The Essential Alan Parsons Project
The Alan Parsons Project · 2007
153 min · 34 tracks · progressive rock
A fusion of progressive rock and artful pop that weaves intricate melodies with thought-provoking lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Raven Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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I Robot — This track exemplifies the band’s signature blend of electronic sounds and melodic hooks, exploring themes of artificial intelligence ahead of its time.
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Eye in the Sky — A quintessential hit, it combines haunting vocals with an orchestral arrangement, showcasing the band’s mastery of blending rock and sophisticated pop elements.
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Games People Play — Notable for its catchy chorus and social commentary, this track reflects the band's ability to merge accessible music with deeper lyrical themes.
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Old and Wise — This poignant ballad features reflective lyrics and a memorable melody, making it a standout example of the emotional depth present in their work.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- headphone detail hunting experience
- late-night reflective listening sessions
- immersive storytelling through music
- seamless blend of lush melodies
Maybe skip if you
- instant gratification seekers
- fans of standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — A comprehensive compilation ideal for new listeners to explore the band's hits.
- Themes
- artificial intelligence· social commentary· orchestral rock fusion
- Career context
- Released in 2007, The Essential Alan Parsons Project serves as a retrospective compilation following the band's peak period in the late 1970s and early 1980s. By this time, Alan Parsons had established himself as a prominent figure in music production, having previously worked on Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon. This album highlights the Project’s innovative sound and enduring legacy, bringing together their most impactful tracks.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Yes· Emerson, Lake & Palmer· Pink Floyd
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 The Raven Start here 4:06
- 2 (The System of) Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether 4:16
- 3 To One in Paradise 4:38
- 4 I Robot 5:15
- 5 I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You 3:23
- 6 Some Other Time 4:02
- 7 Day After Day (The Show Must Go on) 3:43
- 8 What Goes Up 3:30
- 9 The Eagle Will Rise Again 4:19
- 10 In the Lap of the Gods 5:25
- 11 Lucifer 4:18
- 12 Damned If I Do 4:52
- 13 Games People Play 4:24
- 14 Time 5:05
- 15 The Turn of a Friendly Card: The Turn of a Friendly Card, Part 1 2:45
- 16 The Turn of a Friendly Card: Snake Eyes 3:15
- 17 The Turn of a Friendly Card: The Ace of Swords 2:58
- 18 The Turn of a Friendly Card: Nothing Left to Lose 4:07
- 19 The Turn of a Friendly Card: The Turn of a Friendly Card, Part 2 3:21
Disc 2
- 1 Sirius 1:55
- 2 Eye in the Sky 4:36
- 3 Silence and I 7:19
- 4 Old and Wise 4:54
- 5 Mammagamma 3:36
- 6 Prime Time 5:03
- 7 Ammonia Avenue 6:33
- 8 Don’t Answer Me 4:04
- 9 Let’s Talk About Me 4:29
- 10 Days Are Numbers (The Traveller) 4:26
- 11 No Answers Only Questions 2:10
- 12 Stereotomy 7:15
- 13 Limelight 4:39
- 14 La Sagrada Familia 8:47
- 15 Standing on Higher Ground 5:49
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Shares thematic depth with a focus on artificiality and emotional resonance in sound.
Crime of the Century
Supertramp
Combines intricate melodies with social commentary, echoing a similar art rock ethos.
Out of the Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Merges orchestral elements with progressive rock, creating lush, melodic soundscapes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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