The Ten Best | Progressive Rock Albums

[@tonyantonuccio4748]

Genesis belongs on no best list. ELP is tedious and pretentious. You completely skipped Procol Harum, Renaissance, and the most under appreciated prog band of all time, Caravan.

[@normangeleri1522]

You are wack

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Renaissance haven't heard them since Dinosaurs ruled the earth

[@arfshesaid4325]

first couple sentences made me throw up in my mouth a little bit, thanks well done

[@Vince-lq3ve]

So when he says "This is my personal Top Ten prog albums" you somehow find a way to create an argument over his opinion? How about counter with your own top ten list. Course if all you are doing is looking for attention then I guess you win that childish endeavor.

[@briancox8518]

Barclay James harvest often overlooked and underated

[@alessandroercole6060]

In my opinion it´s impossible not to include Close to the edge by Yes

[@bradtarr3283]

My #1.

[@claudebuysse7482]

I love that Group but in the beginning , they were a cover group whith beatles song. We search the very first...I saw them playing Yes Album in the seventies...

[@erickbravo6070]

@Claude but that's what music is all about the progression and evolution of Yes has turned them into one of the greatest bands of all time, in my opinion of course. I just got into Yes very recently and it's changed my life!

[@claudebuysse7482]

@@erickbravo6070 OK !

[@stevemossholder]

agreed. In his Yes ranking video Close to the Edge is his number 1 fave.

[@Darrylizer1]

I've always found the Selling England By The Pound by Genesis to be the greatest of the English prog rock albums and the finest album in all prog rock. It just epitomizes what prog was about to me.

[@wmhhealth2018]

I love Selling England By The Pound but it wouldn't even be my favorite Genesis album to say nothing of being the finest prog album in general.

[@jomama5406]

Agreed

[@kingcrimson2168]

Even though “Epping Forest” is bombed with Peter Gabriel’s lyrics, as well as “Get ‘Em Out By Friday”, I still think those are some of the best Genesis songs. IMO the former is very underrated because it’s along with one of the best albums of all-time, but I think it fits with the other tracks.

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

Darlylizee but the lamb lies down is a more cohesive cihesive production.

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

@@kingcrimson2168 I totally agree.

[@FanFanBessie2]

This is one of the few channels where I feel a little smarter after watching...SO glad I found it today👍

[@classicalbum]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@roywarriner8441]

Close to the Edge would be my choice but any Yes album would fit the list.

[@hdrake1000]

If I had to pick one Yes album of course it would have to be Close To The Edge. I think he chose Topographic is because of the subject matter of the whole album.

[@frankmachin5438]

Yes I agree - I think Close To The Edge is a faultless masterpiece...Bill Bruford left Yes after ‘Close’ because he felt they could never top it...

[@hdrake1000]

@@frankmachin5438 I love Bruford and it's great he went on to King Crimson and even UK. I miss him his early days of Yes. That album Yesterdays has the best of the 1st 2 albums and then they all did the Simon and Garfunkel's America. You just cant beat Bruford back in those days.

[@frankmachin5438]

@@hdrake1000 ....and don’t forget Genesis - Bruford is the only prog musician to play for all of the ‘Big Three’ - Yes, Genesis and King Crimson

[@hdrake1000]

@@frankmachin5438 Your right. I love him in UK also. Bill used Alan Holdsworth on his solo albums also.

[@michaelalanpowell]

I agree with you, David Gilmour's playing on Animals is astonishingly brilliant.

[@norbertenderle8092]

Iagree with you ,its the Most wonderful Album from PF ,iheard this thousend Times and ist Most powerful,and its getting netter forbthe Bands career

[@classicalbum]

@@norbertenderle8092 I must do a review of the 'Animals' album

[@norbertenderle8092]

@@classicalbum Think that from pigs, by the actuelly food crime of the Europe flesh mafia

[@tomdumenjich7021]

The outro Gilmour played on Sheep is one of my favorites. It bookends the song nicely with Richard Wright's keyboard intro.

[@michaelalanpowell]

@@tomdumenjich7021 You're right, that is a beautiful outro. All the band's playing is amazing on this album.

[@seanhutchinson6722]

1.Tales From Topographic Oceans (I attended the 2nd-ever live performance) 2.In The Court Of The Crimson King (Greg Lake's parents invited me to tea at their house in 1976 and we sat at the kitchen table where Greg and Robert Fripp rehearsed the songs) 3.Aqualung 4.Selling England By The Pound (I saw the tour) 5.Wish You Were Here 6.Close To The Edge (Yes played the whole album on the 1973 tour) 7.The Dark Side Of The Moon 8.The Yes Album 9.Tubular Bells 10.Crime Of The Century (I saw the tour)

[@davidvasquez8658]

What a touching story.You & Gregs parents.Good choices.

[@barrypeirson3710]

Tales #1! I'm so jealous of anyone who saw that tour!

[@Southbound63]

It was fantastic.

[@moonuni]

Sure you did 😅

[@karmachochi]

The Crime of the Century tour was my first ever gig, at Bristol Colston Hall. Was completely transported. I hope Supertramp are long overdue a renaissance.

[@dudutano15]

My Top 10 Prog Albums: 01 - Thick as a Brick - Jethro Tull 02 - 2112 - Rush 03 - Fragile - YES 04 - Pictures at an Exhibition - ELP 05 - Images & Words - Dream Theater 06 - The Wall - Pink Floyd 07 - Close to the Edge - YES 08 - Tarkus - ELP 09 - Caress of Steel - Rush 10 - Aqualung - Jethro Tull

[@RegWho]

In no particular order,, my humble 2 cents worth: Godbluff - Van der Graaf Generator Ege Bamyasi - Can Camembert Electrique - Gong Foxtrot - Genesis Red - King Crimson Fish Rising - Steve Hillage Ummagumma - Pink Floyd Three Friends - Gentle Giant Hatfield and the North - Rotters Club Soft Machine - Softs

[@davidvasquez8658]

I agree 100% with your choices. Not 1 choice not worthy of a great list. Great taste! ha ha

[@adrianokury]

Caress of Steel is so hated by many -- but the prog part is fantastic -- a pity that there are inane fillers.

[@martinrixx1672]

I'm so happy that an album by Amon Duul II made this list! Thank you for recognizing how wonderful Yeti and Amon Duul II are.

[@schnertblatt]

I have never met another person here in the US (when I've asked anyone) that has heard of Amon Düül II.

[@MrKelleyzinho]

I live in the US and love Amon Duul II. Julian Cope, the English musician, did a lot to reignite interest in Krautrock. He also championed Van Der Graaf Generator (as did John Lydon). These two bands are darker and more aggressive and are not reliant on refried Bach. Hence, they are solidly in the “alternative” canon.

[@mickeyphillips6603]

To me, David Gilmour is a genius. My favorite guitarist of all time.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

Great bands like Pink Floyd are always the result of multiple people's talents, but without Gilmour's playing I wouldn't find post-Barrett Pink Floyd nearly as interesting as I do. His feel is pretty untouchable.

[@majsiewiczm57]

Waters od geniusz Gilmour no

[@howie9751]

But it was Waters that wrote the songs, not that I disagree about Gilmore.

[@claymor8241]

He doesn’t play anywhere near enough notes per minute, it’s about quantity not quality.

[@majsiewiczm57]

@@howie9751 dark side komposed Waters Animals Waters The Wall Waters finał cit Waters.wat qestion?

[@robmills537]

A fantastic top 10 and so beautifully presented your knowledge is amazing, I take my hat off to you sir. My hippy trippy favourites are Gong & Steve Hillage.

[@cobar5342]

Wow! A reviewer who has a very good grasp of the English language. Kudos

[@ClaireHoldich]

As a classical musician who is somewhat miffed that I was never inducted into the world of prog, this has really helped to keep my journey of discovery going. Great stuff 😃🤘🙏

[@hamadah4]

Can I i can recommend to you as you are a classical musician also the band Kansas, especially songs like Song for America en the Pinnacle. Very tight band, very orchestral in a way.

[@billbez7465]

Excellent musical analysis! Very much enjoy the way you describe the music.

[@classicalbum]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelwertzy9808]

@@classicalbum, I named my pet frog "Prog" before they came up with "Progressive" rock. A frogressively shocking thing at the time!

[@benvasilinda9729]

I was born in 1973 and Prog Rock is my favorite music. Seems I was born in a good year for Prog Rock.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

You are literally a child of prog rock.

[@matnichol]

I was born in 71. The start of the prog era.

[@mikereiss4216]

@@matnichol 1970 for me. 1969 was the real official beginning of the prog era though since that's when King Crimson's first album came out.

[@UCS0608]

I was born in 1958. I think one of the best years to be born and become a fan of the "symphonic rock" (yes, that's how we called it that time, kids. Not progrock!!! ;) ) because I was 13 when most of the the great albums began being released and I bought them when they were still warm! I saw lots of these bands live throughout the 70s. I realize more and more that the period from my 13th till my 18th/19th birthday has really shaped my musical taste. I have to admit that after 1980 I lost interest in sympho/progrock, and moved on to new wave etc. But I listen to the great stuff from the 70s often and I still have all the vinyl and cherish it, even though I have most of this material on cd for a long time already. Been a Beatle-fan all my life btw! :) My top-10 list is different from this one, but that's only normal, because personal. I think my #1 and #2 are steady (The lamb lies down on Broadway and Tales from topographic Oceans), but after those there are more than eight albums that can have the rest of the positions in my top-10. It's like Sophie's Choice and it varies! In random order: Dark side of the moon, In a glass house, Selling England by the pound, Foxtrot, Yes Album, Wish you were here, In the court of the Crimson King, The snowgoose, Atom heart mother, Crime of the century, Storia di uno minuto, PFM live in USA, to name some. What a time to grow up.... :)

[@LunarJetwoman]

I was born in 1974 and that robbed me of the chance to experience the music I had no idea existed at the time it was happening … yay me!

[@hdrake1000]

Very cool compilation! He's touched base on some of my rare favorites, King Crimson, Genesis, Yes, Jethro Tull,

[@ozmonaut1]

I nominate Audience's album, House on the Hill as a contender, it's in the top five in my books. Also a shoutout for Nektar's, Remember the Future.

[@talloaks9644]

Remembering "Remember the Future" will always be there.

[@fourseasons4105]

My top 10: 1. Genesis- Foxtrot 2. YES- Relayer 3. Pink Floyd- Wish you were here 4. ELP- Brain salad surgery 5. Dream theater- Images and words 6. Frank Zappa- One size fits all 7. King Crimson- Larks' tongues in aspic 8. UK- UK 9. Kansas- Kansas 10. Rush- Hemispheres

[@danhemming6624]

Surely Frank Zappa's Zoot Allures was a better album.

[@RootinrPootine]

@@danhemming6624 lol come on now…

[@knutschwab7951]

Interaktiv

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

Wish you werr hereis PFs worst album with Roger W.

[@alanmilne9359]

Wonderful selection. My number One has and will always be The Snow Goose by Camel. I believe Andy Latimer is on of the most underrated guitarists of his era. Cheers from Cape Town

[@carlosvsiguejugando3102]

Same. I haven’t heard all of prog rock albums in existence, therefore my opinion may change, but until now it is my number 1 prog rock album. I like the sound of the instruments and the way the album tells a story, plus it gives different emotions

[@ukesrule58]

Then didn't Frampton take over Camel?

[@alanmilne9359]

@@ukesrule58 Nope. That was a completely different band called Framton's Camel . Cheers

[@ronniewaters9782]

Glad to see Larks and Octopus getting some love. I was fortunate to see Gentle Giant at the back end of their career. I was blown away.

[@markhenrynoll5601]

I got to see GG as a backup band awesome performance.

[@jeremyhayden2878]

I’m so used to reading critics slagging off Yes’s TFTO that it was with great appreciation that I listened to your thoughtful and articulate treatise on this very complex album. I’ve always held it in esteem and felt as though it deserved a better response from both critics and the public. Thank you for your insights. Well done, sir.

[@robertcooper1952]

Wow, what an eloquent man! My personal favorite is Tarkus by Emerson, Lake, and Palmer.

[@robertcooper1952]

@Bookhouse Boy Tarkus just blows me away with that bass pattern using the interval of a fourth. I can hear the influence of Bela Bartok on Keith in this album. If you give me your mailing address, I will send you a signed copy of my book: "The Conscience of An Agnostic," which is listed on Amazon.

[@christophermosca4547]

Excellent list - it’s so hard to come up with “top - list” , when each album in progressive rock can provide unique textures that draw you in , during a particular listening . You hit upon my favorite Jethro Tull, Van Der Graff Generator , Genesis , Gentle Giant albums - and I too have a soft spot for Yes / Tales From Topographic Oceans ! An intriguing snd thought provoking list !! Most excellent!!

[@petergrossett6763]

Van Der Graafs great music, was a balance between Peter Hammil's beautiful music and lyric and David Jackson's genius on sax. Utterly the best and then some.

[@fabio5995]

Totally agree! Pawn Hearts is still the best prog album

[@hugoribeiro8664]

My favorites...Still Life and God Bluff also not bad at all 🙃

[@AlterMann57]

Wasn't Lemmy a member of Van Der Graaf on that album?

[@stevemalek2970]

I'm starting to delve into the works of VDGG and I am enjoying it greatly!

[@lemming9984]

@@AlterMann57 No. You're thinking of Hawkwind!

[@NalinX]

Love your perspectives and articulation. I picked up some good recommendations here. My personal favorites are "In the Court..." and "Fragile" and am currently digging the sound of Gentle Giant's "Acquiring the Taste". Nice list

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

Love the great Octopus but their Acquiring the Taste is just a sliver the better album, for me anyway.

[@Deedee-ee1sg]

Great comments, it's fab to see Amon Duul get a mention, they're a hugely underrated band. I love YES! And of course any early Pink Floyd. So much great music from 70s. Probably the greatest era for pop and rock ever!

[@elliotwalton6159]

Thank you, again, for pointing out the gaps in my musical journey. there's always room for discovery! You offer great sign posts along the way. Heady tangents for anyone's pilgrimage!

[@michaelkeudel8770]

Here's one thats been around 20 years and you've probably never heard of them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZyYaaRvjbaYhM0

[@Patrick-sheen]

So good to see Topographic Oceans here. I love that album. Very interesting top 10. Absolutely love some of them and had dismissed some others…must rectify. No doubts about Dark Side or Selling England.

[@altayles5468]

I do love Passion Play. Could the best concert ever.

[@123agidee_2]

Pawn hearts is one of the best prog albums of all time and van der graaf are often overlooked retrospectively

[@jake6887]

Focus - Moving Waves Dream Theater - Images and Words Porcupine tree - Deadwing Earth and Fire - Song of the marching children Camel - Mirage Pink Floyd - Meddle Rush - Hemispheres Eloy - Ocean Saga - Worlds apart Marillion - Clutching at straws Jethro Tull - Passion play

[@51monalisa]

finely someone sees earth and fire as prog

[@michaelkeudel8770]

try this one for size, hard to believe these guys have been around 20 years, 8 albums, and no one's ever heard them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZyYaaRvjbaYhM0

[@StonefieldJim4]

Moving Waves is the only one for me there. I'd like to hear the Dream Theater album, though.

[@guillaumechabason9606]

Brilliant analysis as usual My personal favourite albums are U.K by U.K Danger money by U.K Studio Tan by Frank Zappa Brain Salad Surgery by E.L.P Tarkus by E.L.P Thick as a brick by Jethro Tull Animals by Pink Floyd Three friends by Gentle Giant Selling England by a pound by Genesis Going for the one by Yes Moving pictures by Rush Red by King Crimson

[@yuridio514]

Change -Rush -Permanent waves......................

[@lpc1231000]

Have you been going through my record collection? LOL

[@goatuscrow4135]

Your verbose but very interesting takes of these records makes me smile. I like it.

[@Driver2616]

From my collection of over 900 albums going back to the early 1970s, at the moment my top 10 progressive rock albums would be : 1 - Close to the Edge, Yes ; 2 - Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd ; 3 - Foxtrot, Genesis ; 4 - Thick as a Brick, Jethro Tull ; 5 - Dark Matter, IQ ; 6 - The Difference Machine, Big Big Train ; 7 - The Whirlwind, Transatlantic ; 8 - If, Glass Hammer ; 9- Into The Electric Castle, Ayreon, 10 - In The Court of The Crimson King, King Crimson. This is just from my personal collection, albums that I seem to keep returning to more than others (next month of course, this list could change a little or be rearranged). I have many more albums by the above and others. Honourable mentions must go to ELP, The Flower Kings, Riverside, Magenta, Spocks Beard, Pendragon, Caravan, Steve Hackett, Rick Wakeman, Mike Oldfield, Horslips, Porcupine Tree and Supertramp……. (the magnificent Fish Out of Water by Chris Squire).

[@glenmurschel5939]

Well done, the reviews are as hypnotic as the music. Remember this is the reviewers favorites. My top 3 would be Relayer, selling england, danger money by UK

[@AlanJan_UK_49]

I only checked in to see if one of the best bands ever got a mention. At last a nod to CAMEL. Easily the most under rated band ever. The beauty in Andy's playing has never been equalled. I agree with other comments that Snow Goose isn't their best work but getting a mention is a start. I saw them at Bath ( just before the Albert Hall gig ) and they were utterly amazing. The latest line up is fabulous. Long live Camel.

[@ricmadden5445]

I have all of the Camel albums. Outstanding band. My favourite to this day still remains Mirage.

[@sciencereactions8221]

Camel is amazing!

[@AlanJan_UK_49]

@@sciencereactions8221 The other band in the amazing category to my mind is Marillion. Are you familiar with their work ?

[@sciencereactions8221]

@@AlanJan_UK_49 I’ve certainly heard of them, but I don’t know any of their songs. I should give them a listen:)

[@AlanJan_UK_49]

@@sciencereactions8221 I was given CD "Season's end" ( Marillion ) and love that. Then You Tube came up with a concert at Royal Albert Hall and one in Cardiff. Here they are joined by orchestra and it's magical. This is a link to The Space : kzbin.info/www/bejne/joqxfoWOrcqkrM0 but also try Easter or Season's end. I bought both DVD's and am glad I did.

[@jacksterattacks8326]

Could name every song off every album, love the review and keep it up my friend!

[@garyinmarz8938]

Thanks for clarifying best and favorite....so many in the 70's,,, incredible decade with just enough technology for lights and sounds, with the right size stages.

[@pawelkoscielski1]

Woow! As you said this is in fact YOUR choice of favourites, but really I appreciate your insight in choosing such albums that I think almost every prog fan can relate to. Really insigtfull and as unbiased as possibile I think

[@claud1961]

A great list! I am surprised at how many I agree with. Brain Salad Surgery is special to me because it was my introduction to prog back in the late '70s. I agree that this them at their best but I always felt the work afterwards was tension between the band and not some sort of hubris or the debris of success that seems to plague a lot of bands. King Crimson is a favourite as well, another early discovery that helped me weather periods of horrible music. And you can't talk about prog without Yes and Pink Floyd. I would have had something from The Moody Blues but otherwise, I have to agree.

[@stewartconacher6552]

Enjoyed this video and I found myself agreeing with most of your choices Well argued and informative.Certainly agree about how excellent an album A Passion Play is.

[@andreabaldoni1786]

Prog: the Lamb lies down on broadway

[@jonesfactor9]

Andrea Baldoni not prog

[@nectarinedreams7208]

@@jonesfactor9 You're not prog.

[@Wayner71]

Yes, 'The Lamb' is the greatest Prog album in my opinion.

[@ljgittingeriii3199]

@@jonesfactor9 What????? Genesis-the Lamb Lies down on Broadway is not prog??? Please take your massively overdue dose of Thorazine!

[@RonaldJamieson]

What strikes me is how many of these albums were released in 1973. Probably the watershed year for Prog.

[@simond1574]

1972 was not bad either. "Close to the Edge", "Foxtrot", "Thick as a brick". What strikes me most is how fast some bands bands in the 1970s are throwing out instant classics. King Crimson, Yes, Genesis, Tull, Floyd all published at least one great album per year in the first half of the 1970s.

[@BrainiacFingers]

1973 began with 'Tubular Bells' followed by: 'Dark Side Of The Moon' 'A Passion Play'. 'Tales From Topographic Oceans' 'Larks Tongues In Aspic' 'Chamelion In The Shadow Of The Night' 'Selling England By The Pound' 'Birds Of Fire' 'Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy' 'Queen 1' 'In A Glass House' among others. A very good year. ADDENDUM: How could I forget ELP' s Brain Salad Surgery.

[@whitlalindsay6255]

A watershed year for LSD both in quality and availabity :-)

[@joaofreita579]

@@simond1574 For me 1972 the better year and 1977 in 2º place.

[@noreligion2]

Not just for Prog but the best year in music period! You had: Elton's Yellow Brick Road, The Doobie Bros Captain and Me, Montrose's first, Skynard's first, Alice Cooper's Billion Dollar Babies just to name a few!!!

[@tonydoran5147]

Even though your top 10 is different to mine, I could sure be stranded on a desert island with yours!! Thanks so much!!

[@moparmenace59]

dark side is a modern masterpiece, i listened to this the first time i got stoned in '73 and i've owned it in every format since then. thanks for the video.

[@wavelengthacoustics5455]

Pawn Hearts for me. Not just the best prog album but the best album of any kind ever! Utter, utter genius. Still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up after 50 years of listening.

[@grassrootsflshp]

I'm a prog rock/metal junkie and tho I find at least half of ur prog albums to be too self-indulgent for my liking, your review is just rich, eloquent, colorfully-phrased, scholarly and technical, and even euphonic in places. Bravo! P.S. DSOTM too is my #1--the album that started my journey into Prog music.

[@johnbenard9550]

My Top 10 Prog Albums 1. King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King 2. Rush - Moving Pictures 3. U.K. - U.K. 4. Yes - Fragile 5. ELP - Brain Salad Surgery 6. Triumvirat - Spartacus 7. Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here 8. Steve Hackett - Voyage of the Acolyte 9. Camel - Mirage 10.Jethro Tull - Aqualung

[@kalleschwowell8062]

nice playlist, but for me are Pink Floyd´s "Darkside of the moon" and Triumvirat " illusion of a double dimble" the better choice

[@lpc1231000]

Nice list. I loved Triumvirate's "Illusions on a double dimple."

[@notiolus]

What a great video with so many fascinating tidbits of information and thought-provoking insights. It makes me happy to be a prog-fan, so much colour, so much depth

[@mariomendozaramirez9674]

FELICIDADES. Tu selección, es digna de admirar y escuchar!!!

[@sabrowenie]

I mostly ignore many of the KZbin reviewers to the point where I rely on you and one other KZbin channel to build my playlists. Thanks for getting me out of my classic rock rut.

[@lionelraoul]

You have made a real difference in my musical education. Thank you.

[@classicalbum]

What a kind thing to say... Thank you so much for watching.

[@mariob6145]

Great list and musical analysis. Some of my all-time favorites are: King Crimson, Lizard; Can, Ege Bamyasi; Soft Machine, Third; Guru Guru, Dance of the Flames, Procol Harum, Ball, and Gong, You.

[@elgranjuanileiva]

"...makes King Crimson sounds like the Ramones". I spit my coffee. Great line.

[@strannostrannovasrr]

What can I say. Almost all the albums you reviewed here are on my shelf. Outstanding review.

[@michaelkeudel8770]

probably not this band, talk about hiding in plain site: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZyYaaRvjbaYhM0

[@strannostrannovasrr]

@@michaelkeudel8770 no, you're right about that.

[@tkhubb]

You should teach a prog rock class at Oxford or Cambridge. Holy Christ, I thought I knew a lot about music.

[@classicalbum]

Thank you for the high praise. Do check out my other videos

[@sockington1]

he ought to learn a bit of Latin first though - ec cetera ? magnus opus ?

[@gerthoffmann5436]

Vielen Dank für deine fachkundigen Ausführungen, thank you very much !

[@gerthoffmann5436]

@@classicalbum ❤

[@markrae1317]

Do you honestly need anyone else to tell you whether something is good or not, whether you're allowed to like it or not?

[@jogabrielcosta4788]

You became my favourite review channel.. Very down to earth and unpretensious while being incredibly informative and passionate, thank you

[@classicalbum]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment

[@jeremyadams1521]

So glad to see A Passion Play get it’s due!! Great list!!

[@jamiepastman5594]

me too

[@widmer64]

awesome content, gotta catch up on my listening..."Wish you were here" is my #1....I'm with you with ELP, Genesis, Tull and Crimson

[@eximusic]

Good picks. Pawn Hearts is the litmus test for prog knowledge. Tales is also my favorite Yes and a brave choice given all the criticism. 4 sides of a prog album really need to be listened to the same way you'd sit to enjoy Wagner. Not for ADD types. And kudos on including ELP. As mentioned they've become the whipping boy for the excesses of prog, but Brain Salad Surgery and my favorite, Trilogy, are amazing albums. A Passion Play is also my favorite Tull. Selling England is up there, but for me the original live album is their best. It makes up for the bad recording quality of the previous two albums and Genesis sounded better live anyways. Octopus is a must pick, but I have a hard time choosing between that and The Power and the Glory,

[@t0mn8r35]

I love all of your reviews. Never stop.

[@JuanAMatos-zx4ub]

Your descriptions are fit for these albums. Amazing work!

[@classicalbum]

Thank you very much! Have a great Christmas and keep an eye out for some new videos in 2021

[@richardmorgan1588]

Thank you for sharing your well researched insight on this genre. It's always an enlightening experience.

[@rk41gator]

An interesting and sometimes surprising list of amazing albums. The groups all deserving mention. I take no exception at having a Pink Floyd album at the head of the class and would not argue with your 'Dark Side' choice. 'Animals' might be mine, but I won't quibble. I do take exception to having Jethro Tull so high. My second choice (or actually first, truth be told) for the best progressive rock album has to be 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway'. I can understand why an Englishman would sentimentally chose Genesis' 'Selling England by the Pound' but the band's concept double album should be number one. It has some of the best compositions, jazz/fusion drumming and unity of its progression to a climax. It is masterful. Even Gabriel's abstract lyric adds to the album's allure. Enigmatic as it is, the overall concept is cosmic; using the analogy of a punk gang member discovering his humanity, to express man's search for the meaning of life, is itself simply brilliant. The album is epic and to my mind fully achieved.

[@Irontalon1]

I Love this list! Stumbled on your channel while I was Listening to Ironclaw their song Winter

[@bellce0]

Another great post! I certainly won't be taking the time to read all of the comments, but I still include the album "Solar Fire" by Manfred Mann's Earth Band on my list of best progressive rock albums.

[@jorgemari2969]

Thank you for this review. Subjective, sure (how could it be otherwise?) but you make very strong points for each selection and it would be hard to argue against either of your choices. A life-long fan of prog rock, still I learned new things and got my eyes opened to some angles of several of the albums. I appreciate your very thorough, very well articulated commentary.

[@hogweed1975]

When you started with Yeti, I knew this list was going to be good.

[@Edmant]

I've just realised that I've been listening to half of these albums for years without knowing anything about them. Thanks for a very eloquent review.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Wonderful list... I would have placed the top two spots for Genesis: Selling England, and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway... so, so different for two consecutive albums (almost as different as OK Computer and Kid A)... Would have made room for King Crimson's debut, as well... but it all comes down to personal choice, so no wrong answers...

[@joaquimgianini1234]

I feel like Red is KC's best. I love the debut album but songs like Fallen Angel and Starless take Red another level

[@Reggie-The-Dog]

@@joaquimgianini1234 I agree. Red is their pinnacle for me.

[@YanniBG]

Fantastic video once again. Cheers!

[@cygnusx-7440]

Enjoyed your narrative very much! Everyone has a prog favorite, whether on this list or not. My "two-cents" worth? "KANSAS" in the mid to late 70's. Creative, spiritual, complex and unique, primarily because of one individual: Kerry Livgren.

[@jasonsobol32]

The music is great, I must say...but they are not much of a band to see in concert. Saw them open for Yes in 2001, did not enjoy the lack of stage presence.

[@davej9228]

Totally agree. Masque was the first album I ever bought after seeing them on Don Kershners rock concert. Air guitared the shit out of Icarus.

[@ericsmith2283]

Kansas in an outstanding progressive rock band, and the current lineup are continuing the tradition.

[@richsherman3673]

Very deep and insightful.... I already had reached a great deal of your ELP and Robert Fripp conclusions, but the Genesis was absolutely brilliant. THANK YOU for sharing your deep reviews, you should consider writing for a magazine and getting some quid!!!

[@classicalbum]

I'll bear it in mind

[@bradschwamberger1217]

Some of my favs and some unknowns, always nice to hear your stories around the albums.

[@chrisefc3579]

Thankyou so much for this. I have an entry point of ELP and I'm wondering where to go next and this vid appears in my recommendations. I could listen to you talk all day about music, just incredible. Take care.

[@classicalbum]

Thank you for your comments... do check out my other videos

[@rushbravado1972]

ANother great review. 1. 2112 by Rush 2. Music From The Elder by Kiss (No they are not prog but this album definitely feels proggy) 3. Selling England By The Pound by Genesis (Totally agree this is the pinnacle of Gabriel Genesis) 4. Operation Mindcrime by Queensryche 5. Eldorado by The Electric Light Orchestra 6. Talk by Yes 7. Clockwork Angels by Rush 8. Foxtrot by Genesis 9. Minstrel In The Gallery by Jethro Tull 10. Queen II by Queen

[@Martwypłód2k12]

Farewell To Kings, Hemispheres>>>2112>>>Clockwork Angels

[@randysmith4331]

Talk is one of the *LEAST* progressive of Yes’s albums.

[@chrisrosati8264]

Many years ago a prog friend of mine hated Kiss but I lent him Music from the Elder and he loved it. Go figure. Its not a regular Kiss album I must say. Produced by Bob Ezrin

[@sebringt]

Yes! Someone acknowledges Queen II as a prog album!! Their only one...but what an album!!

[@magiscichoam]

Brilliant listing. Although I don’t agree with all of selection, your analysis and narrative are, at times, breathtaking. Bravo!

[@mr.orange8205]

Great video and good list. For my taste I would have picked "Three friends" " Red" Closer to the edge" "Foxtrot" "Thick as a brick" and I would have fit Gongs "You" in somewhere. I love the teapots. Good stuff though.

[@MagusPerde42]

Cool list. I mostly agree. I'm really pleased that you chose TFTO and A Passion Play as I think they are both their respective groups' best albums. I guess I can agree about Brain Salad Surgery if, for nothing else, it's consistency. That said, I think that the single best Prog track of all time is Tarkus and I'd have put that album at the top of my list if side two weren't total rubbish. In place of The Snow Goose I'd pick Procol Harum Shine On Brightly, instead of the Van Der Graff Generator I'd pick Tubular Bells and maybe Soft Machine Third instead of Amon Duul. I note that there's no contemporary Prog. If more recent stuff were allowed, I'd try to find a place for The Raven That Refused To Sing and Transatlantic's SMPTe.

[@redlioness6627]

The Raven is absolutely superb!

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

Dream Theatrid contemporary prog.

[@GunnarCreutz]

Great list! Here is my list of the British albums I have listened to the most the last 20 years (only the most listened album per group/artist). 1. Van der Graaf Generator - Pawn Hearts (1971) 2. Genesis - Nursery Cryme (1971) (with Selling England close to the top) 3. Jethro Tull - Heavy Horses (1978) (wíth A Passion Play close to the top) 4. Gentle Giant - Three Friends (1972) (with Octopus close to the top) 5. King Crimson - The Power to Believe (2003) (with Larks' Tongues In Aspic and Red close to the top) 6. Deep Purple - The Book of Taliesyn (1968) 7. Camel - Mirage (1974) 8. Chris Squire - Fish out of Water (1975) 9. Yes - Close to The Edge (1972) 10. Peter Hammill - In Camera (1974) I also listen a lot to Italian Progressive Rock, so here is the same list for Italian bands. 1. Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso - Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso (1972) (the best album ever) 2. Alphataurus - Alphataurus (1973) 3. Museo Rosenbach - Zarathustra (1973) 4. L’Uovo di Colombo - L’Uovo di Colombo (1973) 5. Celeste - Principe Di Un Giorno (1976) 6. Le Orme - Felona E Sorona (1973) 7. I Giganti - Terra in Bocca (1971) 8. Biglietto Per l'Inferno - Biglietto Per l'Inferno (1974) 9. Metamorfosi - Inferno (1973) 10. Il Balletto di Bronzo - YS (1972) 11. PFM - Storia di un minuto (1972)

[@lpc1231000]

I love Italian prog! How about Acqua Fragile (self-titled and Mass Media Stars)?

[@sebringt]

Chocolate Kings my PFM fave

[@mikerucker5167]

Thanks for sharing this. APP is my #1. Hare is the bridge that pulls it all together for me.

[@PixieSpright]

Just discovered your channel. Great lists, and I love your delivery and all the odd details you provide on the albums. Sub!

[@planetbarrett6055]

The Best Prog Rock Albums from my Favorite Prog Rock Bands.. Pink Floyd: Atom Heart Mother, Meddle, Obscured by Clouds, Dark Side, Animals, and The Wall Yes: Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, Topographic Oceans, Relayer, and Going for the One Uriah Heep: Very Eavy Very Umble, Salisbury, Look at Yourself, Demons and Wizards, Sweet Freedom, High and Mighty, and Firefly Styx: Styx, Styx 2, Serpent is Rising, Man Of Miracles, Equinox, Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion, and Pieces of 8 Genesis: Trespass, Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England, Lamb lies Down Broadway, Trick of the Tail, and Wind and Wuthering Rush: Rush, Fly by Night, Caress of Steel, 2112, Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, and Permanent Waves Kansas: Kansas, Song for America, Leftoverture, and Point of Know Return King Crimson: Court of the Crimson King, Lizard, Islands, and Red Jethro Tull: Stand Up, Benefit, Aqualung, and Thick as a Brick ELO: No Answer, ELO 2, New World Record, and Out of the Blue. I think ELO has a Bit of Prog in their Albums, same with those First 4 Styx Albums. The Favorite Albums from those Bands are.. Pink Floyd - Obscured by Clouds Yes - Fragile Uriah Heep - Demons and Wizards Styx - Equinox Genesis - Foxtrot Rush - 2112 Kansas - Kansas King Crimson - Court of the Crimson King Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick ELO - ELO 2.

[@ymmit7459]

I For me,, it's only been in the last two years that APP came to surpass TAAB. I think it's because I really began to focus on the story being told. Neither all good nor all bad. "I'd give up my halo for a horn, and the horn for the hat I once had." Musically, Night cap and the Chateau tapes definitely helped push APP past TAAB (just my experience). Thanks for a great list.

[@wakeupjonny]

we had this discussion a few weeks ago on Facebook, in the States the list would be a bit different, if you had to explain to someone what progressive rock is/was,i am putting together the 20 records i would suggest , 1.Yes-The Yes Album-the first time i heard Yes was WNEW Scott Muni's afternoon show-playing Yours Is No Disgrace ,and it all changed from there. 2.King Crimson-The Court of the Crimson King-Another one I heard first on the FM dial-stretched my concept of what could be considered rock music, and i got to speak to the incredible Robert Fripp along the way. 3.Genesis-Selling England by the Pound-this is Genesis with the best line-up including Gabriel ,running on all cylinders,highlighted by Firth of Fifth! 4.Emerson,Lake and Palmer-Brain Salad Surgery.I could have picked a few from these guys,but this album had Karl Evil 9 damn it! 5.PFM.The World Became the World-Incredible Italian band that blew away all us fans live,and them switched to a fusion sound and then came back to prog,and are still together to this day! Check out the title song. 6.Procol Harum-Grand Hotel. The band best known for the Bach-ish Whiter Shade of Pale,have constructed the best songs and classical tinged melodies of their long career on this record,even though they had a 10 year gap and came back strong, Gary Brooker's voice and piano led this British monster. 7. Pink Floyd -Piper at the Gates of Dawn.I had to include this album,for the fact that NOTHING sounded quite like it,and the Floyd were oblivious to anyone's opinion of their music.See Emily play is so good it got covered nicely by David Bowie. 8.Gentle Giant-The Power and the Glory.I could have chosen a few of their consistently 70's era records,but this one represents them well. probably the most talented 5 musicians i ever witnessed,they switched instruments at will! also noted, the LPs Interview,In a Glass House,Free Hand and Octopus. 9.Todd Rundgren's Utopia-Todd surprised us when he put together this amazing record,including the 30 minute Ikon.I was lucky to see this tour,and then the band turned into the Utopia most of us know as a great hitmaker.Just shows how talented Todd is.Dont miss the live reunion of this record. 10.Jethro Tull-Thick as a Brick.I had this one running in the 8 track for months,Ian Anderson is another one who could switch styles seamlessly,and each record proved to be an extension of his creative prowess.This was the first truly prog albums by the band,followed closely by the brilliant Passion Play in 1973 11.Moody Blues-Seventh Sojourn.I find this one to be the best of all their records,song wise,the 5 of them wrote some of the best tunes of their careers here.Check out,You and Me by Justin Hayward. 12.The Strawbs- Hero and Heroine.For a band who came out of the English Folk Scene to become a top prog rock outfit,tells you how strong this genre was in that time period. Part of a 4 album string that became a unique addition to the progressive scene.Also find Ghosts/Grave New World/Bursting at the Seams. 13.UK-UK. this supergroup only managed 2 albums total,and only one as the original line-up,but what a line-up! Bill Bruford,Eddie Jobson, John Wetton,Alan Holdsworth,and some killer synth based songs.In the Dead of Night! 14.Argent-Nexus.In the UK,master keyboardist from the Zombies,and singer Russ Ballard,formed this outfit.The consistent records they made forged the band as a force in the 70s and 80s.Adding number one hits like Hold Your Head Up didnt hurt! 15.Focus-Moving Waves-the Dutch band found fame quickly with Hocus Pocus and were known as some of the best European musicians of the time.There still putting out quality music,better if you like their mostly instrumental sound, and the underrated guitarist Jan Akkerman and keys/flautist Thijs Van Leer. 16.Marillion-Marbles. A hard choice since this band changed singers mid- stream,but lost none of the romantic songwriting quality.Check out Script for a Jesters Tear, to get a feel for the original band.The tune Fantastic Place on this disc is chillingly good. 17.Kansas-Song for America. In the midst of all the great prog coming out of Europe,comes the Americans.This 6 piece blended riffs,melodies,violin,and packed it with the powerful Steve Walsh on vocals.Some top 40 classic hits like Dust in the Wind,made them a band to be reckoned with.Also recommended, Leftoverture and Point of No Return. 18.Yes-Close to the Edge.The only band on the list I need to name twice,because they had and have that much impact.This collection I found confusing at first, and then it hit me like a brick.No one has such a distinctive vocal as Jon Anderson,and Rick Wakeman is a wonder. 19.Caravan-For the Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night.Part of what was called the Canterbury Scene.Leader Pye Hastings has a distinctive breathy voice ,which plays greatly against the material. Opener Memory Lain is a good way to begin to know about the band. 20.Camel-Moonmadness.Great,atmospheric band out of England,that still exist thru guitarist,singer Andy Latimer.Also noted albums Snow Goose,and Breathless 21.Mahavishnu Orch-Birds of Fire. 22.Frank Zappa-Overnight Sensation/One Size Fits All 23.Brand X-Unorthodox Behaviour. 24.Camel-Moonmadness. 25.Living Color-Vivid. 26.Porcupine Tree-Deadwing 27.Dixie Dregs-Night of the Living Dregs 28,Kayak-Royal Bed Bouncer 29.ELO- El Dorado 30.Muse-Absolution/Black Holes 31.Happy the Man-Crafty Hands 32.Nektar-A Tab in the Ocean 33.Jean Luc PontyImaginary voyage I am certain I could expand this list,and most likely will,with honorable mentions to Dream Theatre,Le Orme,National Health ...enjoy JCOZ The Pineapple Thief Gryphon CHEERS !! jonny coz jonnycoz.bandcamp.com/album/the-good-news-and-the-bad-news

[@kholmes39]

jonny coz Great list. Lots that I want to revisit here, and many new discoveries.

[@jamesduke5128]

NAILED IT!!!!! Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel era Genesis, and Jethro Tull are my TOP 3 bands of all time!!!!!

[@javierllerena5756]

I would add Yes and Camel , Jethro Tull my favorite .

[@nicksundby]

Great video. Really enjoying this channel.

[@classicalbum]

Glad you enjoy it! Do subscribe and share.

[@bmh942]

A Passion Play - what a magnificent album! (However, I always miss out the Hare....)

[@podecrer81]

My list: 1) Selling England by the pound, Genesis; 2) Ashes are burning, Renaissance; 3) Fragile, Yes; 4) Songs from the wood, Jethro Tull; 5) Focus III, Focus; 6) Incantations, Mike Oldfield; 7) Wish you were here, Pink Floyd; 8) Brain salad surgery, ELP; 9) Octopus, Gentle Giant; 10) Argus, Wishbone Ash. Bonus: 11) Tudo foi feito pelo sol, Mutantes; 12) Le cimetière des arlequins, Ange; 13) In the court of the Crimson King, King Crimson; 14) The inner mounting flame, Mahavisnu Orchestra; 15) Photos of ghosts, PFM; 16) Misplaced childhood, Marillion; 17) Close to the edge, Yes; 18) Voyage to the center of the earth, Rick Wakeman; 19) Fly by night, Rush; 20) Atom heart mother, Pink Floyd.

[@kholmes39]

Excellent list and commentary. Album lists are always enjoyable, and I’m looking forward to revisiting these and listening to those I’ve never heard. I’m from the States, but I have to agree with you about the heart of prog being in Europe.

[@classicalbum]

Awesome, thank you! So glad you dropped by

[@guychouinard6746]

Great review. I must say that I much agree with your Top 10. Seriously: Not very often do I meet someone agreeing on Pawn Hearts, Tales of Topographic Oceans, and A Passion Play. And you didn't forget Gentle Giant Octopus. I even very recently got into Amon Düül II Yeti album. Perfect fit. Cheers!

[@antoniocuesta4953]

Great list! Happy to see some of the more obscure bands like VdGG, Amon Duul II and Camel make it, and talked about with such affection. There are so many good bands from this era, from germany, france and italy too.. this got me thinking, if i made a list i would have to use at least 20 albums under your rules 😀

[@lewismartin4306]

Wow what a treat. So many new albums to check out. Thanks buddy

[@ardwulfslair]

Major props for including Yeti. Great album.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

I'm a longtime classic rock fan who's recently (last couple years) been taking deep dives into prog music. Love your channel. Thx

[@mpactdesignmedia]

Saw the title - thought to myself "I'd better see Brain Salad Surgery...or there will be HELL to pay!!!" Saw Brain Salad Surgery...put pitchfork back in the corner. ;-)

[@coachhannah2403]

BSS is too inconsistent to be "best." Pretty much any earlier album was better, IMNSHO. Kids today... Just sayin'

[@antoniogalianojerez9942]

Top five (no order): red, selling, lamb, animals & the wall. 6 to 13 places (no order): close to the edge, fragile, foxtrot, wind and wuthering, wish you were here, dark side of the moon, lark's tongues in aspic, in the court

[@bearguitars3102]

Wow, how fascinating. I’m not sure id have chosen any of these, but it does give me a mission to go off and explore, brilliant. I certainly had some of the bands, but without exception, different albums, and some of the bands wouldnt have been here at all. I grew up through the prog era and consider myself blessed to have been there and ‘got it’. So many are just dismissive being influenced by later attitudes and not being prepared to be open minded enough to explore this magnificent music genre, and its many off shoots. I think people completely miss the reality that it is a form of music where anything goes, that’s the point, many times making a whole new sonic experience unfettered by the need to be anything, so free to experiment and absorb a massive range of ideas and influences. 69 to 78, probably the most groundbreaking period, and to hear it all emerge, literally offering music that had never been created before, hearing it in its true birth, was magnificent, and I remain a huge fan of this are, and all others, always looking for new music, of which there is some really rich albums and artists. Thankyou for being so thought provoking, I have hours of fun ahead of me to explore most of this, some , but not much, I know off by heart.

[@classicalbum]

wow.. than you for your deep and considered response.

[@rmcellig]

Fantastic list and comments. I couldn't agree more! 😀

[@sbornot2b]

Thanks for turning me on to Chroma Key. Yesterday - unaware. Today - fascinated!