Wall, The - Pink Floyd > Reviews > Pink Floyd The Wall - Studio Album - Excellent!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	Great songs, use of instruments and brilliant innovative style
Disadvantages:	Some parts seem to drag on a bit

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

My introduction to this album started last Saturday when I thought I’d find out what all the fuss about this album was about being apparently brilliant. Consequently, I can honestly say that this is one of the best, and definitely most innovative albums I’ve heard in a long time. From the very beginning with the slow introduction of flutes and strings comes an explosion of drums and guitars that almost blows you away. This ensures you know whom your listening to being the legend that is Pink Floyd. Following on as the tracks flow nicely into each other, the music builds up with air sirens whirling imitating the war and then it all turns much quieter with a more ballad style of music and meaningful lyrics. Soon enough, however, the most famous song on the album kicks in, that being ‘Another Brick On The Wall part 1’ which is very skilfully led into from the previous track in an almost ‘eye of the tiger’ riff. Later on comes part 2 of Another Brick In The Wall, the livelier, up-beat version that includes the more meaningful singing by the children. However, at the end of this track comes the most amazing guitar solo suiting the album one hundred percent. After this comes more soulful guitar strumming reflecting tough times in the war. Within track ten comes a good, lively number with a clear rock influence containing immaculate guitar solos, great piano playing and amazing lyrics all combined together giving another reason why this album so brilliant. However the best part of disk one is clearly left to the end. From a powerful intro leading in from the previous track of an explosive smashing sound and bass, comes Another Brick In The Wall part three sounding very up-lifting and the kind of beat you cant resist tapping your foot to.

So, on to disk 2, the final disk, with more excellent instrumental genius and meaningful lyrics. However on the first track the lyrics seem slightly out of place saying: “Hey you! Out there on your own, Sitting naked by the phone would you touch me” which I personally found quite amusing but probably is aiming to resemble bad times throughout the war. Anyway, moving swiftly on the CD becomes all very smooth and gentle for what I think is, too long. I feel this long stretch of carefully playing of instruments and reflective lyrics just doesn’t keep you gripped and not in anticipation of what is to come next. However, what does come next, on track five is amazing utilising a completely new style on the album. Starting with a gentle snare drum intro in a marching style comes a comparatively loud classical and opera style. This is what regains your previously lost interest in the music. Consequently, the CD returns to its previous glory of a rock and up beat masterpiece with a brilliant slow guitar solo at the end of track six. Furthermore, as the CD progresses to near the end of the second disk, the music has one final wave of changing from a chanting pattern to a sudden stop continuing with a piano melody and in turn progressing to a theatre production style of song resembling songs from ‘Oliver’ or something similar. Finally, the album rounds off with a slow, thought-provoking set of lyrics together with a flute melody similar to the very first track on the album.

Overall, although it is a very long album, it is clear that Pink Floyd really put a lot of effort into writing this album as it is rightfully a musically masterpiece. Basically, if you like heavier rock music, slower soulful music or generally want music to listen to as you do work or cleaning etc. this CD will fulfil your needs and I thoroughly recommend buying it.