Zarathustra

Beyond the considerations regarding Barrett's situation, I believe that, in light of how things went, his departure was a blessing for the group, helping to bring out Waters' artistic personality and expand the band's musical boundaries, which under Barrett's leadership would never have moved away from psychedelia (which by early '68 was already beginning to fade). Gilmour's arrival was crucial; his guitar helped define that otherworldly sound that made the Floyd great. I believe this album is the absolute best by the Floyd. It's the one where everyone gives their best. Waters writes fantastic lyrics, filled with inner passion and poetry. Gilmour stitches together memorable guitar phrases, like that of Shine On, or that of Wish You Were Here (not to mention the splendid solo in Welcome to the Machine for the series "how to compose a great solo with just 4 notes in ascending progression"). Wright, lingering more than usual on the notes of his keyboard, delivers his best performance ever (who isn't chilled listening to the distorted keyboard solo in Welcome to the Machine? And what about Have a Cigar?). And Mason... well, let's leave him in his mediocrity. In short, the perfect album. On par with The Dark Side without a doubt, maybe even above it, considering it sounds much less "muffled," resulting in a more passionate and visceral experience (starting with the lyrics, which are much more intimate and personal). In a word, more rock. Anyway, they both deserve the maximum; it's a matter of nuances related to personal taste, I believe. The review is evocative but says nothing about the album, so it's not really a review. Nevertheless, I understand the difficulty in reviewing an album like this without falling into mere glorification or banality, and so the rating is slightly higher. Sorry for the long text, but I felt like writing. :-)

I need to revise the rating for the review. You reminded me of a flood of memories...

Great Francis in D-shirt!!! Regarding the music, I agree with Zion, they made nice music, classy pop, but nothing extraordinary. Anyway, it's a pity they broke up. I think the album is their best. The review is nice, and I also find KrYsTaL quite charming.

Good review. The album is fantastic; in my opinion, it has a unique spontaneity in the history of rock: here is an artist laid bare before our eyes.

Look, you've finally managed to pique my curiosity! Good review.

And then there are some ridiculous things written...

But why, what harm would it do if some so-called de-reviewer took the trouble to review this masterpiece as it deserves? An analysis of the concept (which cannot be vulgarized as above), of the lyrics, of the music, of the performances of the members, of the production... in short, everything that characterizes an album. This is what it means to write a review. Provocations are welcome, indeed they are essential, because they add "spice" and spark discussion, but when they degenerate into the most vulgar and self-indulgent exhibitionism, becoming an end in themselves, they only become annoying.
And honestly, I don’t understand this desire to shock at all costs. Those who know how to write a review should do so; those who can’t should simply stick to reading them.

Alright PIXELID, stay with your conviction. Mozart is a universally recognized genius. And you can't compare him to a rock singer who made music solely for money.

And anyway, if we talk about the revolutionary impact of music in such an arbitrary way and detached from its intrinsic value, I’ll tell you that the Sex Pistols are greater than Queen and even Mozart, because they made records (to call it music is impressive to me) without knowing how to play or sing. More innovative than that...

Mozart, at 6 years old, played the violin, organ, and harpsichord well, and perhaps even something else... can you believe it? Just this is enough to sweep away your absurd comparison.