Ranking the Studio Albums: The Flower Kings

[@alanatwood1243]

Met my wife on the Flower Kings fan page. Thanks Roine!

[@MetalheadNation]

That’s amazing! I could only dream of such a thing! I guess I’ll have to dream on (dreamer) :)

[@mikeomo3235]

Never heard of these guys, thought I'd check them out. My first thought was the lead singer reminds me of John Wetton, this is gonna be good, I was correct. Loving the album Stardust We Are.

[@stuartwexelbaum9070]

Really never heard of this band..without a doubt out of the loop..just ordered 3 albums after listening to a few tracks..sounds really good and can't wait till they get here..Thanks Pete..

[@peterjacobsen7613]

Never thought a band would remove Kansas from my number one favorite, but The Flower Kings have done it.

[@erosbifebeef5115]

Kansas are my favourite band and never listened to Flower Kings, I'm excited to hear them seeing your comment!

[@mikereiss4216]

@@erosbifebeef5115 Start with the albums Space Revolver or Back in the world of adventures.

[@erosbifebeef5115]

@@mikereiss4216 I've given them a try since then. Definitely interesting and up my alley, but the albums are super long, and the vocals aren't really there for me, although I've heard a lot worse

[@inmyhouse11]

You have kept me very busy while being stuck at home discovering lots of new music. Thanks

[@carlosmorais3610]

I discovered them 15 days ago... and have not listened to anything else since. Their suites are amazing! Symphonies for the 21st century.

[@mikereiss4216]

Progressive rock heavily influenced by Genesis and Yes.

[@marcelob4132]

1 Stardust We Are 2 Space Revolver 3 Retropolis 4 The Flower King 5 Unfold The Future

[@andya2665]

nice ordering.

[@MetalheadNation]

Found them last year, and they absolutely blew me away. They are probably my second favorite band, definitely in my top 5. They’re sound in the late 90s and early 2000s is my favorite, it is so unique and experimental. Roine just posted on his Instagram that he was writing some new stuff from The Flower Kings, and I’m so excited. Roine is just such a great and unique musician and songwriter. I cannot wait to see what the band does next, as well as everything they do in the future

[@fernandoriveros1372]

Hello Pete! Man I've been following your channel since I discovered last month and I have to say, I'm a big fan. Love the statement: "It's My personal ranking" That is so true. Everybody has different tastes and appreciation regarding to human crafts. Now about this video: I recently discovered this band "Karmakanic" and I loved since first pushed the "Play" button. They are great and I was intrigued about the founders. That's how I got in "The Flower Kings". haven't heard them yet, I preferred to listen/watch your comments first and then I go into it. In my opinion, you are like a super accurate music map. Thank you Pete, all of your videos are great. Big Hug!!

[@Phillisteum]

I find it very impressive the knowledge and appreciation you have for both extreme music like Nile and lighter music like The Flower Kings. I find it such liberation in the ability to appreciate and enjoy all spectrums of music. I am big big fan of all forms of Black Metal, Death Metal, Thrash, etc but also, I do like some of these so called neo-prog bands. It was thanks to this show that I discovered The Road of Bones album from IQ, its one of my all time favorite music records! Of all genres! Thank you for doing this work! By the way, Resistence, from IQ... It grows on you! So much that its now up there with The Road of Bones! love them both!

[@lazarossamaras4427]

Hello, from Greece. Great show ranking the abums 1. Rainmaker 2. Space revolver 3. Retropolis my top three, but all really good.

[@gorancabrajic3240]

Greatings Pete and thank you for this amazing channel. Love the band , one of my favorites from the "new" era, all of their albums are great. It would be amazing if you rank the albums from The Tangent one of the best prog bands around. I think that The Tangent brings best of prog in last 17 years, also Karmakanic, founded by bass player Jonas Reingold has a great sound (5 albums). Here is my list: 1. Stardust We Are 1997 2. Banks Of Eden 2012 3. Back In The World Of Adventures 1995 4. The Rainmaker 2001 5. Flower Power 1999 6. Desolation Rose 2013 7. Waiting For Miracles 2019 8. Retropolis 1996 9. Space Revolver 2000 10. The Sum Of No Evil 2007 11. Paradox Hotel 2006 12. Unfold The Future 2002 13. Adam & Eve 2004

[@adrian.banninksy]

With some minor adjustments this could be my ranking! Space Revolver is ranked higher in my list. But in general I agree on this one. Stardust We Are is also my fav album, by far. This album stays in tension modus from begin to end, has lost of cool atmospheres and has a great balance between the freaky stuff and the "mainstream" stuff. One of my personal progrock highlights ever. I discovered this channel a couple of months ago and start to really like it. I really like the "not narrow" approach of the channel. So besides progrock content there is for example hardrock- and metal content. Great job!!!

[@corkydukeII5898]

Ok this one I INSTANTLY clicked on. These guys are way at the top of my list!

[@johnstucky2168]

Good call on Stardust We Are Pete. Phenomenal from start to finish.

[@SuperMikael67]

Hello from Stockholm ,Sweden Thanks for introducing me to new music I appreciate it Thanks a lot

[@synen]

This is a HAPPY band, absolutely love them, got a poster of Stardust We Are right behind the chair Im typing from, still broken hearted from Tomas Bodin's departure.

[@jeremyorr9227]

New fan listened to them since I watched this love the epic stuff truth will set you free and numbers are amazing

[@nectarinedreams7208]

The hour long composition Garden of Dreams is just phenomenal.

[@jd8866]

I agree, think Flower Power is their best CD. Roine just dropped a 2022 remaster of this BTW, and I think rearranged the order of Garden of Dreams. to me Space Revolver is maybe the next best, then Stardust we Are.

[@tarkusvontortellini1877]

A few years ago these guys got me into prog. I've always been a metal guy, my all time favourite band being Opeth (fellow Swedish lads, who've actually mellowed out over the years so if you like chill stuff check their newer albums) but I was up late on a music rabbit hole on KZbin. I saw this crazy album art with some kind of sky wizard king - Back In The World Of Adventures by The Flower Kings. I thought it was an interesting band name, interesting art, so I gave it a shot. I was hooked from the intro and to this day that is in my top 3 favourite albums. Opened up an entire genre for me and I absolutely love this band, they are my go to if my friends ask for music recommendations. Not to mention that (most of the time anyway) their lyrics just make me so damn happy! TL;DR: TFK's album 'Back In The World Of Adventures' made me fall in love with the band and genre, which are now a staple in my life

[@donaldellis8952]

Having hip replacement surgery shortly just laying here in pre op waiting to go back to surgery. Definitely will have a lot of time to catch up on your show.

[@gemini2012100]

I love their song "Stardust We Are". It's over 25 minutes long, but it's very good.

[@yuribujuri]

"but"? :P

[@cubbykovu8955]

Paradox Hotel is actually probably one of my favourites :)

[@fastcakes]

Also worth checking out, the Jon Anderson/Stolt LP "Invention Of Knowledge"

[@synen]

John Hodgson Fantastic collaboration.

[@synen]

Pete, what about Roine Stolt's The Flower King Manifesto of an Alchemist ? Released in 2018.

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

It’s really a Stolt solo album...and a good one

[@progmonster4]

I have real grown to like this band so this is perfect thanks

[@urbangustafsson8067]

As being from Sweden, I'm happy to hear your review of a great band. I was lucky to see them in December last year in Stockholm. By the way, progg fans (except their wives) do like songs that are more than 15 min.

[@willsonnett6693]

Excellent show. Exceptional band! Ratings right on..

[@kevintremblay1211]

Another Stellar show, Love the Flower Kings been with them for so long myself. Well Done!!!

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Thank you for your ranking the Flower Kings.🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@projeKct5]

I am a big fan of The Flower Kings... and I made a TOP 20 songs, maybe it can help some people to explore their huge discography... 1. Garden of Dreams (59:24) 2. The Truth Will Set You Free (31:01) 3. I Am the Sun (25:44) 4. Stardust We Are (25:03) 5. Devil's Playground (25:26) 6. In the Eyes of the World (10:38) 7. There Is More to This World (10:07) 8. Love Supreme (19:43) 9. Circus Brimstone (12:03) 10. Rumble Fish Twist (8:05) 11. A King's Prayer (6:01) 12. The Melting Pot (5:48) 13. Hit Me with a Hit (5:31) 14. Serious Dreamers (9:00) 15. Underdog (5:29) 16. The Judas Kiss (7:39) 17. Train to Nowhere (3:49) 18. Just This Once (7:54) 19. Go West Judas (7:47) 20. Last Carnivor (4:22) Have a nice journey !

[@tomek453]

Road To Sanctuary *🕵️

[@jordanpantaleo554]

I hope this video exposes some new folks to The Flower Kings! They are a spectacular band that deserve thousands more fans. They should appeal to lovers of Phish, Grateful Dead, and perhaps Umphreys McGee in addition to all the prog bands The Flower Kings are usually associated with.

[@MetalheadNation]

Completely agree. Out of all the bands I’ve listened to, I consider The Flower Kings the most underrated band of all time. They are my second favorite band, and I’ve only known about them for a year or so. They deserve so much more recognition

[@kamranmalik8546]

I can't wait for Asia, Dire Straits, The Moody Blues, Marillion, I.Q., Arena, Quiet Riot, Dokken, and The Tangent rankings!

[@mattplou6199]

Would love to see Dire straits

[@zachary1966]

Wigwam, Tasavallan Presidentti...

[@Broonsie]

Ozric Tentacles!

[@LuchaLibertaria]

I remember he did a Top 10 Dokken songs a few months ago

[@jesusarielgonzalez7775]

I would love to see an I.Q. video, i Just know The Seventh House and The Road of Bones, and both are great!!

[@arunb3713]

Discovered this great band here. Now I'm hooked!

[@abe3802]

Started to listen to them 8 months ago after heard Pete mentions them, and of course as a Swede I was familiar with the bands name since long ago. Adam and Eve nr 1 for me, Deslotation Rose, Banks of Eden after that.

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

My dad has been to every single Flower Kings London show and he got me into their music, I've seen them live five times and they're absolutely fantastic. My favourite albums are Flower Power, Unfold The Future, Stardust We Are and Banks Of Eden but I think their entire catalogue is very impressive with lots of great material. Excellent review Pete 👍

[@danielhamm4146]

I've loved them for years, one of the greatest bands of all time!

[@arnaudb.7669]

The most uplifting, cheerful, joyful, optimistic and colorful music of the past 25 years. My 3 favourites albums are : Stardust We Are - Unfold The Future - The Sum of no Evil. Not too fond of Banks of Eden and Desolation Rose but the rest of the catalogue is top notch. Roine Stolt has a gift for building epics full of great and colorful melodies. An amazing prog band!!!!

[@paulwheeldon3075]

Jonas Reingold is one of my favourite bass players and I only got into Flower Kings by seeing Jonas playing in Steve Hackett’s band. I also love the album ‘Invention of Knowledge’ which Roine did with Jon Anderson and the album Daniel Gildenlow did under the name of The Sea Within.

[@Banion1]

Wow- really never heard of these guys but they are great. Based on the 2 tracks I heard from Islands really interested to hear more.

[@bmboldt]

I only discovered these guys about 10 years ago so I don't have a long history with them. I enjoy all of their records although some are too long. My favorites are probably their first two. I love the song Their is More to this World. Sounds like late 70's Genesis.

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

Flower Power is one of the greatest neo-prog albums ever released, IMHO. Easily my #1 FK record!

[@Prog.and.Metal.Fan711]

I competely agree with you . 『Flower Power』 is a masterpiece 👍

[@Darth555]

I came to this video because your album rankings are how I got into Spock's beard. I agreed with your Spock's beard album video that beware of darkness is number one. Now I'm off to try and digest the catalog of The Flower Kings.

[@ToddMason]

Great band. Great music to paint to, hours drift by!

[@TractorCountdown]

These are a great find - I'd heard of them but this is the first time I've had a listen, so thank you. Just getting into Stardust and the vocals remind me instantly of John Wetton, and the guitar soloing is fantastic, soaring away. I prefer this to Spock's Beard: listening to The Light it sounds too much like musical theatre for my taste.

[@artellis]

I saw them on what I believe was the Rainmaker tour, in Boston at the Middle East (upstairs). Maybe 75 people in a small club. The whole band shook hands while people exited at the end. Good times. Great show

[@nope3352]

I checked them out before I watched this video and they're really good. Sounds very 70s but with a little extra something. I love it

[@darlatidwell6255]

Your t-shirt collection is extensively awesome. 🤟

[@thelastnic]

checked them out, they do have that Yes sound, Miracles for America I liked, they have a new CD coming out this Month in 2022. Their music is "light and breezy" Last minute on Earth has a great intro, great song. Thanks for introducing me to this band

[@isaacgabrielvalbuena2896]

Yes! I've been waiting for this since you announced it. Big fan of prog/ Flower Kings here. By the way, hope you can make the Hawkwind video today! Love your channel and your content Pete ! Greetings and have a nice day

[@isaacgabrielvalbuena2896]

Btw again 😀,i've been thinking, how about if you do a show where you talk about bands that don't qualify as "obscure", but are still underrated by the mainstream followers of prog/metal/hard rock, like think: Savatage. Sounds cool to me 😎

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

@@isaacgabrielvalbuena2896 I've already done that one. Please check the playlists.

[@isaacgabrielvalbuena2896]

@@seaoftranquilityprog oh,i'm so sorry 😐 . Greetings Pete

[@caseypsa]

@@isaacgabrielvalbuena2896 is this the offending comment? I'm sure he'll forgive you.

[@isaacgabrielvalbuena2896]

@@caseypsa yes but i am very... How to say... Unaccepting to my errors 😂😂😂

[@starmanm31]

Pete I seen the Flower Kings 9/10/01 the night before 9/11 in a small club in Pittsburgh ... An hour and half drive with my brother to see them.. I believe if I recall they were stuck here for awhile because they grounded all the flights ... I love the Flower Kings ! Some albums are better than others but all are good...

[@elliotwalton6159]

I'm only just discovering this band (along with Spock's Beard). Never too late.

[@jesusarielgonzalez7775]

Same as you, and I having an awesome time, I recomend you to check The Neal Morse band, they have three masterpieces

[@RickNBacker]

Catching up on the Flower Kings catalog will keep you busy for a good long time... then there are the SOLO albums and side projects by the band members, also great!!!

[@dougsawyer1528]

hey pete right on again with stardust I was at that nearfest show at the time I was only familiar with space revolver but that finale stardust we are was epic sold me completely ever since huge fan how about a soft machine show

[@redyosh9811]

Big Puzzle is one of my favorite songs ever. That first album is a masterpiece from front to back.

[@toonhkuitjes6382]

great band Love their positive vibe and messages in their music. So uplifting! True, they could do with a bit of strategic culling...

[@robertrousseau8762]

I really love your reviews. I listened to all. Do you know the band Timothy Pure ?

[@fastcakes]

Also, I always count The Flower King solo album as the debut, but that's just me.

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

I almost did as well...decided to instead just mention it.

[@shyshift]

Me too John. I was fortunate to have been gifted the big cd the size of a 45 single.

[@foxtrotnow]

Thanks Pete. I started with 'Back in the World of Adventure', so have been a fan for a long time. Here are my top 5 favorites: 1. Stardust We Are ... without question, at their peak, their best. 2. Flower Power ... 'Garden of Dreams" would have sufficed alone as a release. 3. Unfold The Future ... the bookends, 'The Truth Will Set You Free' & 'Devil's Playground' stand out to me. 4. Retropolis ... Outstanding sophmore release. 5. Paradox Hotel ... Flows very well throughout.

[@Rolf2112]

For us born in the 80s, we did not catch the new wave of progressive rock in the 90s because we then discovered 80s metal and older hard rock stuff. Tons of new bands to discover.

[@JJJ111JJJ]

Fun fact, the flower king is originally a reference to Swedish biologist and taxonomist Carl Linnaeus.

[@Lance37a]

I love The Flower Kings!

[@Orange_Affinity]

I've been loving The Flower Kings since 2006. Paradox Hotel is my favourite. You're right about the Inside Out "look." Always great artwork and packaging on their releases.

[@cbarbe02]

I really dig the flower kings there music is very epic I own all of them and the Anderson/ Stoit collaboration is awsome too all though it does sound a lot like 70s yes to me but if you haven’t check it out.

[@jesusarielgonzalez7775]

Great video Pete, you should do a ranking the albums on I.Q. and on Neal Morse

[@terryjohnson5275]

Along with Spock's perhaps the best prog band from the 90's. I too stated to get a bit over saturated with them by the time of Paradox Hotel but after leaving alone for a while managed to get back kntot hem - though my favourite is Unfold the Future as Roine seemed to go off on a bit of a jazz fusion groove on some of the songs which I loved - though certainly everything up to Rainmaker I cannot really sort into a list as they keep changing places - and I'd have to add in that Roine's The Flower King is equally as great as all of these. My first buy was Retropolis - love the ping pong intro, thought they were great, then they came out with Stardust - phenomena - blown away by first track in the eyes of the world. Saw them evey time they played at the Classic Rock Society in Rotherham. Brilliant. Also big shout out for Tomas Bodin's solo albums.

[@nn2z]

What are some good places to buy some of the top rated these CDs here as they seem to be only available used or very high prices. Have they been reissued?

[@andya2665]

I was a Flower Kings fan. In 2006 I was driving to California from Arizona and saw the turn off for Calixico/Mexicali and just drove right on passed. I didn't realize the Flower Kings were playing that very night in Mexicali of all places. My bad.

[@paulsimister944]

I've been looking forward to you reviewing The Flower Kings. My favourite of the modern prog bands I've heard I have your first and third albums along with two ranked further down. However the albums I play most are Roine's solo album called The Flower King plus two live albums, Alive on Planet Earth and Meet the Flower Kings. If you'd have included the solo album Pete, where would you have ranked it?

[@keithshapland903]

As a fan from buying The Flower King album in 1995 it has to be included for me. I then moved forward as releases came out so my views are as a long time fan rather than going back. I was also a member of the World of Adventure fan club. The internet has mainly killed off fanzines. My rankings: 1. Stardust we are 2. The Flower King 3. Flower Power 4. Back in the World of adventure 5. Retropolis 6. Unfold the Future 7. Space Revolver 8. The Rainmaker 9. Banks of Eden 10. Paradox Hotel 11.The Sum of No Evil 12. Desolation Rose 13. Waiting for Miracles 14. Adam and Eve

[@geneleonard4368]

I enjoyed rating ,I originally met the band back in 2000 and they all autographed my Retropolis CD ,then the Rainmaker tour with Daniel Gildenlow who's a great guy also . But I've seen and talked to them many times over the years . I was at the Nearfest show also and talked to Roine about Andy Latimer and how much I loved Camels music and Andy Latimer's blues style solos in prog . During Camel, Roine sat a few rows in front of me and checked out the whole show . Strangely enough after that he came out with his bluey solo LP " Wallstreet Voodoo " one thing I would say is.... If your going to get any of there CD's get the ones with ones with the bonus tracks they are more then worth .✌️😎

[@lening9]

1) Stardust We Are 2) Back in the World of Adventures 3) Retropolis 4) The Sum of No Evil 5) Flower Power 6) The Rainmaker 7) Space Revolver 8) Banks of Eden 9) Paradox Hotel 10) Waiting for Miracles 11) Desolation Rose 12) Islands 13) Unfold the Future 14) Adam & Eve

[@wizardofoz6811]

The Flower Kings are still active. Great band. My favourite is Retropolis.

[@ledzeplover58]

Flower Power's Garden Of Dreams is one of the most sublime and beautiful tracks of any genre.

[@MetalheadNation]

Most prog bands struggle to write songs around 20 minutes, much less 59 minutes! When a band tries to write a song of that length, I tend to fall off somewhere throughout the song because it looses my attention. However, Garden of Dreams grabs my attention unlike any other song! It is absolutely magical, as is all of TFK’s music

[@LCD72]

The live version is even better.

[@bazakel115]

Agree on Stardust We Are. Great double album.

[@georggabriel7852]

Funny, your nr. 1 and 2 where my first TFK Albums when I got into them. Maybe thats why they are one of my most beloved progers:)

[@TonVenhuizen]

I know (and have seen) the band. Got Adm and Eve as a gift (counter-favour) from a swedish guy and was very thankfl for this, since I really really likes the first long track on that album as well as some others. But indeed, for whole their catalog, they're long listens. Recently got to know Hasse, and his band HFMC. Similar to the Flower Kings, but a bit heavier, and I think I like them even better now (check them out if you don't know them)

[@eduardocalvo9631]

The Truth Will Set You Free, an awesome 21st century epic, alongside The Whirlwind, mei, Harvest of Souls and The Great Nothing. Man, it's like they took all the great Yes epics (Close to the Edge, Ritual, Gates of Delirium and Awaken), put them in a blender, and added some raggmunk for topping.

[@rattlehead85]

Pete... I have to say this is one band that has really tested my listening to the max.. I bought back in the world of adventures back in 2009 a few years after it’s release....Initially I liked it....got my attention...liked the musical style...but I’ve tried hard with other albums and as you rightly point out....they are far to long and overblown...That is not implying they are bad..far from it..but I just can’t seem to make it to the end of any god damn album!!!.. I’m stuck in deciding do I like them or not to the point I just took a back seat.

[@HeavyMetalTones]

Love the latest record Black Flag is wonderful

[@jennycooper5364]

the comp the road back home from 2007 is a good introduction to the band it has a lot of great songs and is reasonable priced

[@sspbrazil]

Maybe do an Ozric Tentacles countdown?

[@garymarshall4406]

Love TFK and they're sensational live. Some of the jazzy bits are a little off my radar and agree with Pete that some of the albums are too long but they are quality.

[@tommckeown6970]

Surprisingly, my list of their best albums would have been nearly the exact opposite. We all have different tastes.

[@BattManion1979]

We were in the same building at least three times..Nearfest '02 '03 '04.

[@lance98541]

1. Space Revolver 2. Stardust We Are 3. Retropolis

[@maryelms5948]

I would like to hear your opinion of a Prog band called Moth Vellum. They only released one album under that lineup, but I think it's awesome.

[@johnhenfrey5936]

Pete!whats happened to the Magnum album ratings?

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Coming soon!

[@chrisferrara190]

🤘😎 excellent

[@jasonweinstock1282]

I have flower power on CD..great stuff on it

[@diegolopezolive6403]

Great Review man, it shows that You are a musician. Still, i see looking for reviews that everyone has it s favourite s. I probably go with 1. Retropolis 2.Paradox hotel 3. Adam and Eve. The problem is The Filler, long long songs sometimes. So i have yo try again with diferente albums. I m with Adam and Eve right now. Great job!

[@toddlee2571]

His 12 is my #1

[@DANTEFISI]

What a great song "the Flower King"

[@Czyszy]

There's a typo. #roinetolt It should be #roinestolt xD But anyway, TFK is probably my favorite band of all time. I'm one of the 3 people in the world who really love Desolation Rose Disc 1. xD

[@DanielGarcia-sh8gk]

Rank Pain Of Salvation's albums Pete 👍🏻

[@joseandrade632]

One amazing aspect of TFK is that their worst is still quite good, they never released a bad album, and I defy everyone to do the same with such a lenghty body of work. This said, I love all of their albums, Stardust, The Rainmaker, The Sum of no Evil... but I absolutely love the sole album they recorded with Daniel Gildenlöw - Pain of Salvation and once "Best Swedish Voice" - , Adam and Eve. Is DG essential to the sound of TFK? Of course not, but he adds this little extra magic that makes that tiny difference for me. What can I say? I'm a TFK addict...

[@gwts1171]

I didn't really start paying attention to these guys until seeing your review for their latest, so I don't think I'm at the point to rank them yet. However, I do really like Waiting For Miracles and Retropolis so far.

[@blackcatcentralmusic]

I love The Flower Kings, but they tend to lack the ability to self edit. Albums tend to have amazing music but also filler material. When they are on top of their game, the melodies, harmonies, and arrangements combine to create musical heaven. Have to investigate the newer albums.

[@ianbrown3304]

Biggest shock is that you do not own some of the FK catelogue. Always a must buy for me since 2001. Epic bombast with taste.

[@RickNBacker]

I don't know if I can even rank the albums because I love them all. They have yet to disappoint me, yet to make a bad album. Unlike big favorites Yes and Rush, who each have a couple of albums that I can't listen to. If the house is on fire and I have to grab three as I run out the door, Stardust We Are, Unfold the Future and Flower Power.

[@ericwalker6068]

Check out Hasse Fröberg & Musical Companion. Absolutely mind blowing.

[@ThreeToBeExact]

1. Flower Power 2. Paradox Hotel 3. Stardust We Are