I can only imagine the pressure Pink Floyd felt, having to create a follow-up to Dark Side of the Moon. It’s like Michelangelo having to create something after the painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, or Frederic Auguste Bartholdi after creating the Statue of Liberty. As can be expected, the initial reaction to the release of Wish You Were Here was lukewarm. In the minds of many, if the follow-up album was not as good (or better) than the previous, it was a letdown. In reality, this attitude softened over time, and Wish You Were Here grew to be well accepted and revered as a quality work. Staying true to form, Pink Floyd explores sonic soundscapes while interlacing harmonized chants that erupt at the climax into soft, smooth instrumentals.
Release date: September 12, 1975
Similar artist(s): King Crimson, Genesis, Tame Impala
Top tracks: Have a Cigar, Wish You Were Here, Shine On You Crazy Diamond Pts 1-5