ANIMALS

Here is a somewhat generally underrated album, to which ProgArchives hands what it deserves... Animals stands at a very unlucky place in Pink Floyd's discography, namely just after two pinnacles of progressive music, DSoTM and WYWH. Therefore, it usually gets compared with them, and I must agree that "Animals" is inferior to both, and people fail to see the real worth of this brilliant album. Had this album been in another band's discography, it would have lifted the band's reputation very up high and surely would be placed at a better slot than it is right now.

Probably the most political Floyd has gone, Animals is a very complete work conceptually (mainly thanks to Waters' wonderful creativity), and the music, maybe a bit behind DSoTM and WYWH, but by every means top class! Gilmour and Wright are truly outstanding throughout the album; Gilmour's killer guitar solo in "Dogs" is a must for every proghead. In fact, I can label this one as a guitar album, it is more so than anything else. Of course, this is not to underestimate the excellent works of other members.

Like most conceptual albums, I don't like to evaluate the work here song by song, and prefer to see the whole album as a one song. Generally, this album has a continuous dark and powerful atmosphere, with aggressive and beautiful lyrics accompanying. A must have for every rock collection.