10 Best Progressive Rock Albums Of All Time
9. King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King
Spitting in the face of British rock conventions, 'In The Court of the Crimson King' is a landmark in prog rock history.
Released in 1969, King Crimson's debut threw the bluesy sound of rock at the time out the window. In its place, the group displayed a psychedelic hybrid style composed of acid rock, jazz and classical overtones.
Surreal, dark and unpredictable, the album was unlike anything that had come before it at the time. Robert Fripp's guitar is consistently wild throughout, bolstered further still by Greg Lake's moody vocals and atmospheric bass. Of course, the show stealer is frequently Ian McDonald, the pianist, saxophonist, organist, flutist and goodness-knows-what-else of the group. McDonald's astounding, multi-faceted talents form the eccentric basis of what set King Crimson apart from their contemporaries.
Last but certainly not least is Peter Sinfield and the surreal, fantastical lyrics he provided to this whirlwind of an album. His imaginative approach to lyrical storytelling ensured hit songs like '21st Century Schizoid Man' (a track Ye fans ought to be at least somewhat familiar with) and the album's titular track remained rooted in the subconscious long after they finished.
Arguably the original prog rock album, it remains one of the best to this day.