CD-Charts Position 111
Average Rating:

Close to the Edge

CD-Charts > Music > Progressive
by: Yes

Release Date August 26, 2003
For fans of progressive rock it does not get much better than this. Yes decided to go all out on this one releasing an entire album that consisted of only 3 tracks. The title track "Close To The Edge" clocks in at just under 19 minutes. "And You And I" is just over 10 minutes, and "Siberian Khatru" is just under 9 minutes. Yes was willing to take chances and this is one time that it really paid off. Most Yes fans consider "Close" to be one of their all time great albums. I for the most part agree, although I have never been a huge fan of the song "And You And I". The title track is as good as anything the band has ever done, and ranks up with the top progressive rock compositions of all time. "Siberian Khatru" is another great one where ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 112
Average Rating:

Ammonia Avenue

CD-Charts > Music > Progressive
by: Alan Parsons

Release Date September 30, 2008
Ammonia Avenue was the Project's seventh studio album. It peaked at #15 on the charts & was the last Project album that cracked the Top 20. It had more charting singles than any other Project album. The songs that charted: "You Don't Believe" (#54 Hot 100), "Ammonia Avenue" (#15 Top 200), "Don't Answer Me" (#15 Hot 100) & "Prime Time" (#34 Hot 100). Ammonia Avenue could be considered the last album of Parsons early or classic era or it could be considered the transitional album before the late era. It's certainly the dividing line for the Project's impact on album or singles charts. Most of the usual suspects are here as lead vocalists: Eric Woolfson, Lenny Zakatek, Chris Rainbow & Colin Blunstone. surprisingly, there isn't a lead vocal ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 113
Average Rating:

Once

CD-Charts > Music > Progressive
by: Nightwish

Release Date October 05, 2004
I first heard of this band after one of my friends found out I was a fan of the female fronted rock band Evanescence. As an expert on symphonic metal, my friend let me borrow his copy of this album, and I was blown away. Although I still love Evanescence, Nightwish easily outclasses them in orchastration and complexity, creating a rich gothic atmosphere that is hard to surpass. Fans of Amy Lee's excellent vocals will fall in love with Tarja Turrunen, whose operatic vocals give this album a unique mixture combined with the heavy metal sound.
This album catches your attention right from the opening number, Dark Chest of Wonders,before going into the heavier track, Wish I Had an Angel. It then goes into Nemo, a beautiful and slow building rock ballad ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 114
Average Rating:

It's a Beautiful Day

CD-Charts > Music > Progressive
by: It's a Beautiful Day

Release Date November 13, 2001
Here's one of the lesser-known but absolutely essential albums of the 1960s, one that captures the innocence & optimism that touched the lives of so many during that sadly brief time. What jaded reviewers dismiss as empty & shallow was something very real & vibrant then -- and we could use more of it today, when times are so grim & bitter, and the human spirit has been crushed in all too many individuals. As the song says, "White bird must fly / Or she will die."

From the quintessential opening track, to the sprawling three-part suite of Side 2 (for those who remember LPs), this is a strong collection of songs imbued with the sense of endless possibilities abroad then. Naive? Yes, to some degree. But as another American original once ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 115
Average Rating:

Hemispheres

CD-Charts > Music > Progressive
by: Rush

Release Date May 06, 1997
I think that Hemispheres is Rush's best 70s album, and definatly one of the best records thay ever made. Most people will say 2112 or Kings are better, because they are more recognizable/popular, however I disagree with that assesment. The title track is the finest extended song that band has ever written, the lyrics are really amazing when you read along to the music. It is far more substaintial and better crafted then 2112. Be prepared for a strange trip with Hemispheres, it is the most progressive work of Rush, which sadly would not be approached again after it's release and tour. Circumstances is a short, yet highly sophisticated rocker stuffed with time changes and exotic instruments employed. The Trees is another fan favorite that relies on Neil's fable like story ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 116
Average Rating:

Even in the Quietest Moments

CD-Charts > Music > Progressive
by: Supertramp

Release Date June 11, 2002
Supertramp is basically a band that likes to focus their music on writing excellent songs, sort of like Elton John or Billy Joel. Supertramp's style, however, is more laid back and they like to extend their songs a bit further than most. As a songwriting band, they're pretty good at what they do, and I recommend this album in particular for its overall consistency and enjoyable value. "Fool's Overture" steps away from the other songs with its big, bombastic style, and it's over 10 minutes of memorable music.

CD-Charts Position 117
Average Rating:

Letting Go of Stress

CD-Charts > Music > Progressive
by: Steven Halpern, Emmett Miller

Release Date June 03, 2003
CD is very calming and helpful with effective relaxation exercises. Soft, soothing male voice takes you through a visualization of different muscle groups with tightening then letting go of them. My husband always fall asleep before one session is over. This has been very helpful in treating his Chronic Pelvis Pain Syndrome.

CD-Charts Position 118
Average Rating:

A Night at the Opera

CD-Charts > Music > Progressive
by: Queen

Release Date September 03, 1991
Listening to this great CD today, I can remember why it was one of my favorite albums in my senior year in HS. Queen really knew how to produce a cohesive album. This album is so eclectic in styles and yet somehow it all fits together so well I can't imagine the album without all of the songs and in the order they were placed. Now this CD offers alternative versions of two of the songs, well I wouldn't have done that, but in the wonderful digital age we can make the albums we own into any order of presentation we want, so that is a trifling issue.

At the time I remember the Brian May disclaimer on the bottom that no synthesizers were used to create this album. In 1975 I didn't get that, but by the early 80's I completely understood. Finally, in 2008 it seems that ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 119
Average Rating:

Live In Gdansk (2CD/1 DVD)

CD-Charts > Music > Progressive
by: David Gilmour

Release Date September 23, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed "Live In Gdansk" and I'm recommending to everyone..Though he released another show from this tour about a year or so ago this one holds up. Its also the last we'll see of the great Richard Wright who passed away just days before "..Gdansk" was released. The song selection is a bit different from the previous disc also.

CD-Charts Position 120
Average Rating:

A Farewell to Kings

CD-Charts > Music > Progressive
by: Rush

Release Date May 06, 1997
The title of this album says it all. In this album, Rush finally manages to finally distance themselves from their blatant Led Zeppelin roots heard in previous albums. The Hard Rocking riffs still appear without shame, but here Rush mixes in synth and complex time signatures and inventive song structures. And while they've continued to evolve since this release I still believe this to be their best.
In terms of songwriting this album kills. Xanadu, based on the opium-induced Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem Kubla Khan is in my mind unquestionly the best song this band ever penned. It opens with ethreal moog synthesizer sounds, and builds up into a complex 11 minute rocking tale of the search for immortality. The lyrics are mindblowingly vivid and the musicianship is absolutely stellar. ... Read More: