10 Essential 1980s Progressive Rock Albums
3. Pink Floyd - A Momentary Lapse Of Reason
Pink Floyd had been falling apart for many years before 1987’s A Momentary Lapse of Reason arrived. After all, bassist/vocalist Roger Waters was downright tyrannical during the making of predecessor The Final Cut, and after a lengthy period of turmoil, he finally departed in 1985.
Thus, this 13th studio LP saw the remaining trio – guitarist/singer David Gilmour, drummer Nick Mason, and partially reinstated keyboardist/backing vocalist Richard Wright – and a series of guest musicians and co-songwriters pressing forward as best they could. By no means their greatest outing, A Momentary Lapse of Reason is a vital addition to Pink Floyd’s discography both historically and musically.
Considering that it some of it was intended to be on Gilmour’s third solo LP, it’s no surprise that his style dominates the collection. Serene instrumental Signs of Life is a comfortingly grand way to get started, and it’s followed by the irresistibly hip and hooky Learning to Fly. Later, On the Turning Away presents one of the top ballads Pink Floyd ever cut, just as the one-two punch of Terminal Frost and Sorrow are ingeniously melodic yet bombastic.
It's far from flawless, but that doesn’t mean A Momentary Lapse of Reason isn’t commendable and essential.