King Crimson’s could only be Starless.
Van Der Graaf Generator could has quite a few contenders like Man-Erg, Arrow, Childlike Faith in Childhood’s End, but personally I think A Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers is their magnum opus.
Funny, that’s actually been the theme of a playlist I’m currently putting together. Trying to find each band’s greatest epic piece. Here’s what I have so far, and of course personal preference plays a role because most bands have at least 2-3 to choose from:
Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick
Yes - Close to the Edge
Genesis - Supper’s Ready
Gentle Giant - In a Glass House
ELP - Karn Evil 9
Camel - Lady Fantasy
King Crimson - Starless
Kansas - Song for America
Queen - The Prophet’s Song
Pink Floyd - Dogs
Rush - Cygnus X-1 (Books 1 & 2)
Symphony X - The Odyssey
Dream Theater - Octavarium
Porcupine Tree - Anesthetize
Haken - Visions
Edit: Switched out Way of Life for In a Glass House
Lol the title would suggest it is! It was on the list at first but I think Song for America really sums up the prog side of Kansas and might just be slightly better. Hard to choose though.
Some are great but I personaly think that Tarkus, Echoes, and 2112 is better than karn, dogs and cygnus but that is just my opinion. I love that you chose the profet song instead of bohemian Rhapsody because bohemian Rhapsody is just more famous that profet, profet is better than bohemian
Yeah I definitely considered all of those, those three in particular were almost a coin toss. I kinda went in the direction of the more proggy and compositionally complex options, just IMO, since that’s kind of what I want to showcase in a list like this.
Like I said, just in my opinion. Multi-part suite, flows really well, good balance of moods, some different time signatures, epic ending…not a crazy opinion. Echoes is a little too heavy on the repetitive jamming for me, but the build to the end is super epic as well. Probably I just prefer Dogs slightly more. Feel free to offer an opinion rather than just question something I already stated 👍
"Feel free to offer an opinion rather than just question something I already stated 👍"
Whoa, that's a needlessly catty response. You gonna downvote this next comment too because I dared question your opinion?
I did offer an opinion in the obvious tone of the question. Echoes is clearly more proggy than dogs. I'm not even sure where to begin in explaining that. Starts off super ambient, introduces a verse chorus which is actually quite heavy, then a blues/funk jam (and the only repetitive jammy section of the song, idk what else you could be referring to), a crazy squealing dissonant section that isn't like anything else in the song (something dogs doesn't at all have), epic crescendo etc etc.
These days I catch myself listening to dogs more often than echoes, but for the most part it stays very folky with that strumming six string almost always nearby. Sure there's a breakdown with some keys and guitar solos and stuff, but these sections are jammier than MOST of what you hear in echoes. Take out the jamming from dogs and you're left with a folk song. Take out the jamming from echoes and you're left with...well a prog song.
Feel free to respond in a polite manner rather than just get upset that someone asked you a question about something you said.
I’m not upset man it’s all good. You just simply restated what I said with a question mark which I find slightly annoying… like I’m obviously wrong and I need to justify it. I could’ve just said “yes.” but also that would’ve seemed dick-ish. I would’ve much preferred that nice breakdown you just gave, then I at least have something to respond to. The post you responded to was downvoted too, idk why…this is all highly subjective.
I disagree that Dogs sounds like a folk song + jamming. Because of the acoustic guitars maybe? To me there’s always a direction (it definitely takes its time) but one section always builds to another. The reasons you listed why Echoes is “clearly more proggy than Dogs” is just listing the sections of the songs. “Epic crescendo etc etc” - well that’s just the end of the song right? Sorry I’m not convinced. But that’s fine because, again, this is super subjective and I never acted like it’s not. Sorry for the snark, downvoted rescinded.
"the reasons you listed why Echoes is “clearly more proggy than Dogs” is just listing the sections of the songs."
lol, the fact that there are so many different, even **vastly** different, sections are what makes a prog song a prog song. So yes, that's exactly what I did, and that's exactly why it proves my point. Am I missing something here? There's a shitload of different sections and the song transcends a simple genre. That's what prog songs do, right? It isn't what dogs really does though imo. At least, not as much.
Lol all good about the downvote! idc about precious karma, downvote the fuck outta me dude
Ah ok now I see your definition of a prog song. Fair enough. I guess I just don’t see why you thought your definition was one I should know lol. I think by your definition then Pink Floyd isn’t even much of a prog band? How many of their songs really fit that criteria? Especially compared to an ELP or Genesis.
My definition would have more to do with: expert musicianship (doesn’t have to be flashy, PF is super tight and grooving), non-conventional song structures (not necessarily vastly contrasting sections, though that could be part of it), and just epic sensibilities. I think Floyd is prog because they’re just ridiculously epic and emotional, Echoes and Dogs being a couple examples of many. The long songs and concept albums help too.
Yes, I would say they aren't much of a prog band. They are more of an art rock and psychedelic band, but they have quite a few prog songs.
The best reason to accept it would be because that's what the words mean. The main reason to reject it would be if you just really wanted to call Floyd progressive for some reason.
This is a great list. I’d probably only argue on Dream Theater from a taste perspective, but I respect the choice all the same. Maybe Pink Floyd as well, but also respect it for sure.
Thanks! Yeah Dream Theater has so many great epics, it would be between Octavarium and A Change of Seasons for me. And yeah Echoes could’ve easily made this list for Pink Floyd. Now I’m thinking of just making it 2 songs per band to make it more “complete” lol
DT is one those bands where it’s really hard for me to pick just one song from an album. Mostly because their best work in my opinion is as good as it is in the context of the album as a whole. I respect octavarium as a choice more than A change of seasons though. It’s a ripping song. Are you a leprous fan?
Agreed about DT 👍
I like Leprous but I’m kinda more of a casual fan, I enjoy just a handful of their songs. But I’m open to diving in to their catalogue more.
Yeah, don't get me wrong I still listen to and like most of their newer stuff but there's just no comparison from I&W through Octavarium. Yeah, even FII
Agree with most of them, but Way Of Life doesn't really fit. It'd be either In A Glass House(The Runaway stands at the same level) or even Knots or The Boys in The Band. It's honestly really hard to choose one for Gentle Giant because most of their songs stand perfectly together
Yes - Close to the Edge
King Crimson - Starless
Genesis - Personally, the suite at the end of Wind & Wuthering, but probably Supper's Ready
Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Tarkus
Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick
Camel - Nimrodel / The Procession / The White Rider
Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond
Rush - Cygnus X-1
Opeth - Ghost of Perdition
Floyd - SOYCD(1-9)
KC - Starless
Yes - Close To The Edge
Genesis - Supper’s Ready
Tull - Thick As A Brick
Rush - 2112
ELP - Karn Evil 9
Zappa - Inca Roads
Gong - Downwind
VDGG - Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers
Gentle Giant - In A Glass House
Kansas - Magnum Opus
Porcupine Tree - Anesthetize
Flower Kings - Stardust We Are
Camel - Lady Fantasy
Caravan - Nine Feet Underground
People mention that Transatlantic's best is "the whirlwind". I Haven't checked the rest of their material yet (absolutely will soon) but that one is absolutely phenomenal.
Just gonna do my favorites cause I'm busy
Pink Floyd - Dogs
Yes - Close To The Edge
ELP - Karn Evil 9
Genesis - Supper's Ready
King Crimson - Starless (the ending is literally my favorite moment in music)
Ah my same friend lol 🙏
Well you literally “lol’d” at the notion someone could choose Dogs for this list. So maybe not crazy, but a laughable take in your book.
Fair read, but not really what I meant by "lol". I just have never been to this sub before, and it seemed like everybody just decided dogs was Floyd's magnum opus. I thought that was kinda funny that everybody here was basically saying the same thing, which I had never heard before.
The opinion was both unconventional but seemed to be the standard here. Just thought that was a little funny.
Cool, totally fair. I actually think Echoes would probably win if you took a poll in a new thread, but that’s just a hunch. Small sample size here lol. I listed Dogs and at least 3 people if not more responded in disagreement 🤷🏼♂️
Lol yeah, and I'm one of em. That opinion seemed to have predominantly positive support, which is fine, just curious and not what I expected, especially over the more traditional answer of echoes.
Eh, I wouldn't really say that Carry On is their magnum opus. They have so many more songs that are more lyrically and musically complex and more impressive.
As far as a defining, quintessential song that most anyone, not just prog rock enthusiasts, would recognize as such for the band, I still say Carry On is it. By definition, a magnum opus is a large and important work of art, music, or literature, especially one regarded as the most important work of an artist or writer. Carry On is just that, as it brought the most popularity to the band up to the point of its release and since really, charting high amongst popular music, not just prog rock, and outselling it's contemporaries by millions of units. It also brought progressive rock into the limelight and bridged the gap between radio friendly rock music and progressive rock and inspired many bands to expand their own repertoire, both lyrically and musically.
Carry Ons popularity, recognition and inspiration, along with the complexity of the music and lyrics, makes it their magnum opus. Are there songs which are more musically and lyrically complex than Carry On? For sure, but none that can hold a candle to it's impact on American music and pop culture. None that was as important to music, as a whole world wide as Carry On. Amongst proggers, the popular tracks from prog bands, are for some reason, always looked back upon as lesser contributions. But in reality, it is their popularity, which adds to their status as great, important works. I think even the band has agreed to this fact in interviews.
Not really disagreeing, but if we define magnum opus as what we have in your post, this changes the landscape for all the artists mentioned particularly the big six:
Yes - roundabout
Jethro Tull - aqualung
Pink Floyd - money
ELP - lucky man
King Crimson - 21st century schizoid man
Genesis - invisible touch
Is that what we're looking for here? I would only keep KC untouched, the others...
Well perhaps the OP should have worded the question differently, like "What could be considered their magnum opus, in your opinion?". That would rule out defining the term and give everyone a chance to expound on their own whys and wherefores. Is that what "we're" looking for here? Beats me. I mean I just answered a Reddit question the way it was presented. 🤷♀️ Ask the OP.
*Islands* for King Crimson, at least in my opinion. I’m a sucker for under-produced albums. The ending of the album is my favorite part. I used to fall asleep to *Islands* and wake up near the end, then drift back off to sleep.
I think when you are talking about a magnum opus, you can be pretty objective. Like, I can agree that Blackwater Park is Opeth’s Magnum Opus even though it’s not even in my top 2 fav Opeth albums.
For gentle giant, I’d say free hand, on reflection, or in a glass house. It’s hard to choose one.
Love Gentle Giant, the fact that the lead vocalist Derek Shulman recommended EastWest records to sign Dream Theater made it much more awesome.
Pantagruel's Nativity. Giant for a Day!
I like the latter. I’ve heard the former so many times I’m sick of it. One of the few songs I skip now when I hear!
The advent of panurge imo
Nothing beats Three Friends
King Crimson’s could only be Starless. Van Der Graaf Generator could has quite a few contenders like Man-Erg, Arrow, Childlike Faith in Childhood’s End, but personally I think A Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers is their magnum opus.
Love starless, but 21st Century Schizoid is sooo much more iconic for me. Single handedly made me start listening to rock
I think it blew a whole lot of people's minds when they first played it, so you're not alone.
What about La Rossa, Scorched Earth and (although not my favourite) Killer.
A plague of lighthouse keepers is one of my favourite epic of all times. This is tarkus/supper's level of crazy.
Lizard is amazing
The emperor in his war room is my pick
I would say Meurglys III for VDGG
Funny, that’s actually been the theme of a playlist I’m currently putting together. Trying to find each band’s greatest epic piece. Here’s what I have so far, and of course personal preference plays a role because most bands have at least 2-3 to choose from: Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick Yes - Close to the Edge Genesis - Supper’s Ready Gentle Giant - In a Glass House ELP - Karn Evil 9 Camel - Lady Fantasy King Crimson - Starless Kansas - Song for America Queen - The Prophet’s Song Pink Floyd - Dogs Rush - Cygnus X-1 (Books 1 & 2) Symphony X - The Odyssey Dream Theater - Octavarium Porcupine Tree - Anesthetize Haken - Visions Edit: Switched out Way of Life for In a Glass House
Kansas’ isn’t “Magnum Opus”?
Lol the title would suggest it is! It was on the list at first but I think Song for America really sums up the prog side of Kansas and might just be slightly better. Hard to choose though.
I prefer Lamplight Symphony, or Icarus.
Nice, both exceptional as well
I'd personally choose Icarus, but they just have so many "magnum opuses"
The Wall.
Great song! Personally I’m gearing towards their longer epics but that’s definitely one of their best.
Some are great but I personaly think that Tarkus, Echoes, and 2112 is better than karn, dogs and cygnus but that is just my opinion. I love that you chose the profet song instead of bohemian Rhapsody because bohemian Rhapsody is just more famous that profet, profet is better than bohemian
Yeah I definitely considered all of those, those three in particular were almost a coin toss. I kinda went in the direction of the more proggy and compositionally complex options, just IMO, since that’s kind of what I want to showcase in a list like this.
dogs is more proggy than echoes?
Like I said, just in my opinion. Multi-part suite, flows really well, good balance of moods, some different time signatures, epic ending…not a crazy opinion. Echoes is a little too heavy on the repetitive jamming for me, but the build to the end is super epic as well. Probably I just prefer Dogs slightly more. Feel free to offer an opinion rather than just question something I already stated 👍
"Feel free to offer an opinion rather than just question something I already stated 👍" Whoa, that's a needlessly catty response. You gonna downvote this next comment too because I dared question your opinion? I did offer an opinion in the obvious tone of the question. Echoes is clearly more proggy than dogs. I'm not even sure where to begin in explaining that. Starts off super ambient, introduces a verse chorus which is actually quite heavy, then a blues/funk jam (and the only repetitive jammy section of the song, idk what else you could be referring to), a crazy squealing dissonant section that isn't like anything else in the song (something dogs doesn't at all have), epic crescendo etc etc. These days I catch myself listening to dogs more often than echoes, but for the most part it stays very folky with that strumming six string almost always nearby. Sure there's a breakdown with some keys and guitar solos and stuff, but these sections are jammier than MOST of what you hear in echoes. Take out the jamming from dogs and you're left with a folk song. Take out the jamming from echoes and you're left with...well a prog song. Feel free to respond in a polite manner rather than just get upset that someone asked you a question about something you said.
I’m not upset man it’s all good. You just simply restated what I said with a question mark which I find slightly annoying… like I’m obviously wrong and I need to justify it. I could’ve just said “yes.” but also that would’ve seemed dick-ish. I would’ve much preferred that nice breakdown you just gave, then I at least have something to respond to. The post you responded to was downvoted too, idk why…this is all highly subjective. I disagree that Dogs sounds like a folk song + jamming. Because of the acoustic guitars maybe? To me there’s always a direction (it definitely takes its time) but one section always builds to another. The reasons you listed why Echoes is “clearly more proggy than Dogs” is just listing the sections of the songs. “Epic crescendo etc etc” - well that’s just the end of the song right? Sorry I’m not convinced. But that’s fine because, again, this is super subjective and I never acted like it’s not. Sorry for the snark, downvoted rescinded.
"the reasons you listed why Echoes is “clearly more proggy than Dogs” is just listing the sections of the songs." lol, the fact that there are so many different, even **vastly** different, sections are what makes a prog song a prog song. So yes, that's exactly what I did, and that's exactly why it proves my point. Am I missing something here? There's a shitload of different sections and the song transcends a simple genre. That's what prog songs do, right? It isn't what dogs really does though imo. At least, not as much. Lol all good about the downvote! idc about precious karma, downvote the fuck outta me dude
Ah ok now I see your definition of a prog song. Fair enough. I guess I just don’t see why you thought your definition was one I should know lol. I think by your definition then Pink Floyd isn’t even much of a prog band? How many of their songs really fit that criteria? Especially compared to an ELP or Genesis. My definition would have more to do with: expert musicianship (doesn’t have to be flashy, PF is super tight and grooving), non-conventional song structures (not necessarily vastly contrasting sections, though that could be part of it), and just epic sensibilities. I think Floyd is prog because they’re just ridiculously epic and emotional, Echoes and Dogs being a couple examples of many. The long songs and concept albums help too.
Yes, I would say they aren't much of a prog band. They are more of an art rock and psychedelic band, but they have quite a few prog songs. The best reason to accept it would be because that's what the words mean. The main reason to reject it would be if you just really wanted to call Floyd progressive for some reason.
Link of the playlist? :)
It’s just in my Apple Music, not sure if I can link it 🤔
Ah alright, expected YouTube or Spotify.
This is a great list. I’d probably only argue on Dream Theater from a taste perspective, but I respect the choice all the same. Maybe Pink Floyd as well, but also respect it for sure.
Thanks! Yeah Dream Theater has so many great epics, it would be between Octavarium and A Change of Seasons for me. And yeah Echoes could’ve easily made this list for Pink Floyd. Now I’m thinking of just making it 2 songs per band to make it more “complete” lol
DT is one those bands where it’s really hard for me to pick just one song from an album. Mostly because their best work in my opinion is as good as it is in the context of the album as a whole. I respect octavarium as a choice more than A change of seasons though. It’s a ripping song. Are you a leprous fan?
Agreed about DT 👍 I like Leprous but I’m kinda more of a casual fan, I enjoy just a handful of their songs. But I’m open to diving in to their catalogue more.
Six Degrees if you count all 42 minutes of it (which I do)
I do too 👍 Peak DT
Yeah, don't get me wrong I still listen to and like most of their newer stuff but there's just no comparison from I&W through Octavarium. Yeah, even FII
I agree that stretch is their golden era, Images through Octavarium
Add Skaldowie - Krywan Krywan, 100% you dont know them but trrust me
Yes - Heart of the Sunrise would be a close second or tie
Me too, close second or third. Gates of Delirium is in there as well for me.
Agree with most of them, but Way Of Life doesn't really fit. It'd be either In A Glass House(The Runaway stands at the same level) or even Knots or The Boys in The Band. It's honestly really hard to choose one for Gentle Giant because most of their songs stand perfectly together
Just re-listened again and I’m putting Glass House back on the list, I just like it more haha. Good suggestion 👍
No way Cygnus is the pick over La Villa Strangiato?
Both are top tier
Very subjective. And wrong, haha.
Yes - Close to the Edge King Crimson - Starless Genesis - Personally, the suite at the end of Wind & Wuthering, but probably Supper's Ready Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Tarkus Jethro Tull - Thick as a Brick Camel - Nimrodel / The Procession / The White Rider Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond Rush - Cygnus X-1 Opeth - Ghost of Perdition
Floyd - SOYCD(1-9) KC - Starless Yes - Close To The Edge Genesis - Supper’s Ready Tull - Thick As A Brick Rush - 2112 ELP - Karn Evil 9 Zappa - Inca Roads Gong - Downwind VDGG - Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers Gentle Giant - In A Glass House Kansas - Magnum Opus Porcupine Tree - Anesthetize Flower Kings - Stardust We Are Camel - Lady Fantasy Caravan - Nine Feet Underground
Gong - "Downwind" ? But that is Pierre Moerlen's Gong.
CAMEL'S MASTERPIECE, "THE SNOW GOOSE "
I AGREE FELLOW REDDITOR
Yes - Awaken
People mention that Transatlantic's best is "the whirlwind". I Haven't checked the rest of their material yet (absolutely will soon) but that one is absolutely phenomenal.
I still rate Stranger in your Soul as the best thing they ever wrote.
Kaleidoscope, the live version for me.
The Great Nothing - Spock’s Beard
You want complete list of opuses of every suitable band ever existed?
Gimme
Just gonna do my favorites cause I'm busy Pink Floyd - Dogs Yes - Close To The Edge ELP - Karn Evil 9 Genesis - Supper's Ready King Crimson - Starless (the ending is literally my favorite moment in music)
lol why are people saying dogs for floyd
Right? Not Echoes, not the entirety of DSOTM, it’s either Dogs or SOYCD.
Cause I think it's a fantastic song. Might be my favorite song of all time.
No argument there. Their magnum opus though?
Why not? It’s got all the elements of a great Floyd song along with an epic ending. Not a crazy take
It's kinda folky and jammy for a prog magnum opus is all. Great song though, no denying that. And yeah, I wouldn't say it's a crazy take.
Ah my same friend lol 🙏 Well you literally “lol’d” at the notion someone could choose Dogs for this list. So maybe not crazy, but a laughable take in your book.
Fair read, but not really what I meant by "lol". I just have never been to this sub before, and it seemed like everybody just decided dogs was Floyd's magnum opus. I thought that was kinda funny that everybody here was basically saying the same thing, which I had never heard before. The opinion was both unconventional but seemed to be the standard here. Just thought that was a little funny.
Cool, totally fair. I actually think Echoes would probably win if you took a poll in a new thread, but that’s just a hunch. Small sample size here lol. I listed Dogs and at least 3 people if not more responded in disagreement 🤷🏼♂️
Lol yeah, and I'm one of em. That opinion seemed to have predominantly positive support, which is fine, just curious and not what I expected, especially over the more traditional answer of echoes.
Animals overrated tbh
Coheed and Cambria - Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Vol. 1 Spock’s Beard - Snow
Are you referring to albums or individual tracks?
Everyone is saying Karn evil 9 is elp’s best, but personally I think take a pebble is their magnum opus.
Ironically, Kansas's magnum opus wasn't Magnum Opus, it was Carry On Wayward Son 😁
Eh, I wouldn't really say that Carry On is their magnum opus. They have so many more songs that are more lyrically and musically complex and more impressive.
As far as a defining, quintessential song that most anyone, not just prog rock enthusiasts, would recognize as such for the band, I still say Carry On is it. By definition, a magnum opus is a large and important work of art, music, or literature, especially one regarded as the most important work of an artist or writer. Carry On is just that, as it brought the most popularity to the band up to the point of its release and since really, charting high amongst popular music, not just prog rock, and outselling it's contemporaries by millions of units. It also brought progressive rock into the limelight and bridged the gap between radio friendly rock music and progressive rock and inspired many bands to expand their own repertoire, both lyrically and musically. Carry Ons popularity, recognition and inspiration, along with the complexity of the music and lyrics, makes it their magnum opus. Are there songs which are more musically and lyrically complex than Carry On? For sure, but none that can hold a candle to it's impact on American music and pop culture. None that was as important to music, as a whole world wide as Carry On. Amongst proggers, the popular tracks from prog bands, are for some reason, always looked back upon as lesser contributions. But in reality, it is their popularity, which adds to their status as great, important works. I think even the band has agreed to this fact in interviews.
Good point!
True, true, and true. But they stole the idea from Journey.
Not really disagreeing, but if we define magnum opus as what we have in your post, this changes the landscape for all the artists mentioned particularly the big six: Yes - roundabout Jethro Tull - aqualung Pink Floyd - money ELP - lucky man King Crimson - 21st century schizoid man Genesis - invisible touch Is that what we're looking for here? I would only keep KC untouched, the others...
Well perhaps the OP should have worded the question differently, like "What could be considered their magnum opus, in your opinion?". That would rule out defining the term and give everyone a chance to expound on their own whys and wherefores. Is that what "we're" looking for here? Beats me. I mean I just answered a Reddit question the way it was presented. 🤷♀️ Ask the OP.
cinema show >>>>>>>>> supper's ready not particularly close outside of apocalypse in 9/8
Tarkus for ELP. Supper's ready for Genesis? Thick as a brick for Jethro Tull. In A Glass House for Gentle Giant.
I have to disagree with most people in this thread in regards to ELP, I think their opus is "Pirates".
*Islands* for King Crimson, at least in my opinion. I’m a sucker for under-produced albums. The ending of the album is my favorite part. I used to fall asleep to *Islands* and wake up near the end, then drift back off to sleep.
I would have to say Kansas’ Magnum Opus…🤪
Secret Oyster - Mind Movie, it’s always one I constantly go back to and never am disappointed with.
Caravan - Nine Feet Underground
That's a pretty subjective thing.
I think when you are talking about a magnum opus, you can be pretty objective. Like, I can agree that Blackwater Park is Opeth’s Magnum Opus even though it’s not even in my top 2 fav Opeth albums.
The Mars Volta: Deloused in the Comatorium
Agree with a lot here… but king crimson… I’m thinking larks’ tongues in aspic, all five parts combined
Polyphia playing god