What is Pink Floyd's Greatest Song?

In today's livestream I discuss what I think is the greatest Pink Floyd’s song.
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[@Martin.Wilson]

This debate was settled in 1983. My kid brother and I (he was 18) were smoking large amounts of bud and listening to Pink Floyd. I posed the same question....Which PF song is their best? He paused for 20-30 seconds and said "Whichever one you're listening to at the time". 40 yrs later, we both agree that this is still an accurate assessment.

[@lindawilliams2211]

Bravo.....

[@michael7324]

This is the correct answer.

[@Davo-007]

Only if you're listening to Echoes on loop 😏

[@wojciechstrzalkowski3293]

Brawo. Masz bardzo mądrego brata👍

[@SyBernot]

I've been avoiding clicking this vid for weeks now because the idea that PF could have a singular greatest song. You are 100% correct and currently "I've got a bike" is at the top. Tomorrow it will be something else. From that Clare Torry solo in Great Gig to the transition of Waters voice to sax in Gunners Dream to the backwards track on Empty Spaces that precedes the lyrics that focus your attention on the lyrics and away from the music, this band innovates and in some ways no one has replicated the mind hacks they implemented to this day. Some props have to got to Alan Parsons but ultimately the band itself were just a bunch of musical geniuses a couple of steps ahead of the Beatles. So best song, there isn't one, they are all good and the best one is the one your lucky enough to be listening to right now.

[@eddiepierce7028]

Shine On You Crazy Diamond had the most profound effect on me. It spells out the pain of the ‘loss’ of a dear friend in metaphorical but stark lyrics. Masterful writing.

[@jamesjohnson-vj6uu]

Shine on You Diamond.

[@joe197301]

I forgot about that one Love it

[@gaborkovari5093]

I'm not a huge fan of WYWH album as a whole but Shine on stands out as one of their peak moments. Profound, clear, and hits in the very heart. Masterpiece.

[@brennar9342]

The keyboards and effects make this a special album for me.

[@catebee4431]

That David Gilmore guitar intro is magnificent. My favourite too.

[@fcofrt85]

In my opinion, it’s Shine On You Crazy Diamond. The way that the whole band harmonize to tribute Syd is perfect.

[@gypsysoul1719]

Those iconic 4 bell-sounding notes of the introduction to Shine On and the stunning transition, the ethereal guitar solo, will never be equaled.

[@daviddortch2088]

I also agree. But for me Mother is as close to perfection as we will ever hear in life.

[@Architectureguy]

Yes...so much emotion in the song...and the sax solo...that fade out reverb still gives me chills.

[@montychiton]

Yep

[@CarlosHuerta000]

IMO Echoes is the peak of music, 23 minutes of pure perfection in your ears, a hole experience that you would never forget

[@rc666]

Underestimated work.

[@drdubious2432]

This one has always been one fo my favorites.

[@thethirdwheel4758]

i think the rest of the album is so underrated, one of these days is awesome and fearless is probably in my top 15 favorite PF tracks.

[@rileyvosper411]

How is it a masterpiece? Most of the song is nothingness or repeated instruments. The first 6 minutes is great though.

[@MichaelBriggs-]

The long songives you in the trance. And that's what it's all about.

[@les4767]

I believe "Time" is Pink Floyd's best song. It's certainly the most profound. How you relate to it only becomes stronger the older you get. It's absolute truth in its words. The music used to tell its message is also quite powerful and sublime at the same time. I also think it's David Gilmour's best guitar solo.

[@les4767]

@Jan Hammer ***fan only*** Yes, it is. Thank you.

[@numonezeldafanBRAD]

Fully agree 👍

[@AndrewVanBeekOttawa]

Definitely a hard one to beat

[@jbkingesq9889]

Nothing brings you into music like the alarms/chimes opening.

[@bshingledecker]

No one told you when to run. You missed the starting gun. How many does that refer to?

[@danbardos3498]

Echoes from Pompeii is my all time favorite. I love the way that song reverses itself. Never heard anything quite like it before and it just had a lasting impression on me.

[@jackclement503]

It’s a legendary feat in music history. It’s my favourite song of all time and the build with the climax around 3/4 of the way through the song gives me goosebumps every time.

[@stenic2]

That is number 2 for me after time

[@crawford1083]

Hear hear! Could not agree more! A whole side of an album. but one complete song. And brilliant!

[@pauljones8801]

Every poser says that pretending to be a Pink Floyd aficionado

[@droog8400]

@@pauljones8801 Every self-proclaimed officionado belittling others' opinions in the belief that you are somehow superior. Go back to twitter.

[@barrakouta]

Does anyone else think the best things about Rick's videos are his reactions and enthusiasm?

[@christopherhendricks4369]

Music is part of his soul. He's introduced me to some musicians I wasn't familiar with too.

[@jagtone]

To me it's funny watching this music teacher/producer who brings all this sophistication, and can instantly tell you every chord extension, key change and odd tempo, turn into a teenager listening to great music. "That's just... so great!"

[@Claudio-dl6ug]

His hype is to be hyped.

[@shivaunt71]

He knows good music, obviously as an Englishman I'm biased. I love Floyd and Tears for Fears, my heart skipped a beat when he covered them both.

[@carolball5764]

@@shivaunt71I agree.

[@cooldude.1811]

Animals is probably Pink Floyd's most under rated album. I love 'Dogs' which has one of the most hypnotic guitar riffs I have heard.

[@amazingronaldo9656]

My favorite album and Dogs is such a great song!!

[@klars7294]

Animals is a Masterpiece!

[@65Slipkid]

!00% It is one of my desert island albums. I've listened to it 100s of times over the years. Dogs is a masterpiece.

[@barrycolman8250]

Absolutely correct

[@The16FootMan]

Yes yes yes yes yes, alright alright

[@WHOAnesto]

Echoes is my all-time favorite song from any band ever. It has it all.

[@geraldinejasnin7378]

YES !!

[@nomasnofuss8393]

totally agree...i heard Dave Gilmour in an interview say Echoes is where things really "came together" and set the tone for things going forward.

[@cindyminks9961]

Agree

[@cristianotaricone7684]

Absolutely

[@Davo-007]

Anybody who understands music will understand why. Echoes is the Rock & Roll equivalent of Beethoven, Mozart and Bach 🎶

[@mgmlioness67]

Great Gig in the Sky is my favorite. The singer was told to sing how she thought it might feel like to experience death. Most times, when I listen to it, I end up in tears or close to it. What a brilliant idea they had with that one

[@slamfreepoetry1845]

Watch "The Dark Side of OZ"... It will make sense. Its right when the tornado comes

[@benjammin1001]

That and the flow from "Time" and its lyrics into Great Gig in the Sky.... Ooof. So powerful. It's an emotional roller coaster.

[@MrBooYa-yd5er]

Listening to Bike is an unforgettable experience. You will fall in love with Syd Barrett. Forever.

[@tomasvanecek8626]

That one is just incredible.. I first heard it in 1973 .. it amazes me still, always will

[@MrBooYa-yd5er]

@@tomasvanecek8626 Have you heard Bike? People around then don’t get it but Syd’s stuff is literally almost even better remembered by the young. It takes a lot to realize how distinctive they were. Vegetable Man had it been a single wound have been unheard of until the arrival of new wave. Incredible. It’s like he was already in 1979 and skipped the entire Classic Rock period.

[@barrakouta]

"Comfortably Numb" is such an atmospheric song. I remember, as a 17 year old, going into a kind of trance every time I'd hear it. The opening melody is so dark and and has a sense of foreboding, and Gilmour's leads are other worldly . For me, their greatest song.

[@kenwood7195]

Remember when you were young, You shone like the sun.

[@user-iv1ed9mj5i]

Comfortably Numb hasnt carried with time in my humble opinion,i cant stand it now,the guitar solo no longer sounds stand out

[@gribwitch]

When I first played "The Wall", "Comfortably Numb" struck me as being the standout track from an already impressive album. That melody in the chorus is sublimely gorgeous.

[@brucehikmet]

"Shine on you Crazy Diamond" is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable song structures ever created by Pink Floyd, although it might slightly lose its intensity towards the end. As an ardent listener of Pink Floyd for four decades, this track holds a special place in my heart and is unquestionably my ultimate favorite.

[@c.e.anderson558]

It doesn't lose intensity . It soothes you as you are drifting off to sleep.

[@kpcallahan]

It's "Time", plain and simple. It is profound, beautifully structured, and lyrically magical with a magnificent guitar solo. A work of art from the amazing intro through the "Breathe" reprise.

[@Geekman333]

Absolutely.

[@markweber4854]

Time is my all time favorite Pink Floyd song!

[@davidririe4111]

I really only focus on lyrics with country and folk, but this song has always struck me. I’m more into Waters’ lyrics now that I’m older. Time is the song for me.

[@craenor]

In my opinion, Wish You Were Here and Comfortably Numb are perfect Pink Floyd songs, but Time is just a perfect song.

[@scotty4489]

Hey, this thing is broken, it only let me upvote once!

[@MsCosmosnut]

I could never pick a favourite Pink Floyd song. There are too many equally brilliant masterpieces. Just too many. ❤

[@whizzo94]

My thoughts exactly

[@wanderer85295]

Absolutely

[@vytallicaq.6881]

Yeah, I was gonna say the first song of DSOTM, the last song of The Wall, and everything between. Best 4 album stretch in history.

[@TheSwedeMcCoy]

I agree, picking just five is indeed a mission impossible...

[@paspolc]

Agree

[@erickabsrick]

Definitely the best song of Pink Floyd is Echoes, what a wonderful experience! ❤

[@eddie3064]

Agreed 100%. Its the quintessential Pink Floyd song. An atmospheric journey for the ages...

[@user-rc4nk3uv1q]

100 percent agree. It’s one of the most extraordinary and epic things I’ve ever heard, so superb and preternatural.

[@Cap683]

After Meddle, Pink Floyd started with these bloated concept albums. I jumped. ship. They lost the quality to transport the listener to another place. Did not like DSOTM. Flame me.

[@JohnMurphy-pw3sy]

Totally agree... and by a long way.... only song I have ever tripped on without doing and drugs at all... lisytened to it back then on a caseete through a walkman,,,,,, bouncin on clouds! A Masterpiece! See Emily play though will always stick with me.. I remember the day Relics was released , a dorm mate got it for his birtday and Relics got played relentlessly all year! An Abum/Collection for the ages... Meddle tough was the transitional Album and still had the Syd Effect to some degree,,,,, Brilliant Album

[@zooweemama3835]

​@Cap683 I think DSOTM is incredible. But man Echoes is miles above any other song in the history of the world.

[@zmarko]

This song (Us & Them) is THE most impactful LIVE musical moment of my life. I was 16, in 1988 and I slept out overnight at the mall for Pink Floyd tickets for their show at Veterans Stadium in Philly in 1988. I got floor seats in section AA, but as someone who is was incredibly short then (and now) I couldn't see anything since everyone was standing on their seats. So I went up to a higher level hoping to find a seat I could see from, when a nice couple said they had an open seat in the front row of the 2nd level. When the chorus of Us & Them hit and all those lights circling the screen turn towards the audience and shine bright white...it was just such a moving moment. I will never, ever forget it. Best concert I've ever seen.

[@olivier7779]

🙏

[@stephenwilliams3807]

I'm 64 now. I still remember the first time I listened to Shine On You Crazy Diamond. A friend at school had taped the album having just bought it. I came home, ate dinner, went to bed early and listened to the album lying in bed with headphones. The start of the album, with the early parts of SOYCD is still my favourite ever start to an album and my favourite Pink Floyd.

[@Maltloaflegrande]

I'm also 64. I heard "Shine on" live twice before the WYWH album came out: at Wembley and Knebworth and at the latter gig, Dick Parry was used for more than just the two "Dark Side" songs: he played a knockout solo in the encore "Echoes" replacing the guitar break straight after verse 2. I bought a bootleg of "Shine on" soon after that so was really familiar with it by the time I heard the album version for the first time. When Parry's Baritone came in at the end of (again) verse 2, it knocked me out.

[@churgn3words732]

Right, and likely the really crappy Radio Shack headphones that we all had, that would leave your head a sweaty mess. I have nostalgic memories of that time.

[@Playback007able]

yup…am 63 and rode my bicycle 14 miles round trip to KMart to buy Wish You Here in 1975 right when it was released. It took me a couple of weeks to realize that the shrink wrapper was an opaque flexible film that was covering the jacket…I thought it was the album jacket was a grey version of the Beatles White album design. Then, I noticed a perforated air hole in the shrink wrapper and saw color of the jacket picture through it and took a peek behind the shrink wrapper to my freaking surprise. Best Floyd album? Hard to say…my fondest one, though. Been dialed in to Floyd since an older brother’s initiation of UMMA GUMMA in 1969…

[@alexandermcmillan5643]

@@Maltloaflegrande ?

[@66limelight]

I'm 58 and growing up in an area where I only heard Top 40 music in my teens, I knew little about Pink Floyd other than The Wall. My older brother had a cassette with some songs, one of which was Comfortably Numb and that's the first Floyd song I got to know and that was probably about 1982 or so. When I went to college in the fall of 84 I found a radio station I couldn't get at home and that was KQRS out of Minneapolis. They played all of this awesome music I'd never heard like Floyd and Rush etc. In fact I'd never heard of Rush until then. The first Floyd Album I had, which I borrowed from a friend and recorded on cassette, was The Wall and it was certainly different than anything I had heard before. College student living frugally so it was a while before I had a library of Pink Floyd CDs. And yes, the headphones. I really should give a listen to both WYWH and DSOTM with headphones. I don't know when the last time I used headphones.... What would the teenagers, or even 30 year olds think of headphones today? lol

[@PsychoticSmith]

Echoes is probably their greatest song. It set the stage and template for everything that followed and was the moment when they really figured out where they wanted to go.

[@lucashernandez4345]

I would rather say Wish You Were Here, it is the best Pink Floyd's song because it is Pink Floyd in its purest form and its essence without synths or electric overloaded solos, just a band playing for an old friend.

[@BuckTravis]

Totally. A watershed song for their future and all of us fans who became lovers of Floyd.

[@will_ashbless]

Strangers passing in the street By chance, two separate glances meet...

[@cabanford]

I totally agree. Epic

[@nepesilva2284]

Echoes is such a ridiculously insane musical achievement. It’s an intense journey through time, space, and your own consciousness.

[@mariasoares4971]

Division Bell is so underrated. It's an incredible album.

[@nicholasjohnson6724]

High Hopes is an awesome song

[@carlavianna1]

Pink Floyd is my favorite band of all times and I absolutely love so many of their songs…but High Hopes gives me chills every time. Glad you mentioned it here!

[@fjcrod]

Comfortably Numb, is just an out of this world musical experience. I've been listening to it for forty plus years and never tire of it. Gives me goosebumps every single time. A truly brilliant song. So ethereal and beautiful.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Agree 100%

[@benhj]

Same here, 100%

[@itspabbs]

My personal favorite as well. The solo at the end is beautiful.

[@maxxschneider5534]

I agree 100%. A song about shooting dope. But it's a great song. That's the first song I learned guitar solos. You had the 1st easy sweet gentle guitar solo then you have the second bluesy outro solo which is soaring. Two very simple effective solos that say way more than a bunch of kids shredding. The groove in Meddle is also great

[@lynby6231]

Love comfortably numb but would probably say shine on you crazy diamond (In it’s entirety)

[@michellebowers8652]

Wish You Were Here still gives me chills all these years later.

[@litedawg]

The entire album start to finish is unbelievable

[@R2RHIker4]

I like listening to it now because it hasn't been worn out like Dark Side and The Wall. I love those two albums, but heard the too many times. Getting a buzz and listening to Wish You Were Here is very relaxing

[@darrenfox5883]

So me too!

[@henrybottjer965]

Always gives me goosebumps

[@DeanG55]

I also agree this is my favorite, which was not too hard to choose!!

[@jimsanders4412]

“Comfortably Numb”?? Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it, and I just can’t help singing along!!! Truly amazing song!

[@mohamedfodhil9908]

hell we even sings the solos parts😂

[@jchis9852]

Meddle was the turning point for Pink Floyd. The band coalesced into the perfect example of what the true defintion of what "recording artist" is.

[@brent7202]

Alan Parsons deserves credit for how he put their music together on this album. The way one song flowed into the next, the sound effects, and the overall package was a major achievement for the audio / recording engineer. ❤

[@gregc8670]

But how much did Parsons have to do with all that? I've read quite a lot about Pink Floyd, but I've never heard a definitive answer. I know that he put together the alarm clock sequence at the beginning of "Time." But beyond that, I just haven't heard. Interesting fact: When Pink Floyd started making Wish You Were Here, they asked Parsons to work on it. They gave him a lowball offer, thinking he would be privileged to work with them again. He turned them down and immediately went on to great success with the Alan Parsons Project.

[@billyz5088]

~~ it's interesting how on the 2003 film; "The Making of The Dark Side of the Moon" - all band members have interview segments - and Parsons has a bit as well - David Gilmour seems to downplay any contributions Parsons made - he says (a bit dismissively) of Alan; "He had a few good ideas" - David knows well that Roger was the driving force behind that project - and he seems to not want to give anyone else much credit - perhaps for fear of any perception of reducing his own input on the record even further by comparison to Roger's ..

[@roderickgful]

@@gregc8670Parsons had a great deal to do with this lp! He had the added responsibility of actually taking razor to tape! Imagine being responsible for a perfect take then having to edit it with a razor! The sound quality of DSOTM was and is the height of an audiophiles wet dream!

[@SeenRed82]

For me, it's Comfortably Numb. So many of their tracks are on my all-time favorites list...but Comfortable Numb is, IMHO a total work of art!

[@disqusmacabre6246]

Ditto. But in truth.they created so many timeless cuts that I couldn't do it in 5 songss.

[@raymundostille7426]

I am with u

[@JosephGelis]

David Gilmour's incredible mind-bending solo at the end of this song is what pushes it to the top all by itself.

[@birdsarerathercool]

Second favorite for me. Wish you were touched my soul in ways comfortabley numb never could.

[@kraz007]

Absolute masterpiece... Sometimes it's fun to listen to punk or hip-hop but when you're in a mood for a masterpiece, you can't go wrong with CN.

[@nisem0no]

I couldn't believe The Dark Side of The Moon was recorded in the 70s when I first heard it 4 years ago (I was very late to trying Pink Floyd). It was more immersive than most albums I hear nowadays, and sounds pristine. It's an experience, and I tend to listen to it in its entirety rather than just a few songs.

[@86crud]

I wish I could experience them for the first time this late.

[@jrusovich]

Didn't hurt that Alan Parsons produced it. The audio quality is astonishing.

[@playnicechannel]

You are listening as it was intended to be heard. As a single audio experience. Glad you made it to the Floyd party… it’s chill up in here.🎶

[@playnicechannel]

Word.. Alan Parsons say no more

[@pdproenca]

That’s what happens when two galaxies collide. Pink Floyd + Alan Parsons. Absolute magic.

[@the5quirmingcoil]

Great Gig in the Sky is the only rock song that has ever evoked a wave of emotion so strong that I have physically wept. I can't imagine a better qualification for quantification...

[@samburnham4397]

Shine on you crazy diamond had taken me on an experience I’ve never felt in any other song, that’s why it separates itself from any other song of all time.

[@ethanadjack5289]

I can't believe it took so far into the comments to find Shine On. As my life goes on different Floyd songs become my favorite and this has been it for me for quite awhile now. The guitar work is some of the finest of any musician ever.

[@uversa7]

It's quite the composition. The band was in the studio recording the song which of course is about Syd Barrett. He was the brilliant, charming, witty, good looking young artist who started as front man for Pink Floyd. There was a party going on where he was slipped a huge amount of LSD. He was also in the early stage of schizophrenia. It is thought by most who were close to him that these conditions flipped the switch off in his brain. It is said that when he looked at you, rather than seeing his normal brilliant, charming, mischievous, almost child like demeanor, that his eyes were like "black holes in the sky", as described by the lyrics of Roger Waters in Shine On You Crazy Diamond. It's so sad how his mind transformed so darkly, and he came to resemble Uncle Fester of the TV series Adams Family, but only with a very morbid demeanor.

[@ethanadjack5289]

@@uversa7 I thought you were going to tell the story of him showing up during the recording of the Wish You Were Here album, shaved head and gaunt, looking nothing like the shining diamond of a man he was as the band leader just a few years before. Crazy story.

[@williamhenning4700]

It's Time of course. A universal song that grows more profound with every second that passes.

[@IgorFoukzon]

And every year after.

[@davidnelson412]

I listen to it every year on my birthday…

[@pippipster6767]

Start of that song is so irritating.

[@numonezeldafanBRAD]

I can't believe he did not include this. Gilmours REAL greatest solo. Tight song form as Rick was talking about. Rick needs to remake this video. He must have simply forgot it

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

In my top 10 for sure!

[@Kmn55650]

I'm an old guy....David Gilmore was the most influential to my own learning/playing. What a melodic soloist! First time I heard Time, I was blown away. He has so many other solos that are so good, it's hard to judge them. But my favourite is still Time. Other learning influences were Hendrix, Page,Terry Kath, Jeff Beck, Clapton, Larry Carleton........there were so many good players from the 70's! I've forgotten quite a few.

[@JohnMurphy-pw3sy]

Alvin Lee, Mick Taylor, Dick Taylor and Gallagher!!!!

[@bottomkitchen250]

Not saying they're my favorite but i do want to mention Final Cut and When The Tigers Break Free. Love those two and especially the solo on Final Cut. Beautiful.

[@cinveen]

finally an interesting response

[@mohamedfodhil9908]

yes that solo is just astonishing to listen to it

[@DerekBolli]

"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is their greatest song for me. Quality and quantity in abundance. Amazing when you consider the struggle they endured to record it. "OK, who's been playing with the echo returns?" 🙂

[@caroleann_2142]

Saw it live, so sad & Beautiful, 5-9 was just riveting, with that Diamond Center Stage shining facets of light on everone in the venue. 1977 Philadelphia

[@tarkett8529]

It’s not a song though, Shine on you crazy diamond is a 9 part 25 minute long symphony. It has more in common with a classical piece than a song within its structure.

[@DerekBolli]

@@caroleann_2142 I saw it live when Floyd 2.0 played Western Springs, Auckland NZ In Jan 1988. Great opener for show and the sun had only just set 😍

[@DerekBolli]

@@tarkett8529 You've been listening to Rick 🙂

[@urbandombert]

Shine on you crazy Diamond, Breathe, Time, Wish you were here, Us and them. It‘s so hard to pick just 5 Songs

[@rogerblumenstein1238]

The song, that shocked me the most was: Carefully with that axe, Eugene, from Ummagumma. An extraordinary album it still is. To put my favorite songs to the list of all time best PF-songs are the last two songs on that album, which are a beautiful relaxed summersong, that ends in a story, what happens, when you kill a fly.

[@advo1053]

What I really like in Careful With That Axe is how, after the screams, you can actually hear the insanity in the music. The difference between the opening and closing is profound.

[@stopbunsen]

Animals is my favourite album. No, it's not a singles album, but it feels like the most complete, most interesting record musically and lyrically. Some of the most scathing lyrics Roger ever wrote. But, I think the ending solo on Pigs is incredible. It's a great driving record. And even though Rick was without a credit, his playing was amazing. That electric piano intro to Sheep is iconic.

[@mohamedfodhil9908]

yes i love the piano intro in sheep too

[@tomellison6875]

I was driving in my car, age 17, when Shine On came on the radio. I had no idea who it was by, but turned around and drove to the local record store and bought it. It's flawless. Then again, so is Animals...

[@joxyjoxyjoxy1]

Animals isn't just Floyd's most underrated album, it may be rock's, too.

[@shreyasr7469]

@@joxyjoxyjoxy1 Animals, especially Pigs and Sheep total masterpieces.

[@shreyasr7469]

and Dogs too

[@joxyjoxyjoxy1]

@@shreyasr7469 The keyboard intro to Sheep is some of my favorite Floyd. Put it up there with the Comfortably Numb solo.

[@fredyair1]

One of the most underrated aspects of Pink Floyd is the space in between notes, what they do not play, the amazing atmosphere they create for each song. Unparalleled.

[@adventuresofjandk]

Exactly

[@qqw743]

That makes no sense. The stuff they do not play sounds exactly like the stuff other bands do not play. Exactly, exactly the same.

[@IRIDEHARLEYS]

@@qqw743 you obviously do. not. get. it.

[@brantl.mcfarland2143]

In visual arts it's called "Negative Space". It works the same in music. And Floyd are one the masters of Negative Space in music.

[@karmmaguitar]

surprised Welcome to the machine is not even being considered

[@TheSoundofForgetting]

Echoes… plain and simple as a musician/guitarist myself …this is when they found their sound!

[@toxicavenger9753]

Us and Them, Comfortably Numb, or Wish You Were Here. Each one could be considered their best song. It's Genius level stuff.

[@freefallin6871]

The thing about Floyd is that their greatest song can change numerous times over the years. So many moods, textures and messages. Such great musicianship, arrangement, composition and production displayed that I cannot pick just one song.

[@itkojecockot]

"Dark Side" hits different almost everytime I listen to the record......

[@tonywilson4713]

Going through the list this is a very sensible comment. Even their albums change over time with the mood people are in.

[@peterflynn9123]

You are absolutely right - and perhaps part of why the Floyd's music have endured as timeless masterpieces...

[@arturgrochal]

Got the same with each artist. Sometimes I just need to put loud Killing In The Name Of by Rage Against The Machine. Sometimes I like much different and softer souns.

[@rickleblanc8900]

I agree. Me neither, for a while it was Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun then Echoes, then Comfortably Numb, and then Dogs etc etc etc too many awesome songs it really is hard to pin it down to just one

[@dctbass]

Comfortably Numb is Pink Floyd's A Day In The Life, in that it was the latest and greatest manifestation of their two greatest songwriters genuinely working together. Sublime.

[@flapjackson6077]

Lol that’s an interesting take! 🤙

[@frikimouse]

Perfect mix between two pink floyd egos…

[@paulzahn3450]

It was a David song that Roger took and wrote the lyrics to, unlike most of The Wall, which is almost a Roger solo album, so that is a reasonable take.

[@jharp2002]

Omg. You are completely right!

[@jodiecox8951]

Hey Rick! Another awesome video. I watch your channel to learn about music, and after being raised on Floyd vinyl, I love the way you break it all down. You make me appreciate the music all over again. Keep up the amazing work on your channel. I SO wish I had musical talent so I had an excuse to buy your training classes! ❤❤❤v

[@HaroldSchranz]

I've always felt Wish You Were Here was their best album but Dark Side of the Moon is also in there as well as many other albums. Two songs that grab me are: Shine On You Crazy Diamond and Wish You Were Here.

[@kevinlalague]

I`m really surprised that the Great Gig in the sky wasn`t mentioned. It is for me not only Pink Floyd`s best songs, but one of the finest pop songs ever made. It has such a unique and distinct vibe that I haven`t seen being replicated by other songs/bands yet. Plus, the singular way the singer Claire Tory performs and the fact that this song has no lyrics gives it a crazy amount of drama, power and complexity that is mindblowing. A truly unique and timeless masterpiece.

[@aholder4471]

Have you heard the story about when they were in the studio and she asked the band what she was supposed to sing over it?

[@markutter]

Absolutely Great Gig in the Sky! It’s of course an individual thing but this song should have made the discussion.

[@moondawg3693]

It's my number 1.

[@kevinlalague]

@@aholder4471 I don't remember this story well, but didn't they ask her on take 2 to try materializing through vocal performance agonizing thoughts surrounding the subject of death? I heard this version of the story a while ago, so I'm not sure if it's true.

[@chunkikim]

My number 1 as well.

[@guitarminioriginals4840]

For me it’s Time. It includes a personal connection to general relativity and actually makes you feel the time that passed in your life just listening to the song. On top of that, the solos that include key change feel like a sad introspective journey. It’s one of my favorite songs of all time.

[@pauljones8801]

Time isn't a "song" if you knew anything about Floyd 🤭

[@guitarheroguy5]

Time, Fearless, Flaming, Summer 68', Julia Dream, Echoes, Us & Them, Interstellar Overdrive, Money, Nobody Home, Great Gig In The Sky.

[@deanbeilke5783]

Always loved Time. Originally, it was Gilmour’s guitar work that drew me to the song. Now in my 50s, the lyrics hit me hard every time I hear it. Given the fact that they were probably just shy of 30 when they wrote it, the concept of being young and in no hurry for anything, and suddenly realizing years have passed and life is now short, shows a ton of wisdom for such young men.

[@pointzerotwo]

A great song about our journey here and the fraud which deals with debt and the initial cut. A song likely handed to them. Just to add, general relativity is a lie created by the dumb as a rock Einstein the actor to hide the Aether.

[@multi-purposebiped7419]

List of best Floyd without Time is unthinkable. It seems Rick discounted lyrics.

[@tirpitz61]

The unbroken and continuous selling of the Dark Side Of The Moon-album even decades later proved its outstanding quality simply.

[@luannecopelton-wf1vu]

He is the master of making every chord make you feel the the lyric . He makes his guitar , sing , cry , laugh, bark ! And no one sounds like him. They can try , but no. He played from the inner depths of his soul . He didn’t dance around the stage or go for the gimmick . He PLAYED . it is musical poetry.

[@dawtrs4]

When I listen to Comfortably Numb and Shine On You Crazy Diamond I literally get chills. 2 of the best pieces of music ever produced.

[@paulEmotionalaudio]

Wish You Were Here is easily one of the greatest songs ever written. The subject matter, the playing, the composition… everything….. makes me tear up every time.

[@ryankittelson82]

I find this video wearing my Dark Side of the Moon shirt. This is my favorite video you've done. They are my favorite band and old enough to appreciate every word you said and unfortunately too young to only see Roger and David in their solo Floyd tours. Still was mesmerized. Pink Floyd is soul music and not in the traditional sense of soul music but that it literally just makes you and your mind feel good. It's good for your soul to just sit, close your eyes and let the music completely heal you.

[@christopherdillard6835]

My top 10 - Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun, Mother, Wish You Were Here, Paranoid Eyes, Brain Damage/Eclipse, Comfortably Numb, One of the Days, Sorrow, Astronomy Domine, When the Tigers Broke Free

[@shazbot10]

Who didn’t know it was going to be comfortably numb? An absolute masterpiece

[@TheActionStack]

20+ better songs by Floyd for many fans.

[@001USA001]

I didn’t know until I saw your post. 0:39. Do I bother watching?

[@andrjiable]

Haven't finished the video yet. I think The dark side of the moon had to be excluded from the list, it's over the top in its entirety and beats almost everything.

[@terr1402]

Thre are more better Pink floyd songs than comfortably numb imo My top 5 is 1.Echoes 2. SOYCD3. Atom Heart Mother 4.Wish you were here 5. Dark side of the moon comfortably numb is great too

[@jbhootgrass]

Fearless, Time, Mudmen, Echoes, Dogs, Learning to fly, Comfortably Numb, etc.... There are too many to choose from. From every album, not just singles...

[@danmayberry1185]

Fearless. The song immobilizes me to this day.

[@sladdengobros1081]

Good call on madmen and dogs

[@sladdengobros1081]

Mudmen

[@claudioatenas3475]

Fearless, for sure!!!

[@frankiehands]

DOGS!! When they're all howling over the acoustic guitar I get the chills every time

[@joeanonimous1105]

"Time" gets my vote. Most amazing intro. ever.

[@treesquatch9150]

Set The Controls For The Heart of The Sun! Especially the version from Live At Pompeii

[@stirlingtyler799]

You hit the nail on the head. Exactly my feeling..I listen to Set the controls from the Pompei Live gig almost every day!

[@Silkyfur]

Dogs is a pure masterpiece, and a complete, structured song, which is an amazing song from beginning to end. Every instrument is perfect, and the guitar solos are just so good.

[@adamfowler3916]

Those guitar parts evolve with the song.

[@erichharrington1213]

My Favorite. Absolutely a masterpiece musically and especially lyrically!

[@Norollo]

Yes totally

[@pkdude5334]

Dogs is their #1 for sure.

[@xonious9031]

that album is soo dark though

[@AaronBeDarin]

One doesn’t simply listen to one song from Pink Floyd. You start the album, sit down, and enjoy the entire thing. Each album is a symphony. Each song is a movement

[@lamecasuelas2]

Not really, The Piper of the Gates of dawn-, Saucerful of secrets aré very song based, and so Is Obscured by clouds.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

Mostly agree. These songs are from an era when bands carefully considered the writing, inclusion and order of each song an an album. A "Greatest Hits" album of a band like Pink Floyd is highly problematic.

[@donniev8181]

This is the only music that makes me consider smoking some green.

[@pauljones8801]

@@donniev8181 Actually none of the members were cannabis smokers and that was never the intended point of the music, that's probably the biggest misconception among newbies like yourself and others unfortunately, most being American listeners 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂

[@donniev8181]

@@pauljones8801 didn't say anything about the members of the band?

[@kirklight6127]

Great gig in the sky Thank you Clare Torry

[@BeamTheMan]

Rick, I just love your engagement when you listen to and speak about music😂😊

[@danielsheykhsofla5631]

The "Echoes" is pink floyd's masterpiece,it just takes you somewhere you have never been specially when you're high

[@softwareofexcellence]

Unfortunately my son was born stillborn. He had long arms like an albatross. When I hear Echoes I think of him flying above, having adventures and looking down on us.

[@eliezarsawesomechannel4917]

@@softwareofexcellence Sounds like Echoes is blessing for you. To me it's like listening to one of the great composers like Beethoven. The truth of the matter is, your son is looking down at you smiling. Be blessed.

[@mauriciovas]

@softwareofexcellence no doubt he is! Pink floyd is about accepting God and believing in him and his paradise! Your son lives and he sings wish you where here to you through pink floyd every single time you listen to it!

[@jeremybahr9564]

To me, 'Time' is my favorite PF song. That solo is timeless and gives me chills every time I listen to it.

[@RP-qi7nk]

Great Coverage! Love your insight and your list ❤🙂❤

[@Juanoko]

U absolutely killed this. And ur song vs tune explanation was eye opening.

[@TheTuubster]

My favorite is "High Hopes" from the "Division Bell". It's just perfect from beginning to end. It's a symphony. It is one of the these rare songs that trigger a physical and/or emotional response you have no control over: "High Hopes" always gives me goosebumps and I begin to cry - always, even while watching this video. I have several thousand music tracks in my collection, but "High Hopes" is in that rare bunch of 10 songs from the thousands that trigger such a response.

[@pasakie]

Thank you. I haven't lived to Division Bell in years. "High Hopes" is an excellent work with maturity and depth. It's hard to describe, but the phrase "A world of magnets and miracles" for me are six words that describe what the _feeling_ of childhood memories are like, not what they actually are.

[@MrPolleyr]

I agree 100%. The other one is, “On the Turning Away”. Another one that has such emotion.

[@Paul71H]

High Hopes is not my #1, but I agree that it's a wonderful, magical song. I especially like the live versions from David Gilmour's "Remember That Night" and "Live in Gdansk" DVDs, because he adds that haunting acoustic guitar outro.

[@bobseago1513]

The last studio track from Floyd. I do find it quite spine tingling, especially the rising pitch of the guitar solo as it fades away.

[@Tognar]

That entire album is incredible… and High Hopes is my favorite PF song as well. And it kinda puts the recent Endless River album into proper context. “The endless River/forever and ever” are the last lyrics of High Hopes. If you listen to the albums back to back Endless River makes more sense.

[@iamkilroiyo]

For me it's Mother. The time changes as the narrator changes, the solo is solid, and the lyrics are so vulnerable. What a song.

[@paulr5694]

"Why'd it have to be so high?" Brilliant

[@adrianedlington2493]

From the very first line... absolutely gripping.

[@crabbysid8434]

Mine was always Comfortably Numb but after listening to the live version of Mother many many times I am leaning towards Mother.

[@Blender_and_Chirp]

I’m with you! Mother, in the flesh II, Nobody Home, Vera, so under rated. But I’d have to say mother as well. I really like nobody home too.

[@lqueirozz7731]

My favourite music of them its “High Hopes” from the album “The Division Bells”. Thats a song you can travel to another dimension just by closing ur eyes… and the solo made by a lap steel is somethin else, for sure one of a kind!!!

[@davea.6969]

I've never been one to articulate why music moves me, but Wish You Were Here has always struck the inner core of my music passion, probably do to the feelings it emotes and the compassion in the message. Many times I have pondered it's rank of #1 in my favorite category, if having a favorite song is possible. ALSO, my love for the Comfortably Numb solos are backed by THE Rick Beato... wow!

[@frankiehands]

Echoes (live at Pompeii) and High Hopes are my 2 favorite Pink Floyd songs of all time

[@DarthAharon]

“Echoes” at Pompeii is the most appropriate forum and context for that composition.

[@DavidBentley23]

This is a fact

[@denest3435]

Yes Echoes , special and epic

[@robertbehan6348]

Echoes for sure!

[@paulfrantizek102]

Echoes is the ultimate Pink Floyd song.

[@premnas651]

Man, who wouldn't just love to sit down with Rick, have a few beers, and talk about music? He's so knowledgeable, yet so unassuming, without a trace of arrogance, and his love of music is contagious. Love ya, Rick!

[@chrisschrecker5497]

Dogs still moves me every time I hear it. Chiming acoustic guitars to Rick’s keyboards to the vocal bounce off between Dave and Roger. I never get tired of hearing it.

[@charlesockholmes9764]

Dogs is such a sad song but what a masterpiece 😢😢

[@JoelligerentTV]

Animals is my ALL Time Favorite Album and as soon as I read the title of the video I said …Dogs, of course

[@thomassicard3733]

@@JoelligerentTV Yeah! and it's really all about WHOLE ALBUMS with Pink Floyd, so yeah... Animals.

[@aleamparo]

D O G S \o/

[@JoelligerentTV]

@@thomassicard3733 Spot On

[@rajkrish9347]

Was emotionally moved listening to High Hopes the first time.... Glad its in your top 10 list.

[@scavendooshmcjensen8453]

Seriously Rick, no "TIme"???? Over the other DSOTM songs that you listed? Great Sound Effects, Great Intro, Great Solo, Great Vocal performances by Gilmour and Wright, Great background Vocals by the Ladies, Universal Lyrics (probably Water's best), Great Outro. I think you missed on this One.

[@DancerOfClouds]

I have always loved: “On the Turning Away” which I think as one of the most underrated PF songs ever. Another awesome song is Sorrow, both from a Momentary Lapse of Reason

[@kamodius]

Sorrow has one of my favorite guitar intros. Just instantly creates an odd, unsettling atmosphere.

[@weldsj8847]

In the 1980s, my then girlfriend, now wife, bought me my very first CD with this song on it. I still have it to this day. Funny, back then we asked how long a CD could last. The answer was, "we don't know."

[@michaelprice3607]

Shine On You Crazy Diamond is my favorite song ever, not just Pink Floyd. Along with Shine, I would include Hey You, On the Turning Away and Time

[@markkington423]

yeah man - "shine on..." is one of mine too. i've turned into my own ballad. . . for my ears only.

[@joycevanhee4526]

Shine on you crazy diamond is a piece of art...period❣️

[@redram5150]

Wish you were here is their best album as far as I’m concerned, and Shine on you crazy diamond is their best song.

[@davidbrockman1244]

I have to agree. Wish You Were Here would be second, followed by Money and Time.

[@clicks59]

Can I add “Comfortably Numb?”

[@mvd3517]

Pink Floyd don’t have ”one” greatest song, they have many greatest songs. Just as a great band with out of this world song cataloug ❤️

[@RobDTom]

Time and Wish You Were Here are the two that have the biggest impact on me

[@scouser2230]

Comfortably Numb is my favourite Pink Floyd song. The two guitar solos are probably the best ever and I love the lyrics. This is a historically brilliant song.

[@Nato2303]

I was going to leave a comment saying Confortably Numb before even watching the video. And your comment is up there 👍

[@grandadneal8114]

Every group worth it's salt has that one song that really resonates and like Stairway, November rain, bohemian, you can't always get what you want, home by the sea, telegraph road and comfortably numb. All of them are long songs that have slow starts and fast finishes.

[@dp6528]

I totally agree and it encompasses all the talents of each member.

[@rogerpbsmusic]

Agreed!

[@synthusiast2911]

👍👌

[@brandonware9335]

I agree with Rick that Animals is less about songs than pure 'listening'. That said, Gilmour's work on 'Dogs', especially the solo before the 'and when you lose control' part is unbelievable. The way he connects his phrases and caps it perfectly by leading right into the vocal melody gives me chills.

[@daviddevore8216]

I read somewhere that the solo that made it onto the album was only the second-best recorded solo for "Dogs"! Somehow the best solo got deleted and they had to use the second-best!

[@timnixx5733]

I had it on vinyl and listened to this album over and over in the late 90s and yes, that solo used to be the goosebump moment so so good

[@hilandmalt]

This is my first time ever seeing your videos. First, I have to say I really like your style. I feel like you were sitting here in my living room having a conversation with me.

[@ACMxxxx2]

Great gig in the sky is the song that always plays in my head when I trip. I remember every melody line, loved the chords

[@zacharymorris6807]

So many great options but, for me, their greatest achievement is Shine On You Crazy Diamond Parts VI-IX. That screaming slide part at the beginning all the way through the synthesized dirge at the end. Perfection.

[@varsitycamplife]

Right on!

[@nectarinedreams7208]

Shine On pts 6-9 Live in Oakland 1977 is an incredible achievement and my favourite piece of music ever

[@fairytalefritz7658]

100% agree

[@twohands475]

Although it's an impossible feat to narrow a Floyd song down to one, Shine probably gets the nod.

[@PawpawJamz]

Comfortably numb never fails to get the fur on the arm standing. The guitar work is arguably (IMO) the greatest thing ever put to tape. Wish you were here is also up there. The acoustic intro and the story the song tells is phenomenal.

[@ottdog1952]

Great to see Rick enjoying Pink Floyd as I have ever since the Meddle album.

[@colej3360]

Honourable mentions to Poles Apart and Lost for Words from Division Bell. Truly beautiful works.

[@se9f282]

Shine On : those three cords, and that drop when the drums come in-it's light dropping and scattering over the floor. Can't tell you or describe how it affects me. One of the greatest musical compositions ever. Along with Echoes from Pompeii, with those ethereal harmonies.

[@kestrel09]

Shine on (Part 6-9), phenomenal build up to the lead break.

[@claudestuder4199]

My thoughts exactly 💯

[@tommy2buttz668]

So come on you raver , you seer of visions. Come on you painter , you piper , you prisoner and shine......

[@michaeljorfi2394]

Three chords?

[@chrislombardi]

Most people dont wanna say it because its one of the most popular songs, but its comfortably numb. It just has it all. Masterpiece.

[@wagner1954]

Wots hu the deal” is one of my loved songs of Pink!

[@kj6qvb]

Dick Parry's sax solo in the beginning of "Us and Them" cannot be overrated. Simply genius. That alone puts it at the top of my list. Need we mention Roger's epic lyrics?

[@davidmultimedia2024]

Even though it’s not even a full band song, Goodbye Blue Sky is one of my favorite song… sounds so unique, creepy and beautiful 🖤

[@DannyGadish]

Agreed

[@omynel]

I feel like it really captures childhood innocence, as well as coming of age. "Look mummy, there's an aeroplane up in the sky" is a great line. I get nostalgic af when my kids point out aeroplanes in the sky.

[@jesperFrost]

The mood shift in the beginning from singing birds on a sun lit grass field in summer to the spelling of doom is unmatched across the entire spectrum of music.

[@davidmultimedia2024]

@@jesperFrost Yes! My favorite part is "Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter when the promise of a brave new world unfurled beneath a clear blue Sky?"… that crazy long line flows like butter, and the descending notes are beautiful

[@TheBatugan77]

That's the thing about PF. I cannot listen to Blue Sky without the Empty Spaces/Young Lust chasers.

[@crushemquick6904]

Dark side of the moon is not just a number of songs to listen to its an album experience - to be immersed in from start to finish. In my opinion it’s the best album ever made

[@stephenc1795]

I agree

[@kevingill648]

Agreed! :)

[@moonmunster]

Played starting with the beginning of The Wizard of Oz.

[@christopherhendricks4369]

I'll have to agree with that. Such a masterpiece.

[@catebee4431]

Yes

[@KristofferLance]

I was born in 74 and have been a Pink Floyd fan my entire life. My mother tells stories about me dancing to Dark Side holding on to her tower speaker before I could even walk. I love the whole catalogue, but High Hopes just hits me right in the feels.

[@openskies4245]

What makes so many songs great is how the music suits the qualities of the singer's voice. Steve Perry/Journey came to mind yesterday.

[@wgb01001]

Shine On is their greatest song. Not just musically, but those have to be Roger’s best-ever lyrics. Plus the subject matter, harkening back to the band’s very origin. Just perfect. THAT SAID, Animals is my favorite album by them and contains Roger’s best-ever singing.

[@MegaSting1981]

This.

[@Rumham729]

It’s 2 songs though

[@hankhardigan1104]

Shine On is their best song and Dogs is Gilmour's best song

[@carlmarks8170]

I love the long intro to Shine On You Crazy Diamond, but the song proper (the vocal part) isn't that great. I think Floyd's greatest song is "Time"... It has the fantastic long cinematic intro which Floyd do so well, and the song is great, Waters's best lyric, his most important message.

[@danfromnewwie]

@@carlmarks8170 Yep,completely agree.

[@BryanP10]

David's voice adds so much to every song.

[@garyrichardson9153]

51 years of listening to this wonderful group Us and them a fantastic track takes you to another world

[@jimsanders4412]

High Hopes off Division Bell has the bell ringing from beginning to end. Love it!

[@theSodMonster]

One thing I love about Wish You Were Here is how the mix on David's guitar makes it sound like a friend sitting next to me showing me a song he wrote

[@itkojecockot]

yes, it has such an acoustic sound and vibe

[@scboom374]

“Time” will always be mine!!! Love the solo, love the words, love all of it. You can’t go wrong with Dark Side Of The Moon!! Love High Hopes as well.

[@susanw6289]

They are like no other band, completely unique and stunningly brilliant. So many songs I love.

[@cadesfamilytime1675]

I’m 46 and I love music !!! Pink Floyd is iconic , beautiful , classy , naughty , brilliant and I wish I would have gone to 94 pulse

[@Gkeller4]

I saw that show live in 1994!! One of the best concerts of my life!!! It was almost unbelievable that they opened with Astronomy Domine and also included One of These Days... Not to mention how amazing of an album Division Bell ended up being, and the live versions of those songs were fantastic!! Didn't mean to make you jealous, but just wanted to share... I remember getting wristbands and standing in line to buy tickets (like we did in the old days before the "Internets" took over)... I must have bought 24 tickets without even knowing who would go with me, but I found friends and friends of friends... some serious concert tailgating also... Wow, yeah 1994... can't believe that was 30 years ago!!