THE WALL

More Than Just Another Brick In The Wall

Put simply, this is not just one of Prog's greatest moments, but one of the greatest works of Rock music in general. It's hard to deny the significant power this album has. From memorable, powerful songs, to pitch-perfect recording quality, to a all-together cohesion that is yet unmatched anywhere else, this is Pink Floyd's crowning acheivement, and that is saying alot.

The year was 1980. The 'Classic Rock' styles of the 70s' were being slowly but surely replaced by more disposable forms of Synthpop, and other styles that sharply contrasted what can generally be considered good music. Keeping this in mind, a masterpiece like this was truly a diamond in the rough.

Now, on to the music itself...

This is everything a rock opera could hope for... A bombastic, full-force prog sound, heavily drawing from Symphonic influence, with a palette of different, strange styles. Of particular note is the absolutely beautiful recording job done on this album. The sound is PERFECT, and that can only be said for a handful of albums. Each of the beautifully driven instruments comes out onto speakers in a crystal clear light, and it only adds to the beauty of it all.

Songs such as Comfortably Numb, One Of My Turns, and Waiting For The Worms stood out for me, not because there were 10 different time signature changes every minute (a la Dream Theater) but a conveyence of uncompromising emotion. You really get a feeling that each part of the song is engineered to make you feel a very specific emotion, but it doesn't sound contrived at all! The solo in Comfortably Numb is of particular note; each note is perfect, and it has the power to take the listener to heights previously unheard of.

Other tracks, particularly The Trial verge on being Avant-Garde in nature, simply because of how 'out- there' they are. These mesh in very well with the more conventional tracks, and give a good jolt of extra unique-ness to everything.

Performance wise, nothing that wouldnt be expected of Pink Floyd is on here. All instruments and vocal performances are well done, although not virtuosic (although with such cohesion, there isn't any need to flaunt skills.) This album is honestly recommended to everyone who has a sense of hearing, and at least $18.99 in the bank.

This album is one of a kind, that only comes once in a lifetime. This album will never die.