Subliminal Plastic Motives is the debut studio album by American pop rock band Self,[4] released on October 24, 1995, through Zoo Entertainment and Spongebath Records.

Critical reception was largely positive, with reviewers commending its eclectic production, sharp lyricism, and innovative approach to alternative rock, drawing comparisons to Beck, Matthew Sweet, and Ben Folds.

[9] To prevent monotony, Mahaffey aimed to make Subliminal Plastic Motives as diverse as possible by incorporating all of his influences, such as Beastie Boys, Pavement, and Prince.

[10] The album's opening song, "Borateen", was inspired by a drunk experience during a New Year's Eve celebration, written with intentional ambiguity to refrain from over-explaining.

[12] Another song, "Big Important Nothing", was written after Mahaffey watched an interview about Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley on ABC,[10] and instrumentally samples a live performance of Ella Minopy.

[9] "Dog You Are" was played by Self in concerts surrounding Subliminal Plastic Motives, instrumentally aligning with other songs from the album and lyrically addressing a critic who reviewed it negatively.

[5][17] One time, the airdates for "So Low" and God Lives Underwater's "Don't Know How to Be" were accidentally switched, leading the two bands to become friends and eventually form Wired All Wrong.

[1] Ryan Schreiber of Pitchfork gave a similar rating with an 8/10, likening it to Matthew Sweet's melodic sensibilities with the energy of hip-hop beats and a unique take on power pop.

[10] Gabe Besecker of Woof Magazine praised the album's ironic, clever lyrics that balance parody and playfulness, matching its sound with Ween and They Might Be Giants.

[24] Eric Brace of The Washington Post noted the album as a striking debut, showcasing Mahaffey's versatile songwriting and production with sharp lyrics and rhythms reminiscent of Nirvana and Ben Folds while pushing modern rock into new territory.

[2] J Noise of Hybrid Magazine additionally made a comparison to Ben Folds and highlighted the album's artwork, but stated that it lacked the standout moments needed to elevate it above its contemporaries.

[25] Chuck Campbell of Knoxville News Sentinel praised the rhythmic guitars on "Borateen" and "Stewardess" while stating that the album loses focus as it progresses, pointing out the "disjointed keyboard" of "Big Important Nothing" as an example.