Pulse
Pink Floyd · 1995
147 min · 24 tracks · progressive rock
A sprawling sonic journey blending atmospheric rock with poignant lyrics, showcasing the band's enduring legacy and intricate compositions.
Top tracks — play these first
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Learning to Fly — This track encapsulates themes of freedom and self-discovery, resonating deeply with audiences during the band's live performances.
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Comfortably Numb — A centerpiece of their catalog, this song's haunting melody and profound lyrics explore themes of isolation and disconnection, making it a fan favorite.
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Shine On You Crazy Diamond Start here — Opening the album, this epic composition pays tribute to former band member Syd Barrett, intertwining nostalgia with an exploration of mental health.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Pulse showcases Pink Floyd's ability to blend live energy with intricate compositions, though its cohesion is affected by the mix of eras.
What we noticed
- Several tracks are extended, allowing for improvisation and atmospheric build-ups, particularly evident in 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' and 'Comfortably Numb'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
Significant within its genre. 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
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- atmospheric soundscapes for contemplation
- long-form listening for deep engagement
- cathartic moments of reflection
- intricate layers for headphone exploration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Celebrates Pink Floyd's catalog, resonating deeply with dedicated fans.
- Themes
- Syd Barrett tribute· post-80s rock resurgence· education and conformity
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Pulse captures Pink Floyd during a transitional phase, following their successful 1994 album The Division Bell. This live album serves as a celebration of their extensive catalog while also marking the band's first major tour since the departure of Roger Waters in 1985, representing both nostalgia and evolution.
- Stylistic neighbors
- King Crimson· Yes· Genesis
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Shine On You Crazy Diamond Start here 13:35
- 2 Astronomy Domine 4:19
- 3 What Do You Want From Me? 4:09
- 4 Learning to Fly 5:16
- 5 Keep Talking 6:53
- 6 Coming Back to Life 6:56
- 7 Hey You 4:38
- 8 A Great Day for Freedom 4:31
- 9 Sorrow 10:47
- 10 High Hopes 7:52
- 11 Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) 7:06
Disc 2
- 1 Speak to Me 2:28
- 2 Breathe 2:35
- 3 On the Run 3:47
- 4 Time 6:48
- 5 The Great Gig in the Sky 5:50
- 6 Money 8:53
- 7 Us and Them 6:58
- 8 Any Colour You Like 3:20
- 9 Brain Damage 3:46
- 10 Eclipse 2:37
- 11 Wish You Were Here 6:35
- 12 Comfortably Numb 9:29
- 13 Run Like Hell 8:36
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
OK Computer
Radiohead
Explores existential themes with atmospheric soundscapes and a blend of electronic and rock elements.
The Buddha of Suburbia
David Bowie
Merges introspective lyrics with experimental production, evoking a similar sonic journey.
Stupid Dream
Porcupine Tree
Features expansive compositions and introspective themes, resonating with the same atmospheric depth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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