Pink Floyd is one of the few bands that have managed to age tremendously. They make even more sense in the modern world than they did in the 80s’. But you will find many mansplaining, pseudo-intellectual gym bros who will try to explain the ‘depth’ and the ‘socio-political climate’ of the lyrics. Sometimes it’s hard to enjoy the same things social groups like these enjoy. Once you weed out all such music snobs who believe listening to Pink Floyd is a personality trait that makes them superior to everybody else, this listening experience is almost spiritual. However, it can also get supremely depressing. Especially in a world that already goes through regular socio-political strife. But if you’re ready to deliberately throw yourself into the abyss, listen to these songs by Pink Floyd.
Wish You Were Here
Yes, I know this one’s one of the most common choices. But popular choices aren’t inferior by nature. This is just a belief perpetuated by the aforementioned brand of gym bros who only voice ‘unpopular opinions’ because their personality is too dull otherwise. Wish You Were Here tops this list because it features one of the greatest guitar solos by David Gilmour. Although this solo takes up less than a minute, it’s that part of the song you’ll keep replaying. With lyrics by Roger Waters that speak of ‘the same old fear’, Wish You Were Here remains a cult favorite for a reason.
Shine on You Crazy Diamond
This song can get overwhelming once you realize why it was written and whom it was written for. Roger Waters write Shine on You Crazy Diamond for Syd Barrett, the co-founder of PinkFloyd. Barrett struggled with maniacal episodes and battled extreme mental illnesses. Consequently, he had to quit the band in 1968. As a tribute to one of PinkFloyd’s greatest geniuses, Waters wrote the lyrics to Shine On You Crazy Diamond. The song also paints a disturbingly real picture of depression with lyrics that compare Barrett’s eyes to ‘black holes in the sky’.
Brain Damage
Brain Damage is another one of the band’s greatest hits. While it was significantly popular when it first came out in the 70s’, it makes even more sense today. Mental illness was undeniably very much pervasive in the 70s’ too, but it wasn’t talked about as much as it is now. The internet and social media have allowed us to unveil the inner workings of our minds, albeit a bit too much at times. In today’s world of over information, Brain Damage makes even more sense. People relate to it deeply, which is a depressing thought in itself. Regardless, the lyrics are haunting, chilling, and Ingenius at the same time.
