Pink Floyd
The essential Pink Floyd records, ranked — where to start and what to reach for next.
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1The Dark Side of the MoonPink FloydStart here
The Dark Side of the Moon
A seamless suite on time, money, madness and mortality, built from sighing synths, saxophone, heartbeat pulses and tape collage. It spent years on the charts for good reason: the production still sounds vast and the sequencing flows as one continuous piece. The benchmark for hi-fi demonstration and a cornerstone of any collection.
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2The Piper at the Gates of DawnPink FloydClassic
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
A whimsical, psychedelic debut led by Syd Barrett. Inventive and strange. A 60s landmark.
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3MeddlePink FloydClassic
Meddle
A transitional record building toward their classic era, anchored by the side-long 'Echoes'. Atmospheric and exploratory. A devotee favourite.
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4Wish You Were HerePink FloydClassic
Wish You Were Here
A grieving, beautiful record shaped by absent friend Syd Barrett and disillusion with the music business, anchored by the sprawling 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond'. Warmer and more human than Dark Side, it rewards patience and a good pair of speakers. One of the great headphone albums.
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5AnimalsPink FloydClassic
Animals
A bleak, Orwellian concept album of long, simmering tracks and Gilmour's searing guitar. Angrier and more political than Dark Side. A favourite among devotees.
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6The WallPink FloydClassic
The Wall
An ambitious rock opera about isolation and breakdown, theatrical and bleak, with 'Comfortably Numb' as its emotional peak. It works as narrative and as a run of strong individual songs. Best taken in one sitting.
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7Obscured by CloudsPink FloydDeep cut
Obscured by Clouds
An underrated soundtrack peak of warm, concise songs. Tuneful and beloved. A cult favourite.
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8The Final CutPink FloydDeep cut
The Final Cut
A bleak, Waters-dominated song-cycle of war and grief. Sombre and divisive. A poignant late record.
- Money from The Dark Side of the Moon · on Best Songs of the 1970s, Best 1970s Rock Songs
- Wish You Were Here from Wish You Were Here · on Best Rock Songs of All Time, Best 1970s Rock Songs
Tracks we've featured in our best-of lists — tap a title to find it on Amazon Music.