You would be hard pressed to find a more dynamic, influential, and legendary rock band during their peak than Pink Floyd. Over time, they mastered the art of varied, groovy, and experimental rock and carved out a path that few have been able to walk on. Pink Floyd is easily one of my favorite bands of all time, and this is a ranking I have been looking forward to doing for awhile.
They have A LOT of albums, so listening and parsing everything was no small task. After about a month of deliberation, I think I've came to a spot where I can confidently rank their works. For clarification, I am only ranking their 13 studio LPs, and excluding the two albums made specifically for movie soundtracks ('More' and 'Obscured by Clouds'). Also a gentle reminder that list is made up mostly of my own opinion, with some objectivity when appropriate. Music is all about tastes, right?
We have a long road to go down together, so let's not waste any more time and get the rankings started with:
13. Ummagumma (1969)
Released in 1969, 'Ummagumma' stands as their most experimental and unconventional release to date. The first part of the LP contains various live performances from the late 60s, including a killer version of 'Astronomy Domine', a unique rendition of 'Careful with that Axe, Eugene', and more. To be quite honest the first part of the record is the strongest part in my opinion, and things start to get a little harder to vibe with once the second part starts.
The studio portion of 'Ummagumma' saw the band try a new way of writing for them at the time, with each individual band member writing different sections of the album. Richard Wright opens things with 'Sysyphus', a 4 part piano piece that embraces an avant-garde and nearly absurdist style. It's dramatic, but certainly not the most easy listen. That tone continues as Roger Waters part of the record takes over with tracks so experimental I don't even know if I consider them 'music' in the conventional sense. 'Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict' is exactly what it sounds like, and while I'm not putting it on any playlist, it's pretty silly and fun to listen to at least once. David Gilmour and Nick Mason close things out in equally absurd, but not nearly as notable, fashion.
Overall, 'Ummagumma' stands as one of the oddest rock experiences you can have, and while I respect the vision and effort, this LP is simply just not for me. And that's okay! There's some good to glean from the record, and I'm sure it helped shape them into the songwriters they would become.
Standout tracks: Astronomy Domine, Careful with that Axe Eugene, The Narrow Way
12. a saucerful of secrets (1968)
After the release of their debut 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn', founding member and writer Syd Barrett's mental health would continue to deteriorate, to the point where he was unable to finish the writing and recording process for their follow up 'A Saucerful of Secrets.' The band would recruit David Gilmour to the fray, and the album stands as the first and only LP with both Gilmour and Barrett featured.
'A Saucerful of Secrets' can definitely feel like a transitional work in some ways, and the outgoing influence of Syd with the incoming influence of Gilmour makes the record interesting, but admittedly uneven. The end result is maybe the most forgettable and missable Pink Floyd work, and while nothing is unlistenable by any means, it can't hold a candle to their later works.
You can hear the blueprints for that classic 'Pink Floyd' sound begin to be laid, even if it would still be a few more years before they really found their footing. It's worth a listen for the history of it all, and some singles stand out, but overall there's better Floyd to Floyd out to.
Standout tracks: Let There Be More Light, Remember a Day, Jugband Blues
11. A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987)
After the messy and controversial exit of Roger Waters from Pink Floyd (Not before releasing the Final Cut as essentially a solo album) and his intent for the band to be dissolved, a tense and back and forth legal battle over the rights to the band's name would ensue. Though it wouldn't be officially settled until months after the release of the album, David Gilmour would take the helm and release 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason) under the Pink Floyd banner in 1987.
In addition to re-hiring founding member Richard Wright after Roger Waters fired him during production of 'The Wall', the LP would find Gilmour doing the brunt of the songwriting duties for the first time in Pink Floyd history. The results, unfortunately, are mixed at best. While the album was intended to make a shift back to the big compositions and psychedelic goodness of Pink Floyd past, it comes off as more of an arena rock record at times. The production is big and booming, more in line with the modern hard rock tunes of the time.
It's clear that Roger Waters was an integral part of the band, and without him the songwriting at play just isn't as deep, dynamic, or exciting as it had been in the past. David Gilmour is a great guitarist, solid vocalist, and he has a good feel for progressions and melodies. But it's clear that the heart and soul of the music is missing, likely gone with Roger Waters. There are some high points on the record (Learning to Fly is a JAM), but it's mostly forgettable and skippable in my opinion. Hardcore Pink Floyd fans will make up most of the album demographics, and that is okay!
Standout tracks: Learning to Fly, The Dogs of War, On the Turning Away, Terminal Frost
10. The Endless River (2014)
As of this writing, 'The Endless River' stands as the most recent (and very likely the last) Pink Floyd record, and while it doesn't come close to the music they made during their heyday, it's a fitting enough end to one of the most unique bands in modern times.
Made as a tribute to the late Richard Wright, Nick Mason and David Gilmour would collaborate once more under the Pink Floyd banner. I'd say the majority of this album almost fits into the 'ambient' genre, with light and airy synths over top of soft guitar and drum arrangements. It can be quite beautiful, if not a little one note. It's entirely instrumental until the final track, 'Louder Than Words', which is actually a really wonderful track and a fitting conclusion to the Pink Floyd saga.
At the end of the day, it's hard to be too critical of 'The Endless River', given the subject matter it was made for. As a tribute for a longtime friend, it's hard to deny that it's a beautiful send off. If you're looking for prime Pink though, I recommend keeping on with this ranking.
Standout tracks: Louder Than Words
9. The Final Cut (1983)
OK, now, take everything I said about Roger Waters being an integral member of Pink Floyd and extend those same thoughts to David Gilmour (and Richard Wright, too!). After an ugly falling out that was the culmination of years of creative differences, Richard Wright was out of the band, and David Gilmour was almost entirely hands off for the recording of the follow up to 'The Wall.'
Thematically, 'the Final Cut' explores themes of war, the damages it does, and the trauma it causes. Much of it seems deeply personal and real to Roger, and it helps lend a sense of emotional maturity to the LP. It shares many ideas and production beats as 'The Wall', but this time things aren't nearly as exciting, dynamic, or memorable. There are certainly some good moments on the album, and Roger Waters' talent is undeniable. But much like 'Momentary Lapse of Reason', there is just something intangible missing from the final mix.
There's really not a ton of big memorable moments during the record, and held in direct contrast to their previous release, 'the Wall', it really stands out. Where former was full of hard rocking moments, unforgettable melodies, and told a cohesive and intense story, 'The Final Cut' is lacking all three for most of the runtime. It's worth a listen, especially if you're a longtime Pink Floyd fan, but there's not a ton for me to recommend past that.
Standout tracks: Your Possible Past, When the Tigers Broke Free, The Gunner's Dream, Paranoid Eyes
8. The Division Bell (1994)
After 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason' and the difficult transition into post Roger Waters life, Pink Floyd would return for their first and only album of the 90s, 'The Division Bell'. With seven years between releases, It's clear listening to the album that the group took their time crafting and honing each track.
Something early Pink Floyd did that impressed me the most is the way they fill space in their songs. Every little moment, little fill, and little note in between the lines help fill out their songs in a way few bands have achieved. I'm pleased to say that 'the Division Bell' saw them really go back to that mentality, and the result is finer tuned and more exciting songs than they had put out since probably 'The Wall.'
It may lack the emotional depth and cutting edge rock fringe from earlier work, but it serves as a breath of fresh air when held up to their other works from the time. It was a needed return to form, even if it wasn't the Home Run many had hoped. It's still a solid listen, with some great highlights, and lows that aren't too much of a slog. It's an easy enough recommend to Floyd fans or classic rock fans in general.
Standout tracks: What Do You Want From Me, Wearing the Inside Out, Coming Back to Life, High Hopes
7. THE Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967)
In 1967, Pink Floyd would release their debut record 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn'. It would be the only album to feature Syd Barrett from start to end, and also the only one to not feature David Gilmour. It's a bit of an outlier in that way, and it does tend to reflect in the tone of the album.
In some ways, the Brit's debut album is a reflection of the times it was made in. It's seeped in early psychedelia, mod rock, and paints some pretty wild pictures with its themes and imagery. Syd Barrett had a wildly creative mind, and it's fun to see it on display here. From 'Astronomy Domine,' a spacey, hard rocking jam, to a love ballad to a black cat in 'Lucifer Sam', to a song about a gnome and his adventures, the album goes all sorts of places, and it's pretty consistently a fun and engaging listen.
It's fun to see where they got their start, and to track their growth and experience from here. 'Piper' can be loose, messy, and the song structure is a bit all over the place. But as a debut, it establishes just who this band is, what they're about, and the vibes they are bringing to the table.
I'm not going to say that it's among their best work, but what I will say is that it's a delightfully good time, and if you don't mind a little light hearted crooning and some psychedelic themes there's surely something in this album that will leave you tapping your toe or smiling along.
Standout tracks: Astronomy Domine, Lucifer Sam, Interstellar Overdrive, the Gnome, Bike
6. Atom Heart Mother (1970)
Okay, this is when things start to get spicy. Additionally, every album from here on out is a recommended listen from front to back. The six album run Pink Floyd went on, starting with 1970's 'Atom Heart Mother', is pretty unprecedented and unfathomable. They established themselves as the pioneers in spacey, jammy rock, and this is the album when the vision really starts to unfold in front of the listener.
Opening with a multi movement, epic title track that sees a swell of horns and strings before giving way to a jam session for the ages. It's a nearly 23 minute track, and almost every second of it has something interesting going on. They were really finding their melodic footing here, and 'Atom Heart Mother' is full of impactful, memorable melodies from both instrument and vocals.
Interestingly, after that first track, the rest of the record is somewhat more understated; lots of acoustic guitar, soft singing, and pleasant melodies. It all has a folk tinge to it, and they pull it off very well. 'If' is a lovely little acoustic tune about being a better man, 'Summer 68' has more sweeping horns underneath a poppy shuffle and bright acoustic guitars.
The closing track, 'Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast', is an experimental jaunt into a morning routine, complete with self monologues, the sizzling of breakfast meats, and the time to enjoy it all. There are some sparse musical moments that fade in and out, and before you know it the entire 12 minute runtime is over. It can be unpleasant listening to a grown man chewing and eating, but that might just be my own tastes, and the musical accompaniment is quite nice.
If you are looking to dive into the heart of what makes Pink Floyd 'Pink Floyd', this is a great place to start. You can really feel their sound coming together, and it just keeps getting better from here. A great record, and a must listen for any rock fan out there.
5. Meddle (1971)
During my listen to Pink Floyd's discography, no album had its stock raised higher than 1971's 'Meddle.' It was just a record I didn't have a ton of listening time clocked for, but I'm glad that has been rectified now. It may only be six tracks long, but each track packs a punch. The last track, 'Echoes', is one of their most dynamic and epic songs and clocks in at over 20 minutes in length.
'One of These Days' kicks the album off with a bang. It's a mostly instrumental track with a great, driving bass line, harsh organs, and some solid guitar work by David Gilmour. There is even a blues tinge to a few of the songs. 'Fearless' has one of my favorite guitar hooks in any Pink Floyd work, and 'Seamus' is a fun blues ditty about pooches.
There's a fun amount of variety on 'Meddle', even by Pink Floyd standards. Given that there's only six tracks, I think it's got the most pound for pound flavor in the band's library. Definitely check this one out if you haven't. Hell, even if you have, check it out again!
4. Animals (1977)
Okay, now things are starting to get really spicy. I consider the last four albums in the ranking, starting with 'Animals', 10/10s. Pink Floyd were really on a different creative wavelength, and this record came right at the top of their prime. They had really mastered the art of the long, movement filled songs at this point, with 'Animals' featuring some of their most well structured songs to date.
'Animals' may also be the hardest rocking of any of the Pink Floyd albums. Some of David Gilmour's most intense and intricate guitar work takes place here, and there is just an edge to the production that makes it sound different than much of their library. The drums are big and punchy, the bass is tight and has a really nice mid driven sound, and the synth/keys are as cutting and sharp as always.
Thematically, there's a real bite and bitterness to the record. Songs like 'Dogs' and 'Pigs (Three Different Ones)' offer a harsh and rebellious political nature (Roger Waters refers to Margaret Thatcher as a 'Fucked up old hag' at one point), and pair well with the production. It's easily the most vicious record lyrically by Pink Floyd up to this point, and it really works.
As technology continued to improve as time went on, the band's music just became that much more complex and dynamic, and 'Animals' is a rock masterpiece that really shouldn't be missed by anyone. I can almost guarantee that something on the album will appeal to you if you claim to be a rock (especially classic rock) fan. Side Note: It's also the last time every member of Pink Floyd would collaborate together to the completion of a record.
3. The Wall (1979)
Though its production was mired in personal and creative animosity by members of the band, and even led to Richard Wright's departure, 'The Wall' is an incredible concept album/rock opera that packs a heavy punch with a lot of great songs on offer. On one hand, the end result is masterpiece and was so immersive a film adaptation would be made a few years later. On the other hand, it arguably lead to the destruction of Pink Floyd as we knew them, and things would never be the same for the band after this.
'The Wall' tells the story of Mr. Pink Floyd, a rock star who carries the crushing weight of a war torn childhood, drug addiction, and stardom until it makes him break. Some of the very best songs in the band's catalogue is featured on this album, and the fact that it's all part of a bigger concept album is all the more impressive.
'Comfortably Numb' is probably the high point for me, and I consider it one of the finest songs ever written. But I could go on and on with songs that stand out and are added into my regular rotation. 'Hey You', is a dark and hard rocking track about the world and how cold it can be. Both iterations of 'In the Flesh' are flashy, bright, and feature one of the most memorable guitar hooks the band has ever produced.
The album is packed rife with symbolism and messaging of anti-war, anti-fascism, and calls out the music industry as a whole for the abusive, greedy nature it carries. It's pretty powerful when taken as a whole, and was a daring and experimental record at the time, and even today. It all holds up incredibly well, and is an album I listen to from front to back quite often now, and going back years.
I have no doubt that if you're reading this you've certainly heard at least a few songs from 'The Wall', even if in passing. It's very much worth an entire listen, and while it's a very long record, almost every track has something of substance, even if they just set the scene for future tracks. It's a very well paced, thought out, and laid out album that is truly best experienced as a single piece of art.
2. Wish you were here (1975)
After the monumental success that was 'Dark Side of the Moon', Pink Floyd wouldn't waste any time resting on their own laurels and would return two years later with 'Wish You Were Here' in 1975. In many ways, the album is a stark contrast to the one that preceded it two years earlier. 'Wish You Were Here' follows the mold that the band set with 'Atom Heart Mother' and 'Meddle', featuring fewer, but more densely packed, tracks.
The LP stands as a tribute to founding member Syd Barrett, and the composition that bookends the record, 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond', is one of the most dynamic and well put together pieces of music ever recorded. It's a touching tribute to a friend and stands on its own as an ethereal, tightly produced, rock anthem.
The title track, 'Wish You Were Here', is a powerful ballad and one of the most iconic songs in the band's library. The acoustic lead giving way to the full band in the bridge is a moment of audible bliss. This was also a time period where the band starting getting more outward about the greedy and abusive practices of the music industry, as heard in 'Have a Cigar' and 'Welcome to the Machine.' The former is a funk filled, bouncy rock track with some pretty rebellious lyrics (thanks in no doubt to Roger Waters), while the latter is a brooding and oppressive synth driven piece.
Each song on 'Wish You Were Here' stands on their own as excellent pieces of rock music, and together they make for one of the most memorable and wonderful listening experiences you can find. I will stand on a mountain and shout my recommendation for this record for everyone to hear, and it should be required listening for any music fan.
1. dark side of the moon (1973)
Well, we made it! The album coming at number one, not surprisingly, is 1973's 'Dark Side of the Moon'. In my opinion, this is the pinnacle for rock music and one of the greatest albums ever made, period. Listening to their discography in order was such a fun experience, and when we got to this LP, it felt like a huge, cathartic release.
'Dark Side of the Moon' is the full and complete realization of the themes and boundaries they had been pushing on previous releases, and once they found it they FOUND it. Every track on this record plays a pivotal role in setting up the others, and perhaps no album flows as incredibly smoothly from track to track. The entire record almost feels like one, long, continuous track to be quite honest.
Production wise, it's also one of the smoothest and best sounding records you'll hear anywhere. The band use every inch of air and space to their advantage, and no single second is uninteresting throughout the duration of the album. Themes of what it means to be 'mad', time slipping away, and the mortality of man are at play, and are pretty timeless and relevant no matter the time period.
'Time', possibly the best song on the record, is an incredibly written and structured song that still rocks just as hard today. 'Us and Them' is a grand and epic song that sounds equal parts triumphant and bleak. 'Brain Damage' and 'Eclipse' close the record in spectacular fashion, with the former also having a very satisfying album title drop in the chorus.
'Dark Side of the Moon' still stands up today as an incredible achievement in music, art, and technology. It's a perfectly realized and executed vision that very few musicians have been able to match since. The six album stretch that the band went on in the 70's is pretty mind blowing, and smack dab in the middle of that run lies this gem. If you somehow haven't heard this LP by now, I reckon it's time to rectify that, yeah?
There we have it. This was a big one for me! I've been listening to Pink Floyd for nearly two decades, and my entire adolescence and adult life. They remain as on of my favorite bands and the one I possibly respect the most. If you're still here, thanks for sticking around. I worked real hard on this one, so give it a share and let me know how you rank them!
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