ANIMALS

Animals was the first PF album that I listened to (and the first progressive album also). I hadn't heard anything like that before and it made an instant effect with its eerie and grim atmosphere. I can still feel it when looking at the record cover, the surreal and frightening image of a factory and a flying pig. The album consists of three long songs framed by an acoustic two-part piece "Pigs on the Wing". The three songs can be thought to categorize people to three types: Dogs, Pigs and Sheep. Despite being a very dark album, you can find it end with a positive note when you listen to the lyrics.

The best song is the mean and pessimistic 17-minute epic "Dogs" that introduces powerful, bluesy guitarwork by Gilmour and hypnotizing keyboards by Wright. "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" starts with sinister-feeling keyboard pattern and grows into a rolling blues song with lots of psychedelic elements and sardonic lyrics. "Sheep" is a bit more positive song with more upbeat guitar riffs and keyboard patterns.

Animals is one of the most essential psychedelic progressive albums. The overall mood that Pink Floyd creates is bound to absorb the listener into its world especially if he/she enjoys sad and hypnotizing music. However, those who are more into the grand and flamboyant side of Floyd might consider this album too monotonous or introverted.