The Flaming Lips are an American rock band formed in 1983 in Oklahoma City. They have gained a cult following with their unique sound and experimental approach to music. The band has released 15 studio albums and over 50 singles, making them one of the most prolific bands of their generation. With a career spanning over three decades, The Flaming Lips have amassed an impressive discography, featuring songs that range from psychedelic rock to experimental pop. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the ten best The Flaming Lips songs of all time. These songs have been selected based on their musicality, cultural significance, and the band’s personal connection to them. From their breakthrough hit “She Don’t Use Jelly” to their more recent and introspective work like “Do You Realize??” and “The Castle,” The Flaming Lips have always pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music. This list will give you a glimpse into the band’s creative evolution and hopefully inspire you to dive deeper into their discography. So, put on your headphones and join us on a journey through the ten best The Flaming Lips songs of all time.
1. “Jets, Part 1 (Cupid’s Kiss Vs The Psyche of Death)”
“Jets, Part 1 (Cupid’s Kiss Vs The Psyche of Death)” is a song by The Flaming Lips, released in 2011 as part of their album “The Flaming Lips with Heady Fwends.” The song begins with a haunting, psychedelic instrumental intro that sets the tone for the rest of the track. The vocals then come in, with Wayne Coyne’s signature falsetto soaring over the driving beat and pulsating synth lines. The lyrics tell a story of love and death, with Cupid’s arrow serving as both a blessing and a curse. The chorus is an anthemic call-and-response, with Coyne singing “I don’t want to die” and the backing vocals responding “But I don’t want to live forever.” The song continues to build in intensity, with layers of instrumentation and vocals creating a wall of sound that is both chaotic and beautiful. “Jets, Part 1 (Cupid’s Kiss Vs The Psyche of Death)” showcases The Flaming Lips’ unique blend of experimental rock and pop sensibilities, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable listening experience.
2. “Psychiatric Explorations Of The Fetus With Needles”
“Psychiatric Explorations Of The Fetus With Needles” is a psychedelic rock song by The Flaming Lips, released in 1990 as part of their album “In A Priest Driven Ambulance.” The song opens with a hypnotic guitar riff and a pounding drumbeat, before the vocals kick in with Wayne Coyne’s signature nasal drawl. The lyrics are surreal and dreamlike, touching on themes of self-discovery and transformation. The chorus is a catchy sing-along, with Coyne repeating the phrase “Psychiatric explorations of the fetus with needles.” The song features intricate guitar work and a dynamic arrangement, with shifts in tempo and volume that keep the listener engaged. “Psychiatric Explorations Of The Fetus With Needles” is a standout track from The Flaming Lips’ early discography, showcasing their unique brand of psychedelic rock and their penchant for pushing the boundaries of conventional songwriting. The song is a trippy and unforgettable listening experience that perfectly captures the essence of The Flaming Lips’ experimental approach to music.
3. “The Sound Of Failure”
“The Sound Of Failure” is a melancholic and introspective song by The Flaming Lips, released in 2006 as part of their album “At War With The Mystics.” The song starts with a simple piano melody that sets a contemplative mood, before Wayne Coyne’s plaintive vocals come in, singing about the sound of failure and the emptiness that comes with it. The chorus is a haunting refrain that repeats the phrase “The sound of failure, surrounds me.” The instrumentation builds gradually, with layers of synth, guitar, and percussion creating a lush and atmospheric sound. The song reaches its climax with a soaring guitar solo that perfectly captures the emotion of the lyrics. “The Sound Of Failure” is a standout track from The Flaming Lips’ discography, showcasing their ability to convey deep emotion through their music. The song is a poignant and affecting meditation on the experience of failure, and the sense of isolation and despair that can come with it.
4. “The Captain”/”Satellite Of You”
“The Captain”/”Satellite Of You” is a two-part song by The Flaming Lips, released in 1996 as part of their album “Hit to Death in the Future Head.” The first part, “The Captain,” begins with a driving guitar riff and Wayne Coyne’s soaring vocals. The lyrics speak of a captain on a ship, navigating through the stormy seas of life. The chorus is a catchy sing-along that repeats the phrase “The captain’s got it, the captain’s gone.” The song features a dynamic arrangement, with shifts in tempo and volume that keep the listener engaged. The second part, “Satellite Of You,” is a dreamy and atmospheric ballad that showcases the band’s more experimental side. The song features ethereal vocals and a swirling, psychedelic sound that creates a hypnotic and otherworldly listening experience. “The Captain”/”Satellite Of You” is a standout track from The Flaming Lips’ early discography, showcasing their ability to combine catchy hooks with experimental soundscapes. The song is a dynamic and engaging listening experience that perfectly captures the spirit of The Flaming Lips’ unique approach to music.
5. “Powerless”
“Powerless” is a somber and introspective ballad by The Flaming Lips, released in 2002 as part of their album “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.” The song begins with a melancholic piano melody and Wayne Coyne’s soft and plaintive vocals. The lyrics speak of a feeling of powerlessness in the face of life’s challenges, with lines like “I’m powerless to change your world, but I’m going to try.” The chorus is a stirring refrain that repeats the phrase “It’s not my war,” conveying a sense of resignation and acceptance of one’s limitations. The song features a sparse and stripped-down arrangement, with minimal instrumentation that puts the focus on Coyne’s vocals and the emotional weight of the lyrics. “Powerless” is a standout track from The Flaming Lips’ discography, showcasing their ability to convey deep emotions through their music, even with a minimalist approach. The song is a poignant and affecting meditation on the struggles of everyday life, and the sense of powerlessness that can come with it.
6. “Put The Waterbug In The Policeman’s Ear”
“Put The Waterbug In The Policeman’s Ear” is a quirky and experimental song by The Flaming Lips, released in 1989 as part of their album “Telepathic Surgery.” The song features a disorienting and chaotic arrangement, with distorted guitar riffs, electronic beats, and a cacophony of strange noises. Wayne Coyne’s vocals are distorted and layered, creating a surreal and otherworldly sound. The lyrics are surreal and absurdist, with lines like “Put the waterbug in the policeman’s ear, he’ll shake his head and say ‘I wasn’t here.'” The song is a prime example of The Flaming Lips’ early experimentation with sound and structure, showcasing their willingness to push the boundaries of conventional songwriting. “Put The Waterbug In The Policeman’s Ear” is a challenging and engaging listening experience, with a sound that is both unsettling and fascinating. The song is a testament to The Flaming Lips’ commitment to creative exploration and their willingness to embrace the weird and unconventional.
7. “Chrome-Plated Suicide”
“Chrome-Plated Suicide” is a dark and brooding song by The Flaming Lips, released in 1992 as part of their album “Hit to Death in the Future Head.” The song features a slow and menacing groove, with heavy bass and distorted guitar riffs. Wayne Coyne’s vocals are haunting and subdued, conveying a sense of resignation and despair. The lyrics are introspective and bleak, touching on themes of mortality and the futility of life. The chorus is a haunting refrain that repeats the phrase “Chrome-plated suicide,” driving home the song’s dark and nihilistic message. “Chrome-Plated Suicide” is a standout track from The Flaming Lips’ discography, showcasing their ability to convey deep emotions through their music. The song is a somber and unsettling listening experience that perfectly captures the mood of existential dread and hopelessness. The Flaming Lips’ willingness to explore the darker corners of the human experience sets them apart from other bands of their generation, and “Chrome-Plated Suicide” is a prime example of their unique and powerful approach to music.
8. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a tender and emotional ballad by The Flaming Lips, released in 2013 as part of their album “The Terror.” The song features a stripped-down arrangement, with Wayne Coyne’s vocals accompanied only by a simple piano melody. The lyrics are a heartfelt expression of love and devotion, with lines like “The first time ever I kissed your mouth, I felt the earth move in my hand.” Coyne’s vocals are tender and vulnerable, conveying a sense of intimacy and emotional depth. The song builds gradually, with layers of instrumentation and backing vocals adding to the emotional weight of the lyrics. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a standout track from The Flaming Lips’ discography, showcasing their ability to convey deep emotions through their music, even with a minimalist approach. The song is a poignant and affecting tribute to the power of love, and the impact that it can have on our lives.
9. “The Train Runs Over The Camel But Is Derailed By The Gnat”
“The Train Runs Over The Camel But Is Derailed By The Gnat” is a playful and whimsical song by The Flaming Lips, released in 1995 as part of their album “Clouds Taste Metallic.” The song features a quirky and upbeat arrangement, with jangly guitar riffs and catchy hooks. Wayne Coyne’s vocals are lively and energetic, conveying a sense of childlike wonder and joy. The lyrics are surreal and absurdist, with lines like “The train runs over the camel but is derailed by the gnat, who takes the tracks off and puts them on his back.” The song is a prime example of The Flaming Lips’ playful and experimental approach to music, with a sound that is both whimsical and infectious. “The Train Runs Over The Camel But Is Derailed By The Gnat” is a fun and engaging listening experience that showcases The Flaming Lips’ ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying. The song is a testament to the band’s willingness to embrace the weird and unconventional, and their commitment to creative exploration.
10. “Will You Return / When You Come Down”
“Will You Return / When You Come Down” is a dreamy and atmospheric song by The Flaming Lips, released in 1999 as part of their album “The Soft Bulletin.” The song features a lush and ethereal arrangement, with swirling synths and a delicate guitar melody. Wayne Coyne’s vocals are tender and heartfelt, conveying a sense of longing and nostalgia. The lyrics speak of a yearning for connection and understanding, with lines like “Will you return to me, what you have taken from me?” The chorus is a beautiful and haunting refrain that repeats the phrase “When you come down, when you come down.” “Will You Return / When You Come Down” is a standout track from The Flaming Lips’ discography, showcasing their ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and sonically rich. The song is a dreamlike and immersive listening experience, with a sound that is both delicate and powerful. The Flaming Lips’ willingness to explore complex emotions and their ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally satisfying set them apart from other bands of their generation, and “Will You Return / When You Come Down” is a prime example of their unique and powerful approach to music.
Erica Henderson 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.
