WISH YOU WERE HERE

The icy, atmospheric first few minutes that open this album send shivers down my spine every time I hear it. As Gilmour's guitar enters, there is an emotional response that happens that not many other tracks can outdo. The beauty of 'Shine on you Crazy Diamond' cannot easily be put into words, everything about this track seems perfected, the keyboards, taking all the time it needs to create a soundscape of music that allows the listener to drift pleasurably into, the lyrics, Water's plea for his old friends return is extremely powerful, the sincerity and meaning in his words give the track a depth that is not easily reached 'Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun, shine on you crazy diamond', almost every note from Gilmours guitar touches the listener, evocative, wistful solos and strong melodies. Broken into nine or so sections that bookend the album, and altogether reaching twenty six minutes, in my opinion, the best piece of music Pink Floyd ever wrote. There is added saxophone from Dick Parry and amazing backing vocals from Venetta Fields and Carlena Williams, the track has so much to offer, it never loses ones attention. Part two has a surprisingly jazzy edge to it at times and some wonderful instrumentation from the band. The keyboard outro has a very hopeful air to it, and ends the piece perfectly.

Wish You Were Here's concept is based around the founding genius of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett, it speaks of how Syd has a light that should never be put out, a person with much charisma and talent that became the victim of stardom and drug abuse. Waters lyrics are also centered around the record companies callousness and desire to 'Ride the Gravy Train', a bold statement and a message that still holds a lot of truth today.

The three songs that make up the centre of the record are perfect, 'Welcome to the Machine' follows 'Shine On part one' and the contrast between the two is startling. This track has a much harsher edge, it's very dark, very claustrophobic, not very musical due to the sounds of various machines in the background, this seems like a stab at the record companies that Syd was made a victim of. For 'Have a Cigar' Roy Harper makes a powerful guest vocal, his singing almost sounding like a sneer at points, Water's lyrics here are a cynical stab at how big time record co. executives have only a care for money and sales 'It could be made into a monster, if we all pull together as a team', the music is excellent, a quirky bass and guitar riff drives the track, giving it a lot of energy and life, excellent keyboard work also. 'Wish You Were Here' is the most well known track, not many people mention Gilmour's beautiful acoustic guitar solo at the beginning, a very delicate and emotional track.

Wish You Were Here is in my opinion, even stronger than the album before it 'The Dark Side of the Moon', a consistent masterpiece that had strong messages complimented with colourful and beautiful music.