Animals

Hard to believe I haven't put a Pink Floyd album on here yet, and I thought this one should be the first. From beginning to end, Animals remains aurally interesting and thematically strong. 95% of this album consists three songs (with a short intro song and outro song). These three songs (pigs, dogs, and sheep) are loosely adapted form George Orwell's Animal Farm. Pigs symbolizes the corrupt, ruthless leaders who care only for the interests of themselves and their donors. Dogs represent the ruthless and competitive business class, who would betray their friends to get ahead. Sheep represent the people: They are passive and lack critical thinking. Overall, the album is a spells out a harsh critique of mid 1970s British society. The album starts and ends with two versions of the same song: Pigs on the Wing parts 1 and 2. These songs offer a more hopeful outlook on society, stressing that people can find meaning and safety from the oppressive world through their personal relationships. Musically, this album is absolutely incredible. My favorite track is definitely Dogs, the sweeping vocals are amazing and David Gilmour's guitar solos are a highlight. The beautiful guitar harmony that comes in his second solo (at 3:40) is one of my favorite moments on the track. Absolutely a gateway drug for anyone looking to get in to Pink Floyd.