10 Best Classic Rock Ballads
7. Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd had been put to the test on many occasions by the time they reached mainstream success. Even though the band created a masterpiece with Dark Side of the Moon, they had already been shook to the core when founding member Syd Barrett left the band after nearly losing his mind to drugs.
In between tours, the band returned to the studio to make an album commemorating their fallen bandmate, with "Wish You Were Here" becoming the unofficial thesis statement. Starting with a wash of acoustic guitars, this tune is much more straightforward than the band's more prog-leaning works. The lyrics from David Gilmour are simple yet gut-wrenching, as if he's talking to his old friend from the other side of consciousness.
The song is equally condemning Barrett's outlandish actions and sympathizing with his struggles with fame, as Gilmour professes his former bandmate's desperate reach for immortality. One subtle touch that makes the tune is when Gilmour begins to solo, where he sings the melody of his guitar part in sync with himself. Just the subtle accompaniment makes the entire song feel all the more real, as if the man is harmoniously crying over his disconnection to his old friend. Barrett's problems were never fully resolved, but the band's recovery process did make for untouchable art.