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.
Why this album works
'The Definitive Collection' is significant for its encapsulation of The Alan Parsons Project's artistic evolution, featuring tracks that reached the charts during their prime years. The album not only showcases their commercial success but also serves as a critical tool for understanding the band's influence on the progressive rock genre, reintroducing them to newer audiences through its curated selection.
- Best for
- long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys layered, dense sonic textures
- 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
- XTC· The Sisters of Mercy· Siouxsie and the Banshees· Jah Wobble· Flesh for Lulu· The Sound· Felt· We've Got a Fuzzbox and We're Gonna Use It
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 Standout 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 Standout 4:37
- 3 Psychobabble 4:52
- 4 Mammagamma 3:37
- 5 Old and Wise Standout 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
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