ANIMALS

Any rock fan can recognize, and probably sing-along to "Time", "Welcome to the Machine", or "Another Brick in the Wall", but I feel that those who have discovered and understand "Animals" to be the real lucky ones-- because this might just be Floyd's smartest and most successfully ambitious album ever. It's very different than the other "big" ones, featuring tons of bluesy guitar, a less "open" feel to the instrumental sections, and razor-sharp lyrics of a darkly satirical (and cynically revealing) nature. Song structure is much swifter and more complex than the vast organ tapestries found in its predecessor "WYWH". There are few radio moments, but an endless demonstration of the band's songwriting prowess.

Not to be missed by those who haven't discovered it yet.

Songwriting: 4 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 4