The Definitive Collection cover

The Definitive Collection

The Alan Parsons Project · 1997

148 min · 34 tracks · progressive rock · art rock

A seamless blend of progressive rock and art pop, layered with orchestral arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • layered, dense sonic textures
  • contemplative evening reflections
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1997, 'The Definitive Collection' serves as a comprehensive anthology of The Alan Parsons Project's career, marking their transition from a prominent band in the 1970s and 1980s to a retrospective compilation. This collection highlights their most significant works, following the band's decline in mainstream visibility after the release of 'Gaudi' in 1987, reflecting a moment where nostalgia intersected with an enduring legacy.
Stylistic neighbors
Yes· Emerson, Lake & Palmer· Pink Floyd

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 (The System of) Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether 4:21
  • 2 The Raven 4:06
  • 3 I Robot 6:02
  • 4 I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You 3:23
  • 5 Breakdown 3:53
  • 6 Don't Let It Show 4:24
  • 7 Voyager 2:24
  • 8 What Goes Up... 3:30
  • 9 The Eagle Will Rise Again 4:22
  • 10 Can't Take It With You 5:05
  • 11 Pyramania 2:46
  • 12 Damned If I Do 4:51
  • 13 Lucifer 5:05
  • 14 If I Could Change Your Mind 5:49
  • 15 The Turn of a Friendly Card, Part 1 2:42
  • 16 Snake Eyes 3:19
  • 17 Games People Play 4:24
  • 18 Time 5:04

Disc 2

  • 1 Sirius 1:57
  • 2 Eye in the Sky 4:37
  • 3 Psychobabble 4:52
  • 4 Mammagamma 3:37
  • 5 Old and Wise 4:56
  • 6 Prime Time 5:04
  • 7 Don't Answer Me 4:14
  • 8 You Don't Believe 4:25
  • 9 Let's Talk About Me 4:30
  • 10 Days Are Numbers (The Traveller) 4:27
  • 11 Stereotomy 7:04
  • 12 In the Real World 4:20
  • 13 Standing on Higher Ground 5:47
  • 14 Too Late 4:32
  • 15 Turn It Up 6:15
  • 16 Re-Jigue 2:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata