Progressive Rock Top Picks

Developing from psychedelic rock in the late 1960s, Progressive Rock (or just Prog) aimed to introduce fresh and expansive musical ideas into the realm of rock and roll. It incorporated formal structures from European classical music showcasing virtuosic playing, creating concept albums with interconnected narratives, and utilizing instruments, like keyboards and synthesizers.

Early Prog drew inspiration from the lengthy jams, improvisations, and sonic explorations of bands like Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, and the Byrds. However, the genre's inception was most directly influenced by two albums: "Pet Sounds" (1966) by the Beach Boys and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967) by the Beatles.

While both albums presented themselves as concept albums, with songs loosely connected to a central idea, it was the bold experiments that inspired the British R&B band The Moody Blues to record what many consider the first Prog Rock album, "Days of Future Passed" (1967).

Between 1968 and 1970, numerous Prog rock bands emerged. Emerson, Lake, and Palmer (ELP) offered rock adaptations of classical music, while also crafting their unique sound rooted in Keith Emerson's organ and Moog synthesizer. King Crimson delved into experimental jazz and improvisation. Yes incorporated vocal harmonies reminiscent of the Beach Boys on albums such as "Fragile" (1971) and "Close to the Edge" (1972).

Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" (1973) introduced an entirely new array of synthesizer sounds, slow jam guitar solos, vocal snippets, and sound effects, influencing experimental musicians to this day.

The late 1980s witnessed a resurgence of first-gen Prog bands as they updated their sound, crafting sleek rock songs suitable for radio airplay. During the late 1980s, bands blended the riff-heavy sounds and dark imagery of heavy metal with Prog, giving rise to the enduring sounds of Prog metal.

Today, the sounds of Prog Rock thrive in the music of contemporary bands like Porcupine Tree, Spock's Beard, Coheed and Cambria, The Dear Hunter that pay homage to the early pioneers while adding their own unique spin.

Here are our Top Picks:

1) The Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd

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2) In The Court Of The Crimson King - Crimson King



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3) Close to the Edge - Yes

 
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4) 2112 - Rush



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5) Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Emerson, Lake & Palmer

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6) Fear Inoculum - Tool

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7) Crime Of The Century - Supertramp



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8) Watershed - Opeth



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9) In Absentia - Porcupine Tree



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