10 Essential 1970s Progressive Rock Albums

10. Pink Floyd - The Wall

"How can you eat your pudding if you don't eat your meat?!"

Pink Floyd closed out the '70s on yet another resounding high note with this iconic rock opera. 'The Wall' tells a dark beginning, middle and end tale of a disenchanted rock star who gradually flees from society. Inspired by a number of things including the curious tale of founding member Syd Barrett doing exactly that, the album was dismissed as overly high concept and self-indulgent at the time.

In the years since, its rebellious spirit, classic singles and neat showcasing of Roger Waters' political and societal lyrical interests have made it a classic. Coming in at over 80 minutes, 'The Wall' finds Pink Floyd at their most epic storytelling-wise, telling a complicated and troublesome tale most filmmakers would be envious of.

Musically, the LP is distinctive for its endless sound effects and the often conflicting musical structure of the songs. According to guitarist David Gilmour, the album marks the end of his being able to work cohesively with Waters at that point. The two often argued during sessions, particularly over the druggie anthem (even if Waters denies that being what the song was about) 'Comfortably Numb'. Lyrically, it's all Waters but it's more legendary for its epic guitar solos, a testament more to Gilmour's musicianship.

One of the best-selling albums of all time, 'The Wall' found Pink Floyd at their compelling and confusing best.