1977 — a farewell to Prog’s golden era?

Was 1977 the end of the golden era of Prog music?

I looked at the PA Top 100 albums and found a pattern.

• Every year before 1978 (starting at 1969) had at least 3 albums in the top 100
• Every year since 1978 had less than 3 albums (0, 1, or 2) in the top 100
• 1977 was the last year to have more than two top 100 albums released

The number of albums by year:

1969 - 3
1970 - 5
1971 - 9
1972 - 11
1973 - 12
1974 - 11
1975 - 10
1976 - 5
1977 - 4
1978 - 2
1979 - 1
And it never got higher than 2 after that.

Indeed, the argument is convincing.  

paganinio wrote: Every year since 1978 had less than 3 albums (0, 1, or 2) in the top 100 1977 was the last year to have more than two top 100 albums released

Edited by someone_else - June 13 2018 at 02:23

may I clearly suggest that the best 1977 prog albums were not from the UK (or the US - I'm not a Happy The Man fan)??

Personally I would say more like 78 or 79 but 77 was certainly the beginning of the end. However, some bands were just starting out either a year or two earlier or around then such as the Enid, UK, FM, Saga and Happy the Man. Also, a lot of non US and UK bands were just starting especially bands in Japan, South America and other parts of continental Europe. Also, it seems Rush were just getting started with their prog period around this time as well. I admit though by 1981 most of the mainstream prog bands were done doing prog(if they were even still around). Prog never really disappeared but instead it just went underground where it still is today(although admittedly not nearly as deep underground as it once was).

think 77 was the beginning of the end---

I think so too. As many have already mentioned, there has been a lot of great prog written after 1977, still, the "Golden Era" of progressive music ended by 1977, seeing a decline in interest from the people, decreasing it's popularity, and making it a genre to be appreciated by a small group of dedicated fans.

You know what? If it's a good album, then it's a good album. I never understood the argument that something is superior because it's "more important" or "genredefining" or some big words like that. I'd say Memento z Banalnym Tryptykiem by SBB and Triatricet by Blue Effect (both released/recorded after the golden age, both neither British nor Italian) are IMO better than the "important" Supper's Ready. If I cared about the "extra importance" and "genredefiningness" I'd probably like Supper's Ready more. But personally, I'm more of a sound searcher. I don't care about the background and zeitgeist. If it sounds good, has quality songwriting, lyrics and playing... it's as good as the so called important albums.

I mean, in theory I do understand that. But I personally never rate any albums with their level of importance in mind and what I don't get is why people might rate an album higher because it's more important. In terms of discussig history, it's absolutely fine. Still, to me, it's the musical side of things that matters the most.