Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
by The Flaming Lips
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 144 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 130 out of 144
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 144
  3. Negative: 8 out of 144

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Sep 21, 2022
    8
    YBTPR is perhaps their most accessible masterpiece but it's the one im least impressed by out of their big three classics. It's not as dense as the others which despite permitting accessibility leaves a lot to be desired in terms of engagement . It is still by no means a bad album . With the opening "fight test" or the saccharine "do you realize? " there's just so much to be amazed by.YBTPR is perhaps their most accessible masterpiece but it's the one im least impressed by out of their big three classics. It's not as dense as the others which despite permitting accessibility leaves a lot to be desired in terms of engagement . It is still by no means a bad album . With the opening "fight test" or the saccharine "do you realize? " there's just so much to be amazed by. It's like radiohead's Hail to the Theif where it's a really solid record thst just doest match the caliber/expectation they've set for themselves even asthey venture into the fertile grounds of electronica.… Expand
  2. bhsmall
    Sep 25, 2020
    0
    Pretty bad album I will say. Does not have the humph that some of their other albums do.
  3. normankant
    Jun 13, 2015
    10
    What are Flaming Lips? In this record they are a band playing in a dreamlike universe made of childhood aspirations and sterling naivety, a band experimenting with plastic beats and gummy sounds without forgetting that the core of all music are emotions, a band that studied psychedelic music and updated it.
  4. rodericrinehart
    May 28, 2015
    9
    Gorgeous album that stands the test of time. It will continue to be appreciated and listened to for many years by many people. So many great songs and so much feel.
  5. ekolite82
    Jul 11, 2012
    9
    Lot of great highlights on the this one. Lot of great songs. One of my favorites by them. Can't think of one I like better by them, really. A great album with good production values and emotional highs.
  6. j30
    Apr 23, 2012
    8
    Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is extremely good the majority of the album, I'd even dare to call those areas great. There is, however, a few places feels a little underwhelming and you kind of lose interest, but that is few and far between.
  7. hydrawithears
    Nov 2, 2011
    8
    Yoshimi has already made history and I am truly happy that louds of people will discover it for itâ
  8. TatrTotz
    Sep 3, 2011
    10
    An excellent, beautiful, compelling Flaming Lips album.
    The album goes through times of being heavily electronic to plain old acoustic. You can feel the passion and genuine nature of The Flaming Lips through the lyrics and instrumentation of the music. All in all, a great album.
  9. Vampire25
    Dec 15, 2010
    10
    Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is one of my favorite albums. It's simply amazing. Every song is just a treat to listen too. It's fresh, original, innovative, and purely just captivating. Songs such as "Do You Realize??" and "Fight Test" and "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt.1" is just beautiful music. All In All, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is a masterpiece. A
  10. crazy_goose
    Oct 20, 2010
    9
    I hesitated to give this album a 10, and eventually decided to give it a 9 because of one oddball (yoshimi battles the pink robots, pt. 2, is so out of nowhere and sonically bombastic that it doesn't mesh well with the rest of the sublime album). if you like progressive rock, pop rock, soft rock, electronic rock, songs about robots, songs about death, or an amazingly produced album thatI hesitated to give this album a 10, and eventually decided to give it a 9 because of one oddball (yoshimi battles the pink robots, pt. 2, is so out of nowhere and sonically bombastic that it doesn't mesh well with the rest of the sublime album). if you like progressive rock, pop rock, soft rock, electronic rock, songs about robots, songs about death, or an amazingly produced album that sounds gorgeous on a great sound system, then definitely go after this one. personally i find the two most popular songs, "do you realize?" and "yoshimi pt. 1", to be the first ones to listen to as they set a good tone for the album and they're not as out there as the rest of the album.… Expand
  11. mhmusicnmovies
    Sep 7, 2010
    10
    an incredibly beautiful album. Fight Test kicks things off strongly and the music never weakens. Yoshimi is catchy, mysterious, mesmerizing, and so much more. I find it almost impossible to compare this to, frankly, anything... The Flaming Lips arrive officially with this effort.
  12. ShaunC
    Jul 9, 2009
    10
    One of the most amazing and creative albums made within the last 30 years. I have been a Flaming Lips fan for about 6 years now and checked out all of their work. Their two best albums by far are Yoshimi and the Soft Bullitin. This album will warm and friendly guide on any "trip" you may wish to take.
  13. richard
    Nov 15, 2008
    7
    Really fun album, but in retrospective not amazing.
  14. Number45
    May 16, 2008
    10
    The most perfect album I've ever heard.
  15. CarlG.
    May 7, 2008
    10
    This album is one of few I have ever listened to that I would call a masterpiece (in the classical sense). The other is The Soft Bulletin. The album is a journey and you should listen to it from start to finish without interruption.
  16. MikeS
    Mar 8, 2008
    10
    A breathe of fresh air after listening to loads of crap by Nickelback, Gwen Stefani, Middle Finger Eleven, and you name it. If you enjoy Radiohead in their Kid A/OK Computer iteration, then you will love this!!!
  17. JamesM
    Sep 1, 2007
    7
    An ok album. A bit directionless.
  18. BobR
    Aug 26, 2007
    10
    I actually like this much better than the Soft Bulletin.
  19. DrJiberish
    Feb 25, 2007
    2
    Completely overrated! Same with everything else in my music collection. I give it a 2 and everything else a 1.
  20. Henry
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    Just an amazing album that I had ever heard. All the songs stick to the theme of the album: scientific and mystery. I must give my special appalause to the Flaming Lips. They create an outstanding and full of characterisitic Yoshimi whom I can feel her bavery and love from the song "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots pt 1". Thanks Flaming Lips for the great album.
  21. JonL
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    Sheds the symphonic sweep of The Soft Bulletin for dense, fluid electronica, while retaining the whimsical melancholy and thoughts on life, death, and humanity. The playfulness of the Lips doesn't detract from their more ruminative tracks, rather, it adds punch to the emotional impact and sheer beauty. As good as their previous album, and maybe the best album of the decade. Truly masterful.
  22. StephenI
    May 27, 2006
    10
    Amazing, I believe this album to be so far as one of the greatest albums of the decade.
  23. S.L.O'Robot
    Apr 25, 2006
    6
    Overrated, overhyped and staggeringly underwhelming in the wake of the vastly superior "The Soft Bulletin." "Yoshimi," I suspect, garnered most of its raves from: 1) critics who missed the boat on "The Soft Bulletin," and wanted to appear to be in-the-know on the next record, or; 2) those ready to anoint FL as godhead in the afterglow of TSB. If you're new to the Lips and looking for Overrated, overhyped and staggeringly underwhelming in the wake of the vastly superior "The Soft Bulletin." "Yoshimi," I suspect, garnered most of its raves from: 1) critics who missed the boat on "The Soft Bulletin," and wanted to appear to be in-the-know on the next record, or; 2) those ready to anoint FL as godhead in the afterglow of TSB. If you're new to the Lips and looking for a good starting point, skip this one and go straight to "The Soft Bulletin."… Expand
  24. mr.hankey
    Apr 21, 2006
    10
    Beautiful, Sonic and Underrated. This is what I think of the 2002 album by the Flaming Lips Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The album is a message that cannot be determined but is only understood by the band and the twisted frontman Wayne Coyne. The album does not work out as well as the amazing 1999 release " The Soft Bulletin" but is still one of the best albums to come out since 2000. Beautiful, Sonic and Underrated. This is what I think of the 2002 album by the Flaming Lips Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The album is a message that cannot be determined but is only understood by the band and the twisted frontman Wayne Coyne. The album does not work out as well as the amazing 1999 release " The Soft Bulletin" but is still one of the best albums to come out since 2000. It is beautiful and the standout tracks seem to be "Fight Test" and "Do You Realize?" which stood out because of their catchy guitar riffs and amazing lyrics. If you should get an album by the Flaming Lips I would recommend The Soft Bulletin but if you are a longtime fan like myself then I would recommend this which proves to be the Lips at their tip top form.… Expand
  25. drewB
    Apr 4, 2006
    10
    my balls have just been tripped off
  26. BearlyyBearlyy
    Mar 27, 2006
    6
    Completely over-rated. Just about above average.
  27. BillH
    Mar 6, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums I've ever heard. Simple messages on life, death and love told through ambitious and uplifting song. Yes, to some, some of the instrumentals and songs may sound a bit much, but if you have an ear for the weird and different, you'll love this.
  28. sans
    Feb 15, 2006
    10
    this album convinces you to be a better person!
  29. Gray
    Jan 21, 2006
    9
    Incredible Album
  30. MattJ
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    Magic
  31. billy
    Aug 1, 2005
    10
    Yoshimi piles on layers of melodic wonderment. A true marvel. The Lips are on their way to absolute greatness.
  32. PanteleimonG
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    Possibly the most imaginative album in recent years from the most experimental band of our time. Its beautiful story floats smoothly. "Do you realize?", and the title track stand out but the rest of the tracks are not lacking. Simply, an amazingly told, astonishing story.
  33. MichaelM
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    absolutely the best album of 2002, by far.
  34. BadCritic
    Jan 4, 2005
    8
    I stuggle a little with the Lips. A first listen of Yoshimi prompts the inevitable (but initially missed by most) comparison with Cat Stevens, but wait, there's more. Listen to The Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi back to back, and you start to pick up threads from other artists, and not necessarily good ones either. Hasn't anyone out there heard the rip off from the (ghastly) Alan I stuggle a little with the Lips. A first listen of Yoshimi prompts the inevitable (but initially missed by most) comparison with Cat Stevens, but wait, there's more. Listen to The Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi back to back, and you start to pick up threads from other artists, and not necessarily good ones either. Hasn't anyone out there heard the rip off from the (ghastly) Alan Parson's Project 'A Turn of a Friendly Card'. Three or four other tracks sound awfully familiar, but hey, Wayne, you pull it off so well, all is forgiven.… Collapse
  35. sjoerdh
    Nov 22, 2004
    3
    Oooh, it's a rock opera. Oooh, it's fragile. Oooh, it's so innovative. Oooh it's utter rubbish... This is the sound of coldplay on drugs, and i prefer smacking my head to a wall and listening to the sound that makes, because no matter how many people are going to feel obliged to think this is a good record, I wouldn't even approach it with a bargepole.
  36. BenjaminBunny
    Jun 8, 2004
    9
    Makes my heart throb and my head bob.
  37. JeremyG
    Jan 4, 2004
    8
    Having heard both albums, one cannot help but compare it to 'Soft Bulletin,' but it still performs admirably even against such a formidable masterwork. A solid album with melodic bliss to spare.
  38. k.y.joeybedrosian
    Oct 15, 2003
    10
    ineffable...
  39. ChrisB
    Apr 24, 2003
    8
    Some singles shine much brighter than the whole as a whole. But it is definitely an enjoyable albumn with good emotional depth on a few tracks and plenty of weird squirmy synth effects that are very original. Excellent albumn for a medium sized gathering or small party.
  40. MattS.
    Sep 13, 2002
    9
    I keep going back and forth over whether I liked Yoshimi or the Soft Bulletin better. This week, it's Yoshimi. It's fun but also gets a pretty big emotional response out of me. I was in a pretty reflective mood when this record came out and man did it stick to me. People are either going to like or dislike the production but to me, it's refreshing and you'd be I keep going back and forth over whether I liked Yoshimi or the Soft Bulletin better. This week, it's Yoshimi. It's fun but also gets a pretty big emotional response out of me. I was in a pretty reflective mood when this record came out and man did it stick to me. People are either going to like or dislike the production but to me, it's refreshing and you'd be surprised just how many hooks and melodies you stumble on that grab you after repeated listens. I really like this cd.… Expand
  41. BobG.
    Aug 29, 2002
    9
    Never liked the Lips until Soft Bulletin, and I like "Yoshimi" even more. Lush, fantastic and fun. Best record of the year so far.
  42. GregM.
    Aug 25, 2002
    6
    I have owned this album for a month but have yet to hear it the whole way through. Sure, it's not terrible, but Wayne Coyne can do better. He traded the blissful bounce of Satellite and the acid-fried lurch of Clouds for the saintly gait of Soft Bulletin, but without the magic. Still, it's better than no Lips at all.
  43. Sean
    Aug 9, 2002
    10
    amazing simply amazing, a pet sounds for my generation
  44. ScottS.
    Jul 25, 2002
    10
    I think that Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is better than The Soft Bulletin. I'm over 35 and, while The Soft Bulletin was okay, there were a couple of crappy tracks and it was light-years from this new one, where there isn't a bad song in the bunch. I am accustomed to albums of that quality, aka The Wall, Nevermind, and Whos Next. The only thing even close to The Flaming Lips I think that Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is better than The Soft Bulletin. I'm over 35 and, while The Soft Bulletin was okay, there were a couple of crappy tracks and it was light-years from this new one, where there isn't a bad song in the bunch. I am accustomed to albums of that quality, aka The Wall, Nevermind, and Whos Next. The only thing even close to The Flaming Lips two last albums is a couple of recording in the 90s by nirvana. The rest of this stuff is crap and I try to ignore it. The Flaming Lips is my favorite band that is still recording new material. (On the list of favorite but dead bands are The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Who, and King Crimson). This is some pretty high praise from a professional songwriter. There for awhile, I was in hopes that Queenstryche would measure up and followup their Empire CD, but it never really happened to my satisfaction.… Expand
  45. RickG.
    Jul 23, 2002
    8
    A very, very good record for this late in the game for the venerable Lips. If you want a legit #10 rated record from these guys, check out 'Hit To Death In The Future Head'. Now that's a 10! Can't wait to see their new movie, 'Christmas on Mars' this xmas, should be interesting.
  46. LesZero
    Jul 23, 2002
    10
    The Lips turn down the amps a notch and make a quiet, contemplative, immersive follow-up to the brilliant, brash, astonishing Soft Bulletin. Nice work, gentlemen.
  47. bunnytiger
    Jul 18, 2002
    10
    this album sounds like rain would sound if every drop of it had a beautiful singing voice to sing along with.
  48. VinceP.
    Jul 17, 2002
    10
    Simply, one of the best album's of the year. Fantastic!! I'm still astonished. Congratulations!!
  49. TedS.
    Jul 17, 2002
    10
    phenomenal.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best Album of 2002
20
#20 Most Discussed Album of 2002
26
#26 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Ink Blot Magazine
    90
    The measured use of electronics recalls nothing so much as OK Computer, and in some ways Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots sounds like that album might have if Thom Yorke believed in God.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Songs like "Fight Test" and "Do You Realize" have various tics--but they're so sweet-souled that such sins are easily forgiven. [19 July 2002, p.74]
  3. Mojo
    90
    If Yoshimi.... lacks the sheer shock value of Bulletin's panoramic delirium, its peak moments are enough to make it one of 2002's most rewarding releases. [Album of the Month, Aug 2002, p.92]
See all critic reviews »