All-Time Top 10 Progressive Rock Bands

Paul, I'm surprised. That album is like nectar to my ears; but hey ho, each to their own. 

Cardiacs

King Crimson

Caravan

Camel

Jethro Tull

Gentle Giant

Rush

Soft Machine

Porcupine Tree

They won't make it on the list, but it's good to see some appreciation for such a great band.

2. IQ

3. Rush

4. Yes

5. Genesis

6. Eloy

7. Big Big Train

8. Tangerine Dream

9. Porcupine Tree

10. Gentle Giant

(had to edit it as I included Eloy twice lol)

If it has to be done, let's go...

I had 3-5 bands fighting it out for the last spot, ultimately decided to go with a very safe pick and the one I'm acquainted with the longest. I appreciate their wizardry, showmanship, original formula and blazing solos. Lake ballads - not so much. They headlined California Jam '74 with Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Eagles and Earth Wind & Fire on board, that says a lot.

They require a specific mood to get into, sometimes their sadness is overwhelming (especially From Within and Gravity feel that way), but that's exactly the kind of heavy/mellotron prog I want to listen to in fall. I think Vemod is quite underrated. I'm glad they resurfaced with a terrific album 5-6 years ago, hope we'll see more of them.

As years go by, I'm more and more appreciative of bands with soothing, relaxed music, perfect to listen to at work. Pink Floyd fit the bill and I come back to 1970-77 releases a lot (except Dark Side). So my fondness for ambient and chilled out synthesizers (be it vaporwave or dungeon synth) helped PF climb so high, while more complex music with interlocking guitars and weird time signatures fell out of TOP10, it seems.

Another terrific work/car/dishwashing/gardening band. It's a praise! Fantastic blend of fresh riffing, positive vibes, prog tendencies and hard rock spirit, I just hope I'll never grow tired with this fantastic trio. I could see them ranked higher if I keep up listening to them on a daily basis.

Unlimited talent, creativity, earthy-northern feel, and they never ever let me down. Seeing them live in 2013 was a dream come true really. Oh, and that Viljans Öga comeback, who would have guessed?!

Now it's "any band could be no. 1" territory. VDGG has a flawless album under their belt (Godbluff) as well as ultimate prog book of secrets (Pawn Hearts). There was a time I was dead sure all their 70s stuff is five stars worthy, that's how they fit my angsty 16 year old world view But really, jokes aside, their sound is so unique, I haven't heard anyone aping their act - I guess it's doomed to fail if you're not Peter Hammill. I wish David Jackson has been a regular member, sax is crucial to VDGG sound imo.

Fourth place here but could very well be no. 1 when it comes to talent. They have a bunch of fantastic albums crowned with Close to the Edge and for many they're quintessential prog band. I don't listen to them regularly; actually it's a strange relationship, I could go on for months without a Yes song, but then I have a 2-4 weeks spree devouring their albums, and then having Wakeman/Anderson material for dessert.

Not the best band to listen to at work - it hurts their stock a bit.

If I'd go with # of listens, JT would be no. 1 hands down. There is just so much to sink your teeth in. Early Benefit era, days of prog glory, powerful folksy comeback (my favorite!), then quite respectable 80s... plus live material, Ian solo and The Christmas Album My ultimate winter-feel-good group, and Ian Anderson gives splendid interviews, would love to meet him.

Them and Yes are neck-and-neck in the Symphonic Prog universe, but Genesis are more lush, eerie, pastoral and English. I find this set much easier to get into on a daily basis. If I were climbing Himalayas or sailing across the Pacific, well, then Yes would be more listened to, I imagine  As it is, Genesis are always there to cheer me up with quirky, but refined melodies back from Victorian Age. I know what I like!

Not much explanation needed I think.

On the bubble: Gentle Giant, Focus, Camel, Wobbler.

German and Italian bands aren't my regular listens, though I appreciate them a lot.

I deem The Mothers = FZ so I'll just wait for solo list. Ah, and GY!BE would probably make my list, if I count them as prog.

 

 

1. Genesis (414 points)

2. Yes (412 points)