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Jun 9, 2023 · The 50 Best Prog Rock Bands Ever. Ranging from the genre’s earliest groups to modern-day stalwarts, we count down the best of the best. Published on. June 9, 2023. By. Brett Milano.
- Brett Milano
- 6 min
- 3 min
- Jon Dolan,Brandon Geist,Jon Weiderhorn,Ryan Reed,Kory Grow,Reed Fischer,Richard Gehr,Dan Epstein,Will Hermes
- Happy the Man, ‘Happy the Man’ (1977) Formed in a James Madison University dorm room, Washington, D.C.- based Happy the Man recorded three venerated, mostly instrumental prog albums in the late 1970s, striking a seductive middle ground between sax-driven jazz-fusion lunacy (circa Zappa's One Size Fits All) and synth-heavy meditative twittering.
- Ruins, ‘Hyderomastgroningem’ (1995) Beaming down from the far reaches of the prog-rock galaxy, this Japanese drums and bass duo slam together mathematically improbable meters and dissonant blasts of rhythm with nonsense wails or demonic growls.
- FM, ‘Black Noise’ (1977) Superficially, Toronto-based FM had a lot working against them: Aside from Rush, Canada was never a prog hotbed, and the band released its debut album in 1977, as many of the genre's originators were fading.
- Crack the Sky, ‘Crack the Sky’ (1975) American rockers aren't known for their prog ambitions, and the bands that did push the boundaries usually slipped through the commercial cracks.
- YES. WE SAY: Pre-eminent in the way prog has developed and grown since their inception in 1968, Yes have always been prepared to modify and alter their approach to suit the times, without sacrificing their overall style.
- Genesis. WE SAY: From their early days, when Peter Gabriel’s theatricality made them both unique and applauded, to the latter times when, with Phil Collins taking over as the frontman, the band became archetypal stadium rockers, Genesis have always been at the forefront of prog.
- Pink Floyd. WE SAY: Not just one of the great prog bands, but among the finest bands of all time in any genre, Pink Floyd, who began their music journey in 1968, enjoyed three different eras.
- King Crimson. WE SAY: Despite numerous line-up changes, and various bouts on hiatus, nobody can doubt the impact King Crimson have made on the music world.
- Pink Floyd. 5,542 votes. Pink Floyd is the epitome of progressive rock, known for their sonic experimentation and philosophical lyrics that define the genre.
- Yes. 4,367 votes. Yes is a remarkable band whose intricate arrangements and complex time signatures embody the core principles of progressive rock. Formed in 1968, this seminal group deftly combines elements of classical music, jazz, and rock into a mesmerizing symphony of sound.
- Rush. 4,506 votes. The Canadian power trio Rush stands as a testament to the boundless creative potential of progressive rock music. Since their inception in 1974, Rush has captivated listeners with their exceptional technical proficiency and ambitious conceptual albums, exploring themes ranging from science fiction to human emotion.
- Jethro Tull. 3,201 votes. Jethro Tull's unmistakable fusion of folk, blues, and hard rock with progressive elements has made them one of the most unique and enduring entities in the realm of prog rock.
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- Brett Milano
- 5 min
- Yes: Close to the Edge. The most glorious moment among all of the best prog rock albums has to be the climax of the “Close to the Edge”, where Rick Wakeman’s Hammond organ solo ascends into the heavens, and then the song’s majestic closing chorus takes you along.
- King Crimson: In the Court of the Crimson King. It’s hard to settle on one King Crimson album, since each incarnation (including the current one) was jaw-dropping in its own way.
- Genesis: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. Perhaps the most outlandish concept album ever, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway takes you on a surreal ride with Rael, a New York graffiti artist who wakes up in a netherworld.
- Gentle Giant: The Power and the Glory. Gentle Giant’s earliest albums were fiendishly difficult, while their final ones were AOR crossover. The Power and the Glory lands in the sweet spot directly in the middle.
Jun 13, 2023 · The band was nominated for three Grammy Awards, and in 2012, Dream Theater won Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for their 2021 song “The Alien.”. 7. Tool. Along with Dream Theater, Tool is one of the most famous bands to successfully merge progressive rock and metal genres.
Dec 18, 2015 · 21 Kate Bush. WE SAY: From her first hit single Wuthering Heights in 1978, Kate Bush has been a stellar, acclaimed performer with a far reaching impact and one of the most influential people in progressive music. Her music combined a phalanx of often cleverly disguised inspirations, plus vulnerability and sensuality.
