Dark Side of the Moon

Arguably Floyd’s most epic and famous album, Dark Side of the Moon was released in 1973; 5 years after front-man Roger ‘Syd’ Barrett left the group.The concept for the album was conceived by bassist Roger Waters. From the beginning, the band set out to create an album that musically spoke of the many pressures and troubles people face in day to day life.The album flows from song to song creating a sense of unity and connection between the songs. I personally prefer the flow of a concept album as it lets me settle into the rhythm of the entire creation rather than skipping around to different tracks that have no association or similarities other than being on the same album (something I often find in music of today; its not about an album or an idea but that one hit single among the many songs).Dark Side of the Moon begins with the slow distorted delay of Breathe. Even though it is one of the shortest songs on the album, it is undoubtedly one of my favorites. It sets the tone for the rest of the album, encompassing the dominance of Waters’ bass as well as the hypnotic bluesy sound of Gilmour’s guitar found throughout the album.Although Money is perhaps the albums best known song (particularly in the United States) I find my favorite on the album to be the ambitious creation of Time. I vividly remember my first experience listening to the album when I was 13, laying awake at 2 in the morning. Even in my sleep-deprived state of delirium I found significance in both the lyrics of the piece and in the masterful solo. I enjoyed then, and always have, its reprise of Breathe as it concludes the first portion of the album.From Gilmour’s solo in Time, the album moves on to the truly awe-inspiring vocals of Clare Torry coupled with Wright’s piano create a powerful song worthy of the representation of the significance of religion among the human race in Great Gig in the Sky.Money follows the The Great Gig in the Sky and is in turn followed by Richard Wright’s master piece Us and Them. This song segues into Any Colour You Like, sometimes known as Breath (2nd Reprise), a synth and univibe guitar creation.Dark Side of the Moon concludes with Brain Damage and Eclipse, both of which were composed by Waters. Brain Damage is said to be a reference to former front man Syd Barrett’s decline due to almost constant use of psychedelic drugs while Eclipse is the climax of the album.In all, the original release contained 10 tracks, all of which were powerful and well thought out pieces of music. Many people say 1973 was one of the best years in rock and Dark Side of the Moon is proof of that.