Progressive (or “prog”) rock is a broad genre that sprung from psychedelic pop in the 1960s and peaked in popularity in the 1970s. It was more experimental than pop in its time, drawing inspiration from a broad spectrum of genres, including classical, jazz, and folk. With long leash given to artists, prog rock focuses on music as art, highlighting technical skill, poetic lyrics, and performance. This produced a high volume of “concept” albums, often including notoriously long instrumental solos. As a result, the genre is sometimes viewed as self-indulgent or pretentious.
Key Artists: Yes; Pink Floyd; Jethro Tull; Emerson, Lake & Palmer; King Crimson; Genesis; and Rush.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
By Emerson, Lake, & Palmer
Pop/Rock Emerson, Lake & 1202-2
Foxtrot
By Genesis
Pop/Rock Genesis 2674
Thick as a Brick
By Jethro Tull
Pop/Rock Jethro Tull 0026
Larks’ Tongues in Aspic
By King Crimson
Pop/Rock King Crimson 0505
2112
By Rush
Pop/Rock Rush 5840 #1-3
