WISH YOU WERE HERE

Under pressure, often the best performances are delivered. The gentlemen of Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason can attest to this, as they had to follow up the enormous success of "Dark Side Of The Moon" (1973) with an album that was at least as good. Imagine the challenge. It must have weighed on them like a lead blanket, but with unwavering confidence in their abilities, they manage to release an album on September 15, 1975, that is unparalleled.

The material for "Wish You Were Here" was written by Roger Waters and David Gilmour, with Richard Wright also contributing some compositional elements. Wisely, they did not attempt to create a second "Dark Side Of The Moon." No, while the successful album engaged in a creative blend of progressive, psychedelic, and artistic rock, "Wish You Were Here" sounds more epic and symphonic.

However, the album is filled with typical Pink Floyd characteristics. The melodic guitar lines never betray the band's DNA, just like the atmospheric keyboard parts. We hear the VCS3 synth again, lap steel guitar, expressive vocals from Waters, Gilmour's warm voice, and the creative rhythms propelling the music forward with bass guitar and drums. For Pink Floyd, everything revolves around the desire to be original and innovative. "Wish You Were Here" sounds grand, majestic, and is captivating, mysterious, and enchanting.

The album's history is worth mentioning. Initially, "Wish You Were Here" was supposed to consist of only three tracks: a 9-part suite called Shine On and the tracks You Gotta Be Crazy and Raving And Drooling. They often experimented with these live, and then a change of plans occurred. Shine On became Shine On You Crazy Diamond, split into two parts, and the other tracks were later developed as Dogs and Sheep on the next album, "Animals." Three new tracks were added between the two parts of Shine On You Crazy Diamond to give more depth to the album's concept (which revolves around former Pink Floyd singer/guitarist Syd Barrett and the prevailing madness in the music industry).

Well, this design is remarkable. The album starts with the first five parts of Shine On You Crazy Diamond, a track that has become a jewel in both progressive rock and Pink Floyd's body of work. From the slowly building opening to Dick Parry's snarling saxophone solo on baritone and tenor saxophones, the band delivers a delightful array of tempo and mood changes. There are numerous remarkable moments, such as the desolate guitar arpeggio supported by cool Hammond organ play. This passage precedes the introduction of drums. Also notable is the magnificent Moog solo that brings a certain captivation. Don't overlook Gilmour's guitar speaking with its sensuous timing. Shine On You Crazy Diamond is incredibly beautiful.

While you are still reflecting on those emotional states, you are then gripped by the gears of Welcome To The Machine. It's clear that we are dealing with a typical Waters composition. The acoustically driven track sounds mechanical, dark, and ominous. The thick layer of keyboards makes the song resonate continuously, and combined with the desperation in Waters' voice, it creates an exhilarating piece of music.

The subsequent Have A Cigar, although having the same darkness, the funky approach, and bluesy guitar fillings, still makes it a unique song. The fact that the song is not sung by a Pink Floyd member but by a guest singer adds to its uniqueness. Folk singer Roy Harper handled the task, and he can be proud of it. Then the sound fades away, and we go on a minute-long channel search. And suddenly, there's the title track, Wish You Were Here. Much has already been said and written about it. The ballad is based on a simple chord progression on acoustic guitar that many beginner guitarists may have played.

It was a brilliant move to transfer the last four parts of Shine On You Crazy Diamond to the end of the B-side. This way, the album becomes a nicely rounded whole, and the music deserves that. Parts VI and VII are still lively with a smooth bass rhythm and a wailing lap steel guitar, while the last two parts are true final pieces with beautiful keyboard play.

"Wish You Were Here" provides the ultimate proof that under pressure, the best performances are delivered. My favorite Pink Floyd album leaves nothing to be desired.

Orginally posted on www.progenrock.com