals and electronic instrumentation, with Anderson’s rapid-fire delivery set against a pulsing beat and a cacophony of electronic sounds. The lyrics reflect on the ways in which language shapes our perceptions of the world around us, and how it can be used to both liberate and constrain us. Anderson’s playful use of language and wordplay is on full display here, with puns, alliteration, and unexpected turns of phrase creating a sense of frenzied excitement that perfectly matches the song’s driving beat. “Language Is a Virus” is a celebration of the power of language to shape our world and our understanding of it, and a reminder that even the most mundane words and phrases can hold a world of meaning and possibility.
5. Sharkey’s Day
“Sharkey’s Day” is a quirky, upbeat track from Laurie Anderson’s 1984 album “Mister Heartbreak”. The song features Anderson’s distinctive spoken-word vocals, set against a playful mix of electronic and acoustic instrumentation. The lyrics tell the story of a typical day in the life of Sharkey, a fictional character who navigates the ups and downs of modern life with humor and resilience. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious melody make it a standout track on the album, and its blend of surreal imagery and social commentary captures the spirit of Anderson’s unique style. “Sharkey’s Day” is a reminder that even in the midst of the chaos and confusion of modern life, there is always room for laughter, joy, and human connection.
6. Gravity’s Angel
“Gravity’s Angel” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Laurie Anderson’s 1984 album “Mister Heartbreak”. The song features Anderson’s signature spoken-word delivery and is accompanied by minimalistic electronic instrumentation that creates a sense of otherworldliness. The lyrics reference the Challenger disaster, a tragedy that occurred in 1986 when the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart shortly after takeoff, killing all seven crew members on board. The song reflects on the fragility of human life and the ways in which we strive to reach beyond our earthly limits, even in the face of great danger. The song’s ethereal quality creates a sense of weightlessness, as if the listener is floating in space alongside the astronauts on the ill-fated shuttle. “Gravity’s Angel” is a haunting tribute to those who dare to explore the unknown, and a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, the human spirit endures.
7. Let X=X/It Tango
“Let X=X/It Tango” is a playful, experimental track from Laurie Anderson’s 1982 album “Big Science”. The song features Anderson’s distinctive spoken-word delivery, set against a backdrop of electronic and acoustic instrumentation that creates a sense of whimsy and wonder. The lyrics reference mathematical equations and computer programming, but also touch on themes of love, relationships, and human connection. The song’s driving beat and catchy melody make it a standout track on the album, and its blend of intellectualism and humor captures the spirit of Anderson’s unique style. “Let X=X/It Tango” is a reminder that even the most abstract concepts can hold a world of meaning and emotion, and that the power of art lies in its ability to transcend boundaries and connect us with the infinite possibilities of the universe.
8. Kokoku
“Kokoku” is a mesmerizing track from Laurie Anderson’s 1994 album “Bright Red”. The song features Anderson’s spoken-word vocals, set against a hypnotic mix of electronic and acoustic instrumentation that creates a sense of timelessness and wonder. The lyrics describe a journey through time and space, from the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of the cosmos. Anderson’s vivid imagery captures the beauty and majesty of the natural world, while also reflecting on the fragility of life and the impermanence of all things. The song’s dreamlike quality makes it a perfect soundtrack for meditation or introspection, and its blend of electronic and acoustic elements creates a sonic landscape that is both soothing and stimulating. “Kokoku” is a testament to the power of music to transport us to other worlds and connect us with the mysteries of the universe.
9. Strange Angels
“Strange Angels” is the title track of Laurie Anderson’s 1989 album. The song features Anderson’s spoken-word vocals over a mix of electronic and acoustic instrumentation, including strings and percussion. The lyrics explore themes of love and longing, as well as the mysteries of the human heart. The song’s dreamy quality is enhanced by Anderson’s use of layered vocals and echo effects, creating a sense of otherworldliness. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “strange angels singing just for me,” is both haunting and uplifting. “Strange Angels” is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the magic of the human spirit.
10. The Dream Before
“The Dream Before” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Laurie Anderson’s 1984 album “Mister Heartbreak”. The song features Anderson’s spoken-word vocals over a minimalistic electronic backdrop. The lyrics reflect on the nature of dreams and the ways in which they shape our perceptions of reality. The song’s ethereal quality creates a sense of weightlessness, as if the listener is floating in a world of pure imagination. Anderson’s use of repetition and subtle variations in tone and inflection create a hypnotic effect, drawing the listener deeper into the dreamlike landscape of the song. “The Dream Before” is a mesmerizing meditation on the mysteries of the human mind, and a testament to Anderson’s unique talent for creating music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
