Pink Floyd- Wish You Were Here

This album is the 1975 follow-up to the classic concept album Dark Side of the Moon. The particular version being reviewed is the remastered 1994 edition.

I'd better admit from the outset that prog rock isn't really my cup of tea, and the psychedelic influences don't resonate with me either (perhaps I've never taken the right drugs to appreciate it!). Therefore, Shine On You Crazy Diamond and Welcome to the Machine are basically entrées to Wish You Were Here for me.

Speaking of prog-rock styling, personally I find that the sound has a daytime TV "soft focus" to it, with the vocals, drums and bass having a echoey and smoothed-off feel to it.

The funk-inspired groove of Have a Cigar is awkward and lumbering, however I do like the chorus (which is ironic, since the song is a protest about the superficiality of the pop music industry!).

So the whole reason I bought the album is for the song Wish You Were Here. It is a timeless classic, which gently drifts into and out of your life with the extended guitar opening and ending. The wonderfully poetic lyrics are perfectly complemented by their humble, gravelly delivery. And the guitar riff is hauntingly beautiful.

Favourite songs

Wish You Were Here

Worthwhile?

Although I only like one song, its sheer brilliance makes the whole album worthwhile.