10 Best Progressive Rock Bands Of All Time

For as long as prog rock has been a thing, many bands have stretched the limits of what constitutes progressive rock. While there may have been bands in the genre that are known for some fairly simple songs, they get their progressive pedigree with how they choose to build their songs or the way they present themselves to the public. So when you look at a band called Electric Light Orchestra, keep in mind that that last word of their name isn't a joke.

Ever since their beginnings in the '70s, Jeff Lynne had a band in mind that was as informed by the sounds of classical instrumentation as they were with rock and roll, and when you listen to their work you can see why. Although the string sections might seem like a bit of an odd choice, these are the kind of lines that Jimi Hendrix would have played if he chose the viola over the guitar.

Over time, Lynne also knew how to refine his sound in the studio, starting with daring space rock songs to eventually landing on a happy medium between accessible and progressive on songs like Telephone Line and Strange Magic. That's before you even get to his production pedigree, being behind the board for his own band along with classic rockers like Tom Petty and Paul McCartney. Though the idea of 'making it' in a prog band is kind of up in the air, you've done pretty well for yourself if the surviving Beatles (the original progressive band) are asking to work with you.