Progressive Rock's Absolute Must-Have Albums
Whether you are a die hard prog fan or someone who is curious to know what’s all the noise on prog rock all about, here is a list of prog rock’s 10 absolute must-have albums. Of course, there are a billion other amazing prog rock bands and a zillion other awesome albums but IMHO the following are the pillars on which the genre stands. They are the gurus who laid down the rules for others to follow. If you notice all the albums listed here are from the early 70’s, the golden era of prog. The list here is just my opinion, so if you feel there could be other bands/albums here, you may be absolutely right…just as I am. So if you are looking for that ultimate prog rush, check these albums out and you’ll know why I see them as the groundbreakers.
10
10
Genesis - Selling England By The Pound (1973)
Loaded with literary influences, this is Genesis at its creative best. Not as lengthy as The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, the other critically acclaimed double-album, Selling England...laid down the rules for the future generation of neo-prog bands
Loaded with literary influences, this is Genesis at its creative best. Not as lengthy as The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, the other critically acclaimed double-album, Selling England...laid down the rules for the future generation of neo-prog bands
9
Jethro Tull - Thick As A Brick (1972)
One album, one song, two parts...45 minutes of pure magic...that’s Thick as a brick. This album is a hotpot of all the influences that made Jethro Tull. Hard rock textures mixed with folk and classical overtones creates layers of music that oscillates from soft and soothing acoustic patterns to punching heavy rock. Ian Anderson and co. at their extravagant best. It may become a tad too long and tedious at times but discounting those dips in the momentum, it is a stupendous album as a whole.
Jethro Tull - Thick As A Brick (1972)
One album, one song, two parts...45 minutes of pure magic...that’s Thick as a brick. This album is a hotpot of all the influences that made Jethro Tull. Hard rock textures mixed with folk and classical overtones creates layers of music that oscillates from soft and soothing acoustic patterns to punching heavy rock. Ian Anderson and co. at their extravagant best. It may become a tad too long and tedious at times but discounting those dips in the momentum, it is a stupendous album as a whole.
8
Uriah Heep - Look At Yourself (1971)
Sure, you had the critically acclaimed Demons and Wizards as the next release but it was this album that firmly dispelled any argument on whether they are a prog band or not. Plus this album has July Morning, which definitely is among the greatest of prog compositions. For their third album, the band has extensively used the Moog and the Hammond organ courtesy Ken Hensley. That, combined with some great guitar work by Mick Box and some over the top singing by Dave Byron makes this album a true classic. From the wailing rocking opener Look at yourself to the symphonic July morning, the band has successfully blended heavy rock, boogie and rockabilly music to concoct their own characteristic sound. Sure to please hard core prog fans and heavy metal crossovers alike.
Uriah Heep - Look At Yourself (1971)
Sure, you had the critically acclaimed Demons and Wizards as the next release but it was this album that firmly dispelled any argument on whether they are a prog band or not. Plus this album has July Morning, which definitely is among the greatest of prog compositions. For their third album, the band has extensively used the Moog and the Hammond organ courtesy Ken Hensley. That, combined with some great guitar work by Mick Box and some over the top singing by Dave Byron makes this album a true classic. From the wailing rocking opener Look at yourself to the symphonic July morning, the band has successfully blended heavy rock, boogie and rockabilly music to concoct their own characteristic sound. Sure to please hard core prog fans and heavy metal crossovers alike.
7
Rush - 2112 (1976)
When I first heard Rush, I felt they were second-hand Led Zep but then I heard 2112. This album broke the ice between heavy guitar oriented rock and progressive multi-layered compositions which paved the way for future prog metal bands. Neil Peart is the best drummer in business and Alex Lifeson is a neo-classical guitar god and together with Geddy Lee's high-pitched vox and thumping bass they created music so complex that even they had trouble reproducing it live. The epic title track, 2112 is a 20-minulte long sci-fi journey to the future influenced by Ayn Rand's writings. The other songs are much shorter and more on the rock side of Rush.
Rush - 2112 (1976)
When I first heard Rush, I felt they were second-hand Led Zep but then I heard 2112. This album broke the ice between heavy guitar oriented rock and progressive multi-layered compositions which paved the way for future prog metal bands. Neil Peart is the best drummer in business and Alex Lifeson is a neo-classical guitar god and together with Geddy Lee's high-pitched vox and thumping bass they created music so complex that even they had trouble reproducing it live. The epic title track, 2112 is a 20-minulte long sci-fi journey to the future influenced by Ayn Rand's writings. The other songs are much shorter and more on the rock side of Rush.
6
Camel - Mirage (1974)
Centered around guitarist/vocalist Andy Latimer and Keyboards guru Pete Bardens, Camel was one of the most influential prog rock bands to come out of UK. Their second effort released in '74, Mirage showcases the formidable talent of the band. Virtuoso keyboards and soulful guitar solos are the hallmark of this album. Latimer also successfully tries his hand on flute which later became an integral part of their music. Mirage may lack the production finesse of its successors but it heralded the arrival of a band that would turn the course of prog music. The highlight of this album is the epic Lady Fantasy. Once you have soaked in their music you may want to try their other albums, specifically Moonmadness and The Snow Goose, but I would strongly recommend you start with Mirage.
Camel - Mirage (1974)
Centered around guitarist/vocalist Andy Latimer and Keyboards guru Pete Bardens, Camel was one of the most influential prog rock bands to come out of UK. Their second effort released in '74, Mirage showcases the formidable talent of the band. Virtuoso keyboards and soulful guitar solos are the hallmark of this album. Latimer also successfully tries his hand on flute which later became an integral part of their music. Mirage may lack the production finesse of its successors but it heralded the arrival of a band that would turn the course of prog music. The highlight of this album is the epic Lady Fantasy. Once you have soaked in their music you may want to try their other albums, specifically Moonmadness and The Snow Goose, but I would strongly recommend you start with Mirage.
5
Yes - Fragile (1972)
This was supposed to be a hastily patched-up release but ended up being the bands greatest album. Yes is undoubtedly one of the greatest prog band ever to have walked this planet. Every prog band after them owes them big. Fragile, their fourth album, is a bunch of amazing musicians doing what they do best and having a good time doing that. Chris Squire is the absolute god of bass (Tony Levin is his twin god) and Steve Howe brings in a dimension to guitar never known before fusing folk with rock. Jon's high-octave singing is among the most recognizable voice in music. Rick Wakeman's sailing keyboards and innovative drum patterns by Bill Bruford completes the package. Each one is a god in his own right and with Fragile they are at their creative peak.
Yes - Fragile (1972)
This was supposed to be a hastily patched-up release but ended up being the bands greatest album. Yes is undoubtedly one of the greatest prog band ever to have walked this planet. Every prog band after them owes them big. Fragile, their fourth album, is a bunch of amazing musicians doing what they do best and having a good time doing that. Chris Squire is the absolute god of bass (Tony Levin is his twin god) and Steve Howe brings in a dimension to guitar never known before fusing folk with rock. Jon's high-octave singing is among the most recognizable voice in music. Rick Wakeman's sailing keyboards and innovative drum patterns by Bill Bruford completes the package. Each one is a god in his own right and with Fragile they are at their creative peak.
4
Gentle Giant - Octopus (1973)
The fourth album by the band is an eclectic blend of hard rock and Jazz. Released in '72 amidst a flurry of prog rock releases, this album sometimes gets lost in the big names of the genre at that time and yet stands out like a shining beacon. Experimenting with unconventional instruments like Mellophonium, Vibraphone, Xylophone, a wide assortment of percussions and the prog band favorite Moog, the band has produced music that’s eclectic and haunting. Advent of Panurge is a rocking opener, Dog's life lingers and Think of me with kindness is as gentle a ballad as any. An absolute must have.
Gentle Giant - Octopus (1973)
The fourth album by the band is an eclectic blend of hard rock and Jazz. Released in '72 amidst a flurry of prog rock releases, this album sometimes gets lost in the big names of the genre at that time and yet stands out like a shining beacon. Experimenting with unconventional instruments like Mellophonium, Vibraphone, Xylophone, a wide assortment of percussions and the prog band favorite Moog, the band has produced music that’s eclectic and haunting. Advent of Panurge is a rocking opener, Dog's life lingers and Think of me with kindness is as gentle a ballad as any. An absolute must have.
3
Emerson, Lake and Palmer - Brain Salad Surgery (1973)
This is what you get when you put three virtuoso musicians in a room and let them do what they want to. This album has its flaws but to the better part its pure genius. Karn Evil 9, a loud cross between art rock and heavy rock, is the centerpiece of this album with some great lyrics from Pete Sinfield. Emerson shows why he is still considered the most innovative keyboardist in rock.
Emerson, Lake and Palmer - Brain Salad Surgery (1973)
This is what you get when you put three virtuoso musicians in a room and let them do what they want to. This album has its flaws but to the better part its pure genius. Karn Evil 9, a loud cross between art rock and heavy rock, is the centerpiece of this album with some great lyrics from Pete Sinfield. Emerson shows why he is still considered the most innovative keyboardist in rock.
2
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (1975)
Pleeeeeez tell me that you have this already! This album is sheer brilliance front to back, not a single note out of place. This has the epic Shine on you crazy diamond, the most amazing prog-rock composition ever made. I have heard it a billion times and every time I get disappointed when it ends, you just want it to go on and on. This album also contains the anthem Wish you were here...'nuff said.
Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here (1975)
Pleeeeeez tell me that you have this already! This album is sheer brilliance front to back, not a single note out of place. This has the epic Shine on you crazy diamond, the most amazing prog-rock composition ever made. I have heard it a billion times and every time I get disappointed when it ends, you just want it to go on and on. This album also contains the anthem Wish you were here...'nuff said.
1
King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King (1969)
I'll keep it simple for you, if you haven't heard this album, you haven't heard prog rock. Period. This is the album that started it all. King Crimson is to prog what Black Sabbath is to metal, you get the drift? This first effort by the band is also considered to be the "First Prog Album". From the madness of '21st Century Schizoid Man' to the haunting Court of the crimson king, this album exudes dark, surreal images that may be a tad hard to handle for a beginner, but it is bound to grow on you. The genius of Robert Fripp with Pete Sinfield’s brilliant wordplay makes this album a cornerstone of music. I could write a thesis on this album but for now all I would say is if you don't have it yet, get off your ass and go get it!
King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King (1969)
I'll keep it simple for you, if you haven't heard this album, you haven't heard prog rock. Period. This is the album that started it all. King Crimson is to prog what Black Sabbath is to metal, you get the drift? This first effort by the band is also considered to be the "First Prog Album". From the madness of '21st Century Schizoid Man' to the haunting Court of the crimson king, this album exudes dark, surreal images that may be a tad hard to handle for a beginner, but it is bound to grow on you. The genius of Robert Fripp with Pete Sinfield’s brilliant wordplay makes this album a cornerstone of music. I could write a thesis on this album but for now all I would say is if you don't have it yet, get off your ass and go get it!
posted by The Soulforged @ 6/02/2005
2 Comments:
Well, my order would be a l'il bit different...but it would definitely have most of the entries on your list!!
The replacements are...
As for as Camel goes, Snow Goose on any given day over all the other albums of theirs...The concept album centered around instrumental masterpieces,which could be considered groundbreaking even in prog grounds... Close second would be moonmadness....
And Yes - Fragile or Closer to the edge...I would pick the latter...Tough call, I know..
And hey, it's not fair to rate selling england by the pound as #10!! But heck...even with the rest of the list...
And you know what...I wouldn't rate Floyd with these lot...Simply because it's tough to decide a top ten of Floyd by themselves, let alone crushing them with these guys ;)
3.
You have a point there, in fact you have quite a few points there. I drew up this list based on my musical preferences and what I percieved as 'turning point' albums. For example, 'Demons and Wizards' is widely considered the best effort of Heep but that album just followed the path laid down by 'Look At Yourself'
Snow Goose is a great album but I feel its mainly for people who are into Camel. It was a toss-up between Moonmadness and Mirage but I find Mirage being more definitive of the famous Camel sound. Besides Snow Goose comes third on my list behind Mirage and Moonmadness.
Siberian Khatru is my fave Yes comp but again Fragile was the album that established the Yes sound. I was sorely tempted to put in 'Closer to the Edge' but...
I am not majorly into Genesis but only deep enuff to recognize the importance of 'Selling England...' in the district of neo-prog...I am still torn between this and Nursery Cryme.
I absolutely agree with you...there's prog rock and then there's Pink Floyd...they are a genre by themselves but 'Wish You Were Here' is one of my faves and you have to agree with me when I say it was one of the most influential albums in the history of music.
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