What Makes This Song So Brilliant? | Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb | Vocal Coach Reacts & Analysis

[@BethRoars]

Turns out I made a mistake and Michael Kamen did not write the X Files (I think I misread a biography about him). He did however write A LOT of other things, including eleven ballets, a saxophone concerto and an electric guitar concerto (with Japanese guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei as a soloist, though originally performed by Eric Clapton). He also provided scores for the films The Dead Zone, For Queen and Country, Polyester, Brazil, Someone To Watch Over Me, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, The Three Musketeers, Highlander, X-Men , Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Licence to Kill, the Lethal Weapon series, the first three films of the Die Hard series, Mr. Holland's Opus, The Iron Giant, Splitting Heirs, Frequency and many others. He also scored both the From the Earth to the Moon and Band of Brothers series on HBO. The trailer for the 2007 release Bee Movie, the 2008 release Nim's Island, the 2008 release WALL-E, and the 2014 release Mr. Peabody & Sherman featured Kamen's "Central Services / The Office" from his score to Brazil (1985).

[@mrsanity]

He also did orchestration for Metallica's S&M concert - Well worth a listen.

[@richardbeaton7324]

Some other incredible songs you need to check out! High hopes live from Pulse. Shine on live from Pulse Sorrow live from Pulse On the turning away live from the delicate sound of thunder concert. Much love :)! x

[@secondchance6603]

Lighting guy: "So what's the budget?" Floyd: "Yes."

[@ericwilson5453]

This!

[@Julleisa]

Too much talk destroy the experince. Waaaay too much talk. And NEVER interrupt a DG solo. That's just wrong.

[@dagfincarp1113]

"The child is grown, the dream is gone" is such a haunting line. Hits deep every time I hear it.

[@leftcoaster67]

I turned to look, but it was gone, I cannot put my finger on it now....

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

Right! So true today.

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

​@joevarga1769 They were. Don't you understand we were blessed with great music. Our whole generation. Rock on Gen X.

[@rogermiddleton8826]

@joevarga1769 - I agree, but it has always been so. The Beatles were finished by the time they were 30. Jimmy Webb wrote "By the time I get to Phoenix" when he was 17, Mozart and Chopin wrote all their best stuff before they were 30. Chopin wrote his piano concerto No1, which is just sublime, when he was 20. All the best music has always been written by young people under 30.

[@silgen]

@@rogermiddleton8826 Kate Bush wrote The Man With the Child in His Eyes when she was 13.

[@DanMcManus]

The intent of Pink Floyd as a live act was unlike other acts. Most live shows are designed as a work of ego. Look at us. Listen to our songs. Buy our merch. Pink Floyd, on the contrary, invite the audience to have an immersive experience together with the band. An experience of sound and of light and of emotions. Deeply human and otherworldly at the same time. It's not about David Gilmour. It's not about Richard Wright or any of the others. It is a holistic experience that lifts each person in attendance to unexpected and profound places of heart and mind and soul. Unmatched. I love this reaction. I love the moment when the experience unexpectedly engulfed you as well. Thanks, Beth.

[@n.johanness7451]

David Gilmour has a hauntingly beautiful voice. So gentle and warm it makes you go into meditation or something.

[@stevenlaurin6059]

David shows up dressed like he's their to fix your plumbing then proceeds to rip out one of the most iconic guitar riffs ever

[@steveswafen2528]

What an delectable description, bravo you've articulated what what I thinking yet was unable to articulate 👏

[@Darkcydesreign]

Yeah what a legend

[@dave3005]

You make that same comment on several reactions to this.

[@stevenlaurin6059]

@@dave3005 because its the truth

[@jesselewis5699]

Greatest solo ever, period. On Turning Away #2

[@nigelpluck3342]

7:35 Beth, where you mention that Dave matches his voice to his playing style, you should listen to the version of Wish You Were Here from the same concert.

[@AislinSidhe]

Gods, that song was CRAZY live. So, so lovely.

[@ulrichkristensen4087]

Both Syd Barrett references

[@FooDogDat]

His guitar is his voice (his wife says so) but he does scat harmonize with it.

[@johnwest7993]

I just can't handle anyone stopping in the middle of that second solo.

[@ZSAZSS09]

Have you heard about copyright issues? That's the reason acreactor have to stop during his/hers viewing. And if you want to hear the entire solo uninterrupted, look it up on youtube instead of complaing here. It is, after all, a reaction.

[@jasongibbins6484]

@@ZSAZSS09I have seen other reactors on here get through the guitar solos and not pause, but yeah, I get where you are coming from

[@Paul-ju5px]

Beth, you looked like you were about to cry. Shows your true feeling and passion for this song! Love your reviews and commentaries. Well done!

[@mrjalcgt]

This solo undresses the soul

[@blai5e730]

The two guitar solos in Comfortably Numb are so opposite but magically dovetail perfectly with each other to narrate the story. The second solo in my opinion is the most haunting yet beautiful guitar solo in Rock and Roll. It conjures up emotions of despair with a hint of hope and always sends a chill down my spine. Nobody bends like Dave Gilmore!

[@allthingsmusic1975]

I say those solos are one the best even done.

[@jonahhex8178]

I noticed this version is slightly different from the "official" pulse version. Just as the mirror ball lights up he plays a section with some slightly out of key ( in a good way) bends that's not in the mainstream release, but visually I believe they're identical, camera angles and such. Had no idea that it was edited. Still probably the best guitar solo I've ever heard!

[@jarbeck1]

That outro solo kicks in and you say “emotional”. Listening to a song called “Comfortably Numb”. One cannot be comfortably numb while listening to a David Gilmour solo.

[@Rassskle]

Most Pink Floyd and David Gilmore fans are both NUMB & spiritually Comfortable when listening to this solo. This is a point that most first time reactors mention, and then continue to mention during most Pink Floyd reactions. The music seeps inside you.....takes you to another land or puts you in a trance......you feel peace within yourself.

[@tomschoepen]

​@@Rassskle ... and realize they are atheists/freethinkers! ;-)

[@marcusfaze]

This performance is unbelievably iconic

[@brendancronin1844]

I saw this played live on the Roger Water's tour 'The Wall' at the O2 in May 2011 - when Roger finished the first verse, he turned to to face the wall behind him, and Dave Gilmour appeared at the top and sang the chorus (also provided the legendary guitar solo). Absolute magic; the audience singing along was just perfection. Beth, I think you would have been stunned 😉

[@rogergammans8630]

We must have been there on the same night. I still remember the murmur that went across the audience when Gilmor appeared.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

Another minor observation. Look at the crowd as David goes into the final big solo. They're just sitting there soaking up every note from every instrument. Truly captivating music.

[@leviharrison1545]

The solo gets me every time too, Beth. It is wonderful and the way it crescendos upward into this amazing high point and then just crashes down leaving you blown away, satisfied yet still wanting more is one of the most magical moments in music. Just incredible artistry at work.

[@Greyhound53200]

Wow! The full length version. Much appreciated! When David Gilmour plays his guitar it feels as if someone is singing. You nearly can imagine the lyrics.

[@D.L.Krauzman]

I’ve seen 50 of these reactions of this same concert….and you by far articulated it the best way I’ve ever seen. You’re absolutely brilliant !! Thank you

[@rickthreebears184]

I know the feeling you have. There are certain parts of some songs that make your brain exclaim: "My God! How can this be so beautiful?

[@fredriksandegren1948]

I saw them in '89 as a teenager , didn't know much about them then... That was the most impactful performance I ever seen! That lightshow!!! We were sitting on the upper grandstand, front row, dangling my feet over the ledge. After a while a fourty-something hippie-like person showed up to the right of me. Grabbing me and says this is the best he have ever seen... Praising them... He was not in the best mental state at that moment! But then, when the big bed flew through the whole arena he turned to me, grabbed me really hard and yelled! DID YOU SEE THAT! DID YOU SEE THAT! He went down to his knees holding his fist tight to his head in a supplicating position and begun to pray. For one and half hour he was "just" praying, down on his knees! It really scared the shit out of me! He was high as a kite! First time I was aware of people taking drugs and the effect it has... As a teenager and you have a fullgrown man at your side whispering/praying about something, what do you do? Anyway this is the greatest guitar solo ever! And after that, I needed to listen through Pink Floyd from Dark Side and so on... Been a fan of David Gilmour ever since! I will always remember that show, I even rank it higher than when I saw Foo Fiighters '15 in Gothernbourg, when Dave Grohl broke his leg! Completely different concert, but those two are the one who stands out!

[@waynegriffith9124]

For me..this solo is THE greatest performance guitar solo ever. My opinion of course

[@stevenphilpott1493]

the best live guitar solo ever! no body else has come that close to perfection ! always amazing to listen too!!!

[@Lost_and_found85]

Beth, you are so informative and you know your music!!

[@WilEngelen]

You are one of the best creators when it comes to describing and analyzing music. And I am now an expert to say that. I'm still from the generation that grew up with Pink Floyd. Why you are one of the best for me, you bring details and excellent intuitive feelings to the song, which match the actual feeling the artists wanted to achieve. And exactly your registration of the moments, are the moments that give me goosebumps (despite my age). It's special to experience and hear that from you, because you speak it out. My compliments for this gift. You are a special person. Sorry for my English, I am from the Netherlands.

[@michaelesrom6956]

I have so many memories associated with this song. At 57 it has had different meanings depending on my stage of life. My favorite line… “the child has grown the dream is gone”. Hauntingly profound. In my minds eye is see events, lost friends and loves. I have become comfortably numb! 😢

[@stevennewman4778]

The memories of a man in his old age are the deeds of a man in his prime

[@firedoc5]

As someone with chronic neuromuscular pain, this is one song that means the most to me. But in some ways just listening to Pink Floyd can be a form of pain relief.

[@another3997]

I loved your reactions and responses to this song, they were visible on your face and in your eyes. ❤ There's something about this track that draws out really strong emotions in people, although that's applicable to so many of their tracks. But whatever the group's internal struggles were back then, it gave us this is a work of genius. "Coming back to life" from the same concert is another one that grabs your soul and gently tears it to shreds. Not only my favourite Pink Floyd track, but probably my favourite track ever.

[@bianca2817]

Every reactor should sit on their hands during the second solo!

[@steveboyes2090]

This, for sure.

[@mudhens4ever]

That’s what reactors do. They react - verbally. You can probably find the same video somewhere else on You Tube and listen to it uninterrupted.

[@T-bone1950]

They should do something to prepare, like read up or ask someone who is familiar. So many reactors pause at the most inappropriate times.

[@muhammadfauzan5513]

​@@T-bone1950 then what's the point of the reaction if they have been spoiled by asking someone.

[@Drewrandomdude223]

I absolutely agree personally, but if this is how someone else enjoys it, that's alright. We're all still enjoying the song right? Just in different ways.

[@DougGrant-eu3iv]

So glad to watch your analysis of this, Beth. I was at this actual show, back in Oct 94, just 4 rows from the stage, front and centre. It was the most magnificent show I’ve ever seen and this song still breaks me, every time.

[@davidberesford7009]

"Language is Limited" "It's only words" A piece of music and the show that it is a part of is so much more, especially when it is Pink Floyd. I enjoyed your perspective on this. Keep Reacting!

[@BendsMusic]

The guitar speaks in a language the human voice can't express, Polly Samson his wife (and basically the lyricist from the division bell album onwards for pink floyd) if she and David had a kind of nobody's talking kind of marital arguement she would make him play the guitar to explain his frustrations to her (I saw that in a documentary online)

[@michaelg8927]

I seen Pink Floyd at Camp Randall in Madison WI in 1995. For some reason the more intense the song, the harder it rained. It absolutely poured during David Gilmour's solo at the end of Comfortably Numb.

[@thatsrich944]

Cool! I saw them in '88 at Camp Randall! I was 14. No rain at that show. But rain or shine, Pink Floyd is the best live music experience there is.

[@JaquelineGoodspeed]

I hear something different every time i hear this solo. Perfection. Pure perfection. Im very grateful for our music. It has followed me throughout life. Also can we give the whole band credit. It took them all.

[@ShaneMccormick-d8d]

David is a humble and gentle at all human being. I think that's why peoplove listening to him.

[@theoryfish3491]

Your level of analysis has opened up my eyes to truly understand how much I truly do not know what I don't know. I'm really enjoying this... :)

[@speccyiiii]

Beautifully analysed by a beautiful person x

[@silgen]

Interesting point about Gilmour's singing style. Have a listen to the version of Wish You Were Here from this very concert, at one point Gilmour vocally harmonises with his acoustic guitar, a very interesting sound, Michael Kamen is a great orchestrator of songs, my favourite is Moments of Pleasure by Kate Bush, it's simple beautiful and elevates an already great song. Speech singing. Have a listen to the B52's (I suggest Love Shack), there's an interesting contrast between Fred's speech singing and the harmonies of Kate and Cindy. Great work as always, Beth.

[@MartinMcMartin]

There is an invisible 7th string on Gilmour's guitar, the heart string.

[@Anautistictherapist]

I’ve always loved Gilmour as a guitarist because he does sing just as much through his guitar as he does with his voice.

[@siliconcowboy2010]

One reactor, listening to the second solo, said, “the solo that never ends. I would love to hear that.” Me too.

[@goingwildagain]

I saw Gilmores pink 1990 Knebworth with lazers in the sky playing this I'm now 60 and shivers down my spine now and then too

[@MuddogMusic]

You have an amazing insight into the way songs are put together. I am so impressed.

[@CoolCoyote]

'i caught a fleeting glimpse' perfect roger

[@roryoutdoors5431]

Hey I get to mention The Band again! Roger's show from Berlin (1990?) has a great version with Levon and RIck singing, Garth playing and Van Morrison - it's the one in Sopranos and the Departed.

[@Hare_deLune]

This is now my favourite review of this song by far. Such a deep understanding, and so very well said. Well done our Beth! 🤗

[@StevenTyree-sl2nx]

Love the added info about the orchestration. I think it adds to the feelings of both melancholy and bopefulness while also adding the dreamy, ethereal feel. Good analysis of a truly beautiful song, that was viewed quite differently by its creators. Thank you for this!

[@lavadomeuk]

It always gets me too. I feel it is Pink trying to give up, but being forced into carrying on, which just pushes him further down his dark path. Such a powerful song

[@mojobag01]

There's a rawness in your reactions that is precious to me. Whether it be a rock guitar god or a small Russian girl you seem to be plugged directly into it.

[@ludovicm.1848]

Hail to Rick Wright, you’re not forgotten

[@simongrainger4250]

Such an emotional dichotomy of feelings every time I listen to this song It takes me to places I couldn’t ever imagine going without having music in my life Imagine a Rock Ballad having so much emotional effect on you Beth

[@Vasilio1000]

Interesting that you speak of compromise and balance embodied in the sound of this song, sounds absolutely true to me. I have drowned myself in this song more than once in my hardest moments of life. It scours the soul and you get drenched in tears and totally exhausted from pure emotions, but also... it leads to acceptance. It is just like the guitar solo first reflects and even amplifies your pain and then somehow magically makes you accept that there are things that you just cannot change no matter how much you hoped otherwise. You dream but not always your dreams come true. The past is past and what happened, happened. It is just another part of life, the show still goes on. P.S. The "crying guitar" that starts at 19:50 has always brought me associations of common crane cries - a very sorrowful nature sound.

[@nicholson392005]

Love the research you put into your reactions , not many others do such a deep dive

[@robertrichardson5372]

I saw them on this tour back when I was in high school, one of the most amazing concerts I have ever seen.

[@RichardinNC1]

Loved this song from first listen when The Wall came out. I’ve heard covers of Comfortably Numb but few can pour their soul into the solos like David Gilmour!

[@kinexkid]

It's almost a rite of passage for music reaction channels to do this video at some point in their career. This performance is generally considered to have one of the best and most emotionally laden guitar solos to have graced the airwaves. I can't wait to see your reaction when the massive disco ball opens up riggt at the peak point of tension in the solo

[@markh.7650]

Yep, It's very dramatic, and one of the few times during his instrumental that you hear the muted roar of the crowd when the spots come on.

[@PeterStrider]

This was a genuine reaction and education. You put a lot into this and I actually took a lot away! Thank you very much Beth!

[@robertjaycox8488]

Thank you Beth. It is sort of cool you being a vocal coach realizing just how good Dave's solo is. Perfect tone, bends, phrasing, etc. He makes his guitar "sing" like no one

[@jayceejames6576]

Thank you for the in-depth dive, it brings out what we Floridians have known for years. The song was a compromise that brought forth the finest guitar instrumental of them all, it's emotional, soul-breaking, its soul piecing, it's on another plane in music history. It's on its own in music history. The tears that in your eyes is what we all feel every time that man in his jeans picks up a guitar and plays from his soul - pure emotion.

[@richardeycken]

Not sure what was better, this performance, your reaction and insight, or that amazing Auburn hair!!

[@seanburns2669]

I can rarely get through this song with tearing up. It's a rare combination of majesty and innocence lost. Somehow it gets better every time I hear it.

[@gregourmet]

While fighting back tears (as usually when I listen to this iconic song), I this time also had to watch Beth and I recognized that at least there is another person who feels like me. And Beth, I think you‘re right with your statement: vocals and language are important, but instrumental parts can link feelings even better, especially if everything fits well/perfectly togehter like it dies in this song.

[@trfatman]

Thanks Beth. I'm 60 years old and this song still gets me right in the feelers every time I hear it.

[@npageejay]

Thank you for bringing so many insights to a song I know and love so much!

[@FredtheFrisian]

Such a great analysis, thanks very much! In Wish you were here (in this concert) you find the culmination of the fusion of guitar and singing. It's very good that you highlight the orchestration in this song, because, for me that is the main attraction of this song: the waves in the music perfectly intensify the song lyrics. Thanks again and all the best from the Netherlands!

[@hornerinf]

Really great analysis Beth! One of your best!

[@mcgrath16511]

As a guitarist myself,, we express our emotions through our instrument it is how we communicate our deepest emotions! Dave is possibly one of the best doing that..

[@rolandk.3957]

Thank you Beth, so much information in the song! Really interesting! It gives a much more understanding how the song goes from to 100!

[@Drewrandomdude223]

I am just waiting to see a full reaction to PULSE (fans widely accredited it as one of their best live works) I think you would love it! Also your album is awesome! Power of the wolf is favourite 😁

[@brianboye8025]

People don't comment on the wave like sound and singing or even the rotating speakers. It seems to be the foundation of the sound as well as the evocation of the lyrics.

[@grizzadams2110]

I hear you Beth....this song always moves me

[@s1k2k3m4]

beth, having watched close to 30 reaction videos to comfortably numb, you have the best commentary and insight... thank you

[@eironwyman8157]

I have been to over 300 concerts and festivals and nothing, and no one comes close to the live experience that is a Pink Floyd concert. I was lucky enough to see them in 1987, then again in '94, which is when this version was recorded.

[@PixelVibe-RGB]

Thank you for revisiting this memorable performance for our greatest pleasure. Your training in singing allows you to put into words what my ears appreciate, but that my mouth cannot explain.

[@bellies1000]

Where do we get the most comfortably numb? The middle, the dark, the light, the greed, the giving, the longing, the compromise? Masterpiece!❤

[@rickhartman4079]

The first rule of Fight Club is you can talk about Fight Club all you want but NEVER talk during a David Gilmour solo.

[@spacebum]

I loved your reaction to the guitar solo lifting you and bringing you to tears. It is exactly what music should do to you.

[@andythrush3341]

When I was a young boy, I got German measles. My temperature was so high that I started hallucinating. I was seeing people walking around the room who were not there. Years later I learned that I damaged my heart during those days. Don't remember my hands feeling like lead balloons, but I think about thelis incident every time ilI hear this song. Beautiful, beautiful sings. Thanks Beth for the trip back to my childhood.

[@ivandelalves8827]

You're an excellen teacher, Beth. Thanks to reacting for this Pink Floyd song. You're amazing! 👋👋👋

[@palantir135]

Best live guitar solo ever. It always makes my eyes moist 🥹

[@Paul-ju5px]

I love the way you explain the music!

[@ts25679]

Any body else visualise the "singer" character having a fierce internal struggle, especially when the "doctor" says "there'll be no more..." (anguished screaming). The personna that is "The Wall" clad about a terrified and wounded child longing to be free.

[@ts25679]

"I HAVE BECOME...comfortably numb..."

[@ts25679]

The outro I see as the final struggle, as the "singer" tries to claw their way out of the fake flesh trying to bind them, racing towards the exit, the last light at the end of the tunnel before they're bound and trapped...in the dark...

[@kens32052]

I'm glad you played the full version of the song.

[@hullbarrett]

Luv ya, girl! We're all constantly evolving and revisiting that which we've heard/seen before.

[@mindpyre1189]

This performance is legendary and it is completely mindblowing and amazing. But I actually like the David Gilmour in Pompeii even more : )

[@Cashcrop54]

Great to see a reaction to the uncut version. I had the "hands just like two balloons" once when I was sick. They felt like the big hands on Mighty Mouse. That was 1963 or so. Until I heard this song with the headphones I heard that and nearly fell off the couch. Thanks again Pink Floyd.

[@markjamesrodgers]

I loved this! Such great analysis Beth, insightful.

[@BethRoars]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@timturner229]

Beth, I too get emotional and even cry, I did when I first heard it on its release and still do and I don't know why and I'm 59 I love the way you explain how it's song I used to build recording studios ie sound proofing and also radio station as well so I always had to go back to make sure it all worked well, I love it.

[@AKBrechin]

Wonderful. I really enjoyed watching that with you, Beth. Lovely reaction/commentary.

[@BethRoars]

Thank you!

[@terrys8978]

​@BethRoars you should really check out " The great gig in the sky" live from The Pulse album. That will definitely hit you in the feels.

[@michaeloreilly2533]

The orchestral sound behind the song is reminiscent of Phil Spectors wall of sound, especially as applied to the long and winding road. A key difference is the wall of sound underlies the rhythm tracks rather than being front and center. Brilliant work!

[@rafaelcaldasRLC]

This was the first solo I've ever learned on guitar I fucking play it every week still, love it so much.

[@25dean]

Unbelievable emotion.

[@timjones5354]

Immerse yourself in the music, never pause a Gilmore solo. You’re half way there. Rock n roll ✌️

[@davidbaca7853]

If you have ever been through a really dark time in your life, this song will pull it right out of you.

[@eusoulilik]

Essa música é como seu subconsciente falando. Em êxtase, alegre, fica "cantando", como o refrão. No restante, é apenas uma conversa consigo mesmo. Vejo essa música como uma parte de mim já 😂😂😂😂

[@leehackett1614]

You know Beth, I think you’re the first person I’ve not been irritated by when they’ve paused a Gilmour solo. You’re good people

[@specialed36ify]

Thank you for this Beth! Great re-review of a great song!

[@BethRoars]

Glad you liked it!

[@hudson5573]

I don't anything about vocal analyses, but I love listening to Floyd when I'm with my friend Mary Jane.

[@RedwoodGeorge]

Thank you Beth, that was wonderful. You've given me more insight into, and appreciation of, David Gilmour the singer, as opposed to David Gilmour the guitarist. If you haven't heard it, David does a beautiful version of Richard Thompson's "Dimming of the Day" which really showcases his singing. Pink Floyd's "The Wall" came out in 1982 when I was in college, and 40 years ago in 1984 I was fortunate enough to hear David Gilmour at a small (2,500 people) theater in Boston during his solo tour. He closed the show with "Comfortably Numb" and the song was so moving, especially with a sparser production, that when it was over the crowd was stunned silent for a moment as we absorbed what we'd just heard. You're right, it's a very emotional song, both lyrically and musically.

[@srudine]

I miss Roger but I have to say David is what I love most about Pink Floyd. That said, Roger's The Final Cut is one of my favorite albums by him though. All Pink Floyd music is magical.

[@johannbulant6857]

Hi Beth,thank's for that! Bring me back to my youth ! 😊

[@AislinSidhe]

I ugly cried when I went to the "Division Bell" live show, and I still ugly cry when I hear this recording. I was in high school, and this show still tops any I've ever attended.