Progressive Rock is a genre that began in the late 1960s, more precisely in England. Being very widespread in the later decade, the iconic 70’s, this aspect of rock promoted something totally new: a mixture of classical music, North American rock and jazz. North American rock in turn brought influences from rhythm and blues and country rock, while classical music brought a new extensive and deep air to the genre, while the jazz footprint left the music rhythmic and unified.
You probably know a band that, despite discussions, is a progressive rock reference: yes, Pink Floyd. Some critics characterize the renowned group as representatives of psychedelic rock, but it is undeniable to note that Pink Floyd possesses most of the characteristics of the progressive side: long songs, albums built through a single idea and concept, electronic touches, synthesized arrangements, pauses and instruments outside the common context of rock: flutes, cellos, mandolins and trumpets. But, besides Pink Floyd, which other bands of the style do you know? Check out some below!
- Yes
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British band formed in 1968, consisting of Jon Anderson (vocals), Chris Squire (bass), Tony Kaye (keyboard), Peter Banks (guitar) and Bill Bruford (drums). It became known after the release of the album The Yes Album, which had lyrics on complex themes: science fiction, love, war, religion and history, recurring subjects in the progressive rock style. Closer to the Edge, another album of the band, is considered by musicologists as one of the best of the progressive genre.
- Genesis
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Genesis was created when its founders were still at school in 1967: Anthony Phillips, Peter Gabriel, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks. Achieving worldwide prestige in 1970, Genesis is considered one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all time. One of the factors that make the band a reference in the style are their theatral performances during concerts, as well as songs up to 23 minutes long. One of their albums, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, is all renowned in the history of a young Puerto Rican delinquent, Rael, who lives in New York and is taken to another surreal dimension.
- Rush
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Unlike previous bands, Rush is not British, but Canadian, formed in Toronto in 1968. Composed by the vocalist Geddy Lee, the guitarist Alex Lifeson and the drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, the group is mainly remembered for the exceptional musical quality of each one of its members. Their lyrics, which are precise examples of progressive rock compositions, talk a lot about science fiction, as well as philosophy and fantasy, portraying the human solitude present in the world. The band also has blues and hard rock influences, mainly in their first works.
- Camel
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Another British band on the scene, Camel was created in 1971. With strong jazz rock footprints, the group did not have a very long period in activity, but it is also one of the most remembered names in the progressive rock genre. Before with the name “The Brew”, then with the new name Camel, the group achieved success with the second album, Mirage, which had different flute chords. However, the band’s real milestone was the 1975 conceptual and instrumental album The Snow Goose, which told the story of Paul Gallico.
- King Crimson
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Created by guitarist Robert Fripp and drummer Michael Giles in 1968, the group is part of the first phase of progressive rock, when it emerged in the 1960s. With strong elements of psychedelic and folk rock, “King Crimson” by itself is already a very fanciful and polemic name: the band’s name refers to Beelzebub, prince of demons. The group has undergone several changes over the years, often even distancing itself from its genre of origin. Among their greatest hits is the album In the Court of the Crimson King, which earned the band a tour of England and the United States alongside great names like: Janis Joplin, Rolling Stones and Fletwood Mac.
These are just some of the names most remembered when we talk about progressive rock. With a vast road, surrealism, a lot of fantasy, historical and philosophical references, the style mixes daydreams in the midst of rock and new classic chords, electronics and very, very long lasting times. From Pink Floyd to King Crimson, progressive rock has shown and shows until today that rock is a timeless style exactly because of its ability to reinvent and escape reality, either in a 23 minute song, or in a story told through each track of an album.
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The article above was edited by Lívia Carvalho.
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