The Rise of Progressive Rock (1973)

The late-1960s through early-1970s marked the emergence of numerous British progressive rock bands consisting of Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Pink Floyd. This experimental style of music characterized by lengthy-compositions, the use of keyboards, and various themes interested people throughout the world. In the top five of best-selling albums ever, and if not one of the best rock 'n' roll albums in the world, The Dark Side of the Moon was released on March 1, 1973. Widely recognized tracks on the album include "Time," "Money," and "Us and Them."

The Dark Side of the Moon is a significant album because it highlights numerous themes throughout its different tracks. Each song is something different. Themes include sense of time, conflict and anger, money and greed, and mental illness. Syd Barrett, the former lead vocalist and guitarist of Pink Floyd, inspired songs on the album due to his suffering from mental illness. That feeling of mental illness can be heard by the mysterious laugh heard in "Speak to Me" and "Brain Damage."

The album right away opens up with Pink Floyd's signature progressive rock sound on"Breathe (In the Air)." This track also features David Gilmour playing a lap-steel guitar which provides those various "airy" pitch changes throughout. The important theme of time is introduced on "Time" and informs listeners the importance of time and how it is often wasted. A stunning guitar solo lasting for a minute-and-a-half is played by Gilmour in the second half of the song. I have always enjoyed Gilmour's playing, especially on this album and during the 1980s.

The most prominent and popular track on the album has to be "Money." The guitar/bass work, the saxophone, the lyrics, and the overall composition are just astounding. The song opens with one of rock 'n' roll's most iconic guitar and bass riff. The introduction of this song is one of the first riffs I learned how to play on guitar. Occurring midway thorough the song and lasting till the end, a distinctive saxophone solo accompanied by David's marvelous playing is demonstrated. We cannot forget about the essential lyrics as well. The theme of greed is presented as heard by these lyrics: "Don't give me that do goody good bullshit--I'm in the high-fidelity first class traveling set--And I think I need a Lear jet." The band does a wonderful job at depicting various themes that ail people in society.

The album is concluded by two tracks titled "Brain Damage" and "Eclipse." I believe that these two were appropriate to end the album with. Yet again, the theme of mental illness is illustrated in these tracks. In an interview, Roger Waters himself stated that the "insanity-themed" lyrics are in reference towards Syd Barrett. Building up towards a powerful choir-like chorus, "Eclipse" rises and slowly descends towards a quiet outro that eventually fades.

Following its release in early-1973, the album would top the number one spot and remain on the chart for over nine-hundred weeks. The album has also sold between forty and forty-five million records over the past four decades. Overall, for anyone interested in listening to one of the best progressive rock masterpieces that portrays important themes that can be harmful to society, The Dark Side of the Moon is highly recommended.

Pink Floyd in the studio with Alan Parsons—1973