Ten Perfect PROG Albums | RANKED 

Led Zeppelin 4?!!! Wow, this is a huge surprise to me! I have never considered LZ as a prog band. In my book, LZ is the heavy blues band

Close to the edge is very well chosen. The main track defines the prog rock in the better way possible.

Absolutely incredible list. Thanks so much for sharing this. Keep up the great work!

For me, in no particular order: King Crimson: In the Court of the Crimson King Yes: Fragile Genesis: Selling England by the Pound Jethro Tull: Aqualung Gentle Giant: Three Friends Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here The Moody Blues: Every Good Boy Deserves Favour Rush: A Farewell to Kings Emerson, Lake & Palmer: Trilogy Strawbs: Hero and Heroine Honorable mentions: Genesis: A Trick of the Tail Gentle Giant: Octopus Van der Graaf Generator: Godbluff ELO: Face the Music ELO: Eldorado Yes: The Yes Album Yes: Close to the Edge Pink Floyd: Animals Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon Jethro Tull: Thick as a Brick Jethro Tull: Songs from the Wood Rush: 2112 The Moody Blues: On the Threshold of a Dream The Moody Blues: To Our Children's Children's Children Genesis: Wind & Wuthering Genesis: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway Supertramp: Crime of the Century Supertramp: Crisis? What Crisis? Supertramp: Even in the Quietest Moments... Strawbs: Nomadness Mike Oldfield: Tubular Bells

Great list and great video! Loved the end, could watch the portal while Gong is playing! Visions of the Emerald Beyond gives me goosebumps every time I put it on...I always crank that one up so I can FEEL it.

Musical preferences may be the same or different, but what I like is your sincere emotions and spontaneity.

Hands down your Most Perfect Video. Loved it! And I agree with you about Dark Side of the Moon being 6th. What I find unfathomable is your leaving Thick as a Brick off your list.

None of these albums comes close to Emerson, Lake and Palmer's Brain Salad Surgery. Karn Evil 9 is a prog masterpiece.

Thanks for the list and entertainment, Andy. I've got some albums to try out now! 😎

I love you Andy! Your channel has become my favorite place to get information and entertainment on the music I love. Your English aesthetic is a wonderful treat that puts your channel second to none. Thank you, for a hilarious review.😉

Very much so ! In 1975 when I first listened to "Visions From The Emerald Beyond" I was destroyed: my life just started and I already had the ultimate experience. What other ecstasy could possibly ever happen to me? What muse came through John McLaughlin's window that night? Made in Heaven!

This video randomly landed in my feed and what a great find. I would love to sit down with this fella and have a few pints, spliffs and listen to this list of perfect albums in a row, and have a good long chinwag about the music, the universe & everything! Top list and even more brilliant attitude!!

"Moving Pictures"....great pick...and GREAT comedy relief in your video. Big smiles !!

Hemispheres is Rush’s prog masterwork.

Well, I finally watched the whole thing. I can't say I agree with everything, but I LOVED your justifications, Andy. Especially the one about Visions of Emerald Beyond. Loved it.

First time visiting your channel and I think I’ll stay! Very informative AND entertaining! I have no problem with your picks, I know them all but will be revisiting them 😊

Great list, lovely and funny presentation, and I *love* the fact that you included You from Gong. One of the "greatest but most overlooked albums" of that time. I've know it since the seventies and still come back to it from time to time. What a wonderful, wonderful album, and what a surprise to find it here! And, bonus, finally. someone who puts CTTE in its proper place! 't Was a joy to watch you rant :).

I've been enjoying prog rock for 24 years and seeing videos like this makes me realise that I have barely scratched the surface of the genre.

This video just popped up on my feed and I'm so glad it did. I made a RU-vid Music playlist on this and can't wait to listen in entirety.

Thanks Andy, great stuff!

Andy....your best video yet!! Your analysis of this amazing music is profound and hugely entertaining at the same time!! The Mahavishnu album is out and ready to be played!! Thankyou!

I’ve been regularly listening to Hatfield and the North’s two studio albums since the 1970’s and still love them. 50 years of perfection surely.

I love these lists. It's great fun to hear other's thoughts and opinions.

One of your best, informed, and entertaining. 👍🏻

Great list, Andy. Have not heard the Gong album, but will check it out immediately. The zeppelin choice could be debatable, but it’s your list, your channel, so I’ll go with it. lol Enjoyed this a bunch. Thanks

Close to the edge, is the album that defines prog rock at its best, and why no one could do it better than YES.

Oh man, I absolutely love the rant about OLD MUSICIANS! The rants and the lauds in your vidz are phenomenal!

Andy, thanks for the rant, great as always.

it's the Crime of the Century that you left Supertramp off of your list! 😉

Intelligence + entertainment + enthusiasm=Andy Edwards! Awesome video

This had me in stitches! On the ‘nouveau bourgeois’ Corner! Genius. You know what corner you are on with Miles and it’s scary. Fantastic work. Your tangents are on fire 😂😂😂

Great list Andy and have spent the last 4 days playing some of the ones which I don’t always reach for, the Gong album in particular which I really enjoyed. The M O are albums I always reach for. Great video, very entertaining.

Hey Andy, big fan of the channel. Just a note on the addition of the light. The reflection of the light on your glasses often masks your eyes. As you know, the eyes are an important communicator so something is lost IMO. I get that you’re experimenting so I just wanted to share some feedback. I hope it’s useful. Personally, I like the lofi, no-nonsense approach of just grabbing a camera and using the room/window light as I think it suits the philosophy of the channel but that’s just my opinion. Keep up the great work!

You're right! From the Mahavishnu Orchestra I only knew Birds of fire, which I wasn't a huge fan of, but you made me give a listen to Visions of the Emerald Beyond, and it's absolutely amazing. I can't believe I was able to miss this for so long. Thanks a lot. (Talking about Genesis I'm afraid I'm more the Trick of the Tail kind of guy, but that's ok, we all know the guy with the silly voice.)

I really appreciate your enthusiasm.

Superb! Andy you are a demented genius. Music would not be the same without you. Thank you.

Close to the Edge is the the Epitome of Progressive Rock.there are so many great albuns of Progressive Rock that is very dificult to name only 10,but Close to the Edge is the number one for me.Thank you.

"Moving Pictures" is prog, and it's awesome.

Currently listening to your first recommendation, the album "Romatic Warrior". Absolutely incredible, the production is fantastic, as is the musicianship. Cheers!

yep! finally! a good microphone!! 🤩cheers mate.. another great show too

Prog or not Dark Side is the greatest rock album of all time, Water’s latest silly dalliance does nothing to shrink it.

Yes- Relayer Yes- Close to the Edge Pink Floyd- Wish You Were Here King Crimson- Larks Tongues King Crimson- Discipline Caravan- Land of Grey and Pink Mike Oldfield- Ommadawn (yes, including the horseback song!) Camel- Snow Goose Camel- Moonmadness Jethro Tull- Thick As A Brick all perfection

What a absolutely fantastic video have a wonderful day Andy ❤😊

Smashing presentation, Andy. Your videos have never been more entertaining. I had/have 6 of these ditties. Such cosmic music for the far out, but not necessarily in the red sky. I guess the first prog record I head was King Crimson, In the Court of the Crimson King. At the time, I didn't know it was prog, actually, I didn't know it was anything, except I liked it, and we used to play it so LOUD!

Oh! This is so hard! For me: Yes - close yo the edge King crimson- Red Tangerine dream -Phaedra Steve Hillage- L Genesis- A trick of the tail Magma- Udu Wudu King Crimson - Discipline Kate Bush - The dreaming Porcupine tree - Stupid dream PFM - Stati di imaginazione Also, my hot take; I've never been a huge fan of Black dog

UK were one of my favourite bands around 1979ish. For me, their first album is the perfect album.

Love your style. Keep on. :)

First time I have listened to your show. Yoire crazy and I love it. I love Yes, Genesis and King Crimson. I'm looking forward to listening to all the bands you mentioned. Can't wait. Love your sense of humor. Bahaha❤

fantastic Andy, strangely i would almost completely reverse your choices. but i cracked up hearing you sing parts, being a drummer myself, my now deceased sweet heart used to tell me she had no idea wtf i was singing, i used to say bs to her, im singing the whole fuckin ensemble , how can you not hear it.......great job man.

Good List. Perfect Album: Heavy Weather by Weather Report. Is it prog? Yea.

That was hilarious and mostly right in line with my own thoughts on perfect albums.

What a great list! Also, you really made me laugh with your comments about Roger Water (I completely agree with you), Rush and your experience in the car playing Mahavishnu Orchestra. Well done mate.

I mention Kansas. I suppose it’s easy to poke fun at their imitative takes on British prog. But surely there had to be an answer from across the pond, and in the middle of the heartland at that.

1.Close to the Edge-Yes 2.Wish You Were Here-Pink Floyd 3.Red-King Crimson 4.Fish Rising-Steve Hillage 5.Foxtrot-Genesis 6.Pawn Hearts-Van Der Graff Generator 7. In the Land of Grey and Pink-Caravan 8.Space Shanty-Khan 9. Thick as a Brick-Jethro Tull 10. Inner Mounting Flame -Mahavishnu Orchestra

Definitely has my top 3. Rush Pink Floyd Yes Then Genesis, Led Zep, ELP, etc... Prog has been my music since 1975 when I had begun to get into music and recieved my first drum kit at 7yo. Thank you, I have learned a few bands I had not heard of and definitely will give all their music the good old run through. Always learning how prog music foundations stay the same in time change, story line, and just raw expositioning a musicians skill as it has processed up to that time. Just beautiful brand of music honestly and perfect next to the old real classical brand. Great you tube channel and this video was almost perfect. I would love an perfect album exposition by you or each of your descriptions of perfect during a playthrough. Maybe not a real money maker for you but maybe a little something at a set price that you and us could commit to and make it worth all our while.. Just a suggestion. If you love prog you really love showing and explaining why it's so awesome.

2 minutes in, excited to hear this! I am rooting that Kansas Leftoverture and Jethro Tull Aqualung are in.... okay pressing play now, I know I will love this!! and of course, I liked and subscribed.... this won me!

I can't use the words I want to, but I am 100% behind you on the Rush call. Moving pictures does not have a single weak track on it.

Andy, your maniacal energy and bottomless knowledge knowledge of music is incredible. It has made me re-think many of my pre-held conceptions of prog, jazz, fusion etc. Keep up the good work mate! You are a crazy bastard, but that’s why we love you. Take Care.

I love that you mentioned "Visions of the Emerald Beyond." That album was very inspirational to me as a drummer, it was actually my first introduction to Mahavishnu Orchestra, it knocked my socks off, much like "In the Court of the Crimson King." Narada Michael Walden , as a drummer, is extremely underrated.

Hello from Northern California 🎉!! My RU-vid algorithm brought me here on Mar. 29th, 2024. What a blast I've had watching this post!!! Some albums in your list I was unaware of... some I own. Moving Pictures rant is spot on!! If I may sound a bit British... "... it's bloody good and spot on!!!" Well done 🎉💯😎💥👏

Outstanding list, Andy. Some more: Bruford - One of a Kind Zappa - One Size Fits All Focus - Hamburger Concerto 801 live Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Solar Fire

No order, just off top of head....based on songs/arrangements, performances, production, 1. Moving Pictures - Rush - best sounding, recorded, and performed album of all-time 2. Foxtrot - Genesis 3. Yes Album - Yes 4. Aqualung - Tull 5. Crime of the Century - Supertramp 6. For Your Pleasure - Roxy Music 7. OK Computer - Radiohead 8. Tommy - The Who 9. Physical Graffiti - Zeppelin 10. Hemispheres - Rush

Really great list! yeah we can all quibble about it but no knocking this and your enthusiasm Andy. Got two rather obscure ones that I think are also perfect.

You make me laugh the hardest of any RU-vidr. 😂😂😂

@AndyEdwardsDrummer I do enjoy your list but IMO, you missed some: Dream Theater - Images And Words Spock's Beard - Snow Kansas - Leftoverture Jethro Tull - Thick As A Brick Rush - A Farewell To Kings (I think Moving Pictures is absolutely epic, but AFTK is a more fitting choice for the Prog Rock genre) Cheers, Brent

Pausing the video to say no gentle giant!? But Octopus is the epitome of a perfect prog album - lovely production throughout, a plethora of unique compositions and styles, a real sit down experience front to back. Ok, time to watch the rest of the video.

Thank you for reminding me to listen to Miles On The Corner.. Excellent topic re: "perfect" vs "best, etc... Very entertaining. Cheers!

Enjoyed it. Interesting to see someone else's take on early prog. Of course I don't agree, but you knew that. We are however, ordering off the same menu.

I just found Romantic Warrior a couple years ago. Have the live album as well. Awesome! Have been a huge Stanley Clarke fan for many years, but never looked at them. Also, just bought the UK album last year.

It's good we all have different tastes. For me, none of those albums are perfect, although some are very good. The only prog albums I can think of which are perfect are The Snow Goose by Camel, The Tain by Horslips, The Dreams of Man by Pallas, Subterranea by IQ, The Visitor and Contagion by Arena (I couldn't pick), The Masquerade Overture by Pendragon, Free Hand by Gentle Giant, Second Life Syndrome by Riverside, Moonshine by Collage, The Last Bright Light by Mostly Autumn, Folklore by Big Big Train and Seasons End by Marillion. I'd also include Sleepwalking by Gerry Rafferty, which isn't generally considered to be prog, but I think it is. There's about a dozen you may not have heard of but are all amazing! Whoops! I forgot The Old Road by Martin Orford, my all-time favourite keyboards player. You probably know that album.

Thanks for your No. 10 album! Listened to it a bit on the interwebs first, but... Just bought it. 🖖

Andy, I listened to Mahavishnu's Visions last night on headphones last night & realised I'd forgotten how amazing it is! By pure coincidence I watched your list this morning over a coffee & loved your review & re-enactment - it had me in stitches.I wouldn't disagree with your N0.2 spot, tho Inner Worlds gives it a run for its money. I'll bang it on next time kids & grandkids are round & see their reaction!

Moving Pictures IS perfect, indeed.

Great list!! BUT how about prog from countries beyond the UK/US, say from central, eastern, and southern Europe? Japan?? Andy, I love your channel, but how about making a TOP 10 Kraut rock list? So many awesome groups to choose from, only from Germany: Amon Duul II, Popol Vuh, Kraan, Guru Guru, Faust, Ash Ra Tempel, Jane, Can.. etc Just an idea :)

Great selection..!!!

Many thanks for this video. I wouldn't call myself a prog fan, but I do love Pink Floyd, and some Rush tunes. This video has got me enthusiastic about listening to a few of theseTop Ten albums.

Does anyone else agree that 'Money' doesn't fit in with the rest of Dark Side Of The Moon?

Bitches Brew is my favorite Progressive Rock album. Is it progressive rock? Of course it is

Well done on picking Nursery Cryme. Such a fantastic album. And yes Harlequin is superb !!!

Loved your analysis…..but your ‘On the corner’ riff was the highlight!

I saw Return to Forever perform at the 2,000+ seat Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, California when they were doing their (1977-78?) tour featuring the Romantic Warrior album. Prior to that I had seen a lot of big names; Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Cream, the Doors... just to name a few. Fine as they were, none of them could compare to the absolute musicianship of the band Return to Forever. I'd had the album for a while and knew it well. Every single note was perfectly played, never a misstep, absolute masters of their instruments and perfect timing between the players.

Zep IV prog? What planet are you living on?

At various times in my life, about 5 of these albums have been a then-current favorite of all albums, mostly during the 80's but still remain beloved and get listens several times a year.

Nice vid! thanks 😊 So hard to boil it down to 10. I would struggle with that Some great works of art in that list tho TAAB and GGiant for the win... Loved the studio story wuth the LZ master tape wow! Big high fives from a true prog lover btw completely off topic but milliontown came up on shuffle in car this morning

I can't think of many but a few for me are a trick of the tail, thick as a brick, CTTE, relayer and wish you were here.

I agreed with your list especially having Gong here

Great video Andy.I'm not going like others and write down a whole list list of perfect albums.What i will do is agree with you on most what have you said especially Selling England by the pound which would have been a perfect album but was ruined by the battle of epping forest and that Visions of the Emerald beyond is a brilliant Album

Red Barchetta is pretty dark if you think about it.

I have listened to Dark Side probably a dozen hundreds times over 40+ years and never thought it was prog. It simply isn't. With all it greatness, it belongs elsewhere. Perhaps Wish You - more so.

Appreciate the love for Romantic Warrior. A favourite of mine since I was in college. Definitely a cat amongst the pigeons :) Great list overall.

I will only mention1, but I'll also say "why!" Genesis *A Trick of the Tail* because: Every song is high quality & adheres to Genesis' sound at the time. There is considerable variety of mood and tempo. The band continue their pioneering practice of transitioning musically from one section to another as opposed to the "butt edit" sound of records like "Court of the Crimson King," "Good Vibrations," "Take a Pebble," etc. The last track on the album combines music from several preceding songs, giving the recording a wholeness. Yes, I've heard other records that include a reprise of a single song, but this was different as it reworked several songs into a new one. There's even an Easter Egg at the end as Phil sings a line from "Suppers Ready" during the fadeout.

The Art of Noise tune was "Close to the Edit"

I come for knowledge. I stay for the humor. I loved your analysis of “On the Corner”.

Led Zeppelin is not Prog Rock, it's Blues Rock. It's absolutely fantastic ground breaking legendary Rock Music.

Correct me if I am wrong,but the Art of Noise track was called Close to the Edit.not Close To The Edge.

Hi Andy - spot on with Roger Waters and his version of DSotM. Agree also with the Jeff Lynne remakes - I find it disingenuous to think that he can better the originals with all that the other members of ELO brought to the classic recordings. It’s Jeff Lynne’s ‘Richard Wagner’ moment 🤣 cheers Matt

Nice, I liked and subscribed

A wonderful selection. Most I agree with but it is what it is.

It was Eddie Jobson that overdubbed violin on USA

1.Tales from Topographic Oceans 2.Wish You Were Here 3.Close to the Edge 4.In the Court of the Crimson King 5.The Yes Album 6.The Dark Side of the Moon 7.Selling England by the Pound 8.Foxtrot 9 Animals 10.Crime of the Century