This is part 7 of a series of headers about my all-time favorite albums. Previous entries were Madvillainy, Homogenic, The Lonesome Crowded West, Funeral, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and Donuts.

My 4th-favorite album is The Soft Bulletin by the Flaming Lips. Their biggest commercial breakthrough up until that point, this album is their all-time masterpiece. It’s a lush, luxurious collection of slow pop songs, with gorgeous production and ingenious lyrics. The Soft Bulletin revels in ambiguity, in a way that makes you feel warm and fuzzy rather than doubtful or insecure. It’s a glorious tribute to the mystery and complexity of life on Earth.