What makes Smell the Roses by Roger Waters notable?

The album received notable attention for its critical commentary on modern politics and environmental issues, with tracks addressing themes like consumerism and war. Though it did not achieve the commercial success of his earlier works, it solidified Waters' position as a thought-provoking artist in contemporary music culture. Released in 2017, Smell the Roses marks Roger Waters' first solo album since 1992's Amused to Death. At this stage, Waters was building on his legacy as a founding member of Pink Floyd while continuing to explore political themes and personal reflection through his music, following a successful tour of The Wall.

How many songs are on Smell the Roses?

Smell the Roses has 1 track, running approximately 5 minutes.

Smell the Roses

Roger Waters · 2017

5 min · 1 track · opera

A contemplative blend of progressive rock and blues-infused melodies that reflect on contemporary society's challenges.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Smell the Roses — The title track encapsulates the album's core message about awareness and mindfulness amidst chaos, featuring anthemic instrumentation that draws listeners into its urgent narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The track blends rock and orchestral elements but lacks the depth of Waters' earlier works.

What we noticed

The track features a slow, steady tempo with a prominent bass line that drives the melody forward.
Waters' vocal delivery is layered with harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the instrumentation.
The song incorporates orchestral elements alongside traditional rock instrumentation, adding depth to the arrangement.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.