Broken Barricades
Procol Harum · 1971
34 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
Orchestral arrangements and poetic lyrics create an expansive soundscape that merges rock with classical influences.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Simple Sister Start here — This track features lush orchestration paired with reflective lyrics that encapsulate the album's art rock essence, showcasing Procol Harum's signature sound.
-
→
Broken Barricades — The title track combines evocative imagery with intricate melodies, representing the thematic depth and musical sophistication found throughout the album.
-
→
Power Failure — With its dynamic shifts and powerful instrumentation, this song exemplifies the progressive rock elements that define much of the album's sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends orchestral elements with rock, creating a distinctive sound that rewards multiple listens.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong orchestral introduction in 'Simple Sister', immediately establishing its classical influence.
- Several songs incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and exploration within the arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- introspective melodies for deep thinking
- lush soundscapes for headphone immersion
- short tracks for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Helped solidify Procol Harum's presence with commercial success and innovative sound.
- Career context
- Released on April 1, 1971, Broken Barricades is Procol Harum's fourth studio album, following their successful 1967 debut. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the art rock genre, building on the reputation established by hit singles like 'Whiter Shade of Pale'. This album showcases a maturity in both songwriting and musical complexity, reflecting their evolution as artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Moody Blues· Yes· King Crimson
Tracklist
- 1 Simple Sister Start here 5:47
- 2 Broken Barricades 3:10
- 3 Memorial Drive 3:43
- 4 Luskus Delph 3:47
- 5 Power Failure 4:30
- 6 Song for a Dreamer 5:25
- 7 Playmate of the Mouth 5:03
- 8 Poor Mohammed 3:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.