10 Perfect Progressive Rock Albums With No Bad Songs
Endless guitar solos, constant tempo changes and plenty of WTF? moments, this is prog at its best.
Progressive rock has never been the most accessible genre to dive into. Songs don't seem to end when they're supposed to; there's always an unnecessary drum solo forced into every other interlude; all manor of irritating tempo changes occur, and for the most part, it all just seems self indulgent... Who the hell even wants to listen to a glockenspiel solo for fourteen minutes?
These are all perfectly valid concerns to have when someone asks whether or not you like prog-rock - Man, even the name sounds ugly and uncomfortable - But if you're able to forgo your previous notions, and cast off your pre-conserved resentments, then you might find that prog rock has harboured some of the best musical endeavours in the game, if, you know where to look...
Equally, if you were reading this introductions and thinking to yourself "this guy sounds nuts, prog rock, is awesome!" then your reaction is also valid - all you'll need to do is sit back and enjoy this collection of the finest bands and artists in the business.
Oh, and don't worry, we left out any records that contain even the smallest hint of a glockenspiel...
10. Selling England By The Pound - Genesis (1973)
Prior to Peter Gabriel debuting his almighty Sledgehammer, and before we learned Phill Collins can't dance, they were both firmly bedded down in the prog rock game.
Selling England By The Pound was the bands fifth studio album. As the title would indicate the record centred around the loss of certain English cultural traditions. During the 20th Century American cultural influence began creeping into the British psyche, infiltrating everything from language, clothing, art and cuisine. The driving creative force at this time, Peter Gabriel wanted to challenge the idea Americanisation, and what better way to do that, than through the medium of prog.
The album sees the band at their most creative. Collins displays his chops as one of the greatest drummers of his time, with varying time signatures and drumming techniques. Peter Gabriel opens the record singing a cappella, and throughout, exhibits some of his more bizarre vocal capabilities. The record is a wash in expressive guitar solos, showcasing Steve Hackett's mastery of the fretboard. And, it wouldn't be a Genesis album without the presence of a few synthesises...
Not only is the album an experience in itself, but it also hints at the sound, both Gabriel and Collins would develop in their respective pop careers.