The Ultimate Collection cover

The Ultimate Collection

Emerson, Lake & Palmer · 2004

209 min · 37 tracks · progressive rock · psychedelic rock · art rock

Epic symphonic rock intertwines with jazz and progressive elements, showcasing virtuosic musicianship and dramatic narratives.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • epic narratives for deep listening
  • patient exploration of themes
  • cathartic crescendos and releases
  • immersive soundscapes for focus

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2004, 'The Ultimate Collection' represents an extensive compilation of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's work, highlighting their peak during the 1970s. By this time, the band had experienced significant lineup changes and various shifts in musical style but continued to resonate with their fanbase through nostalgic hits. This album serves as a retrospective look at their influential career in art rock.
Stylistic neighbors
Yes· Genesis· King Crimson

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Fanfare for the Common Man 9:44
  • 2 Still… You Turn Me On 2:55
  • 3 Hoedown 3:45
  • 4 Black Moon 6:59
  • 5 Tarkus 20:42
  • 6 Jerusalem 2:45
  • 7 Tiger in a Spotlight 4:35
  • 8 Better Days 5:37
  • 9 I Believe in Father Christmas 3:20
  • 10 From the Beginning 4:16
  • 11 Knife Edge 5:06
  • 12 Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Part 1 4:47

Disc 2

  • 1 Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Part 2 4:51
  • 2 Nutrocker 4:00
  • 3 Peter Gunn Theme 3:37
  • 4 All I Want Is You 2:37
  • 5 Brain Salad Surgery 3:09
  • 6 Take a Pebble 12:30
  • 8 Lucky Man 4:39
  • 9 Affairs of the Heart 3:48
  • 10 Canario 4:00
  • 11 Pirates 13:20
  • 12 The Great Gates of Kiev 6:28

Disc 3

  • 1 Hoedown 4:22
  • 2 Still… You Turn Me On 3:23
  • 3 Lucky Man 2:41
  • 4 Piano Improvisation 7:03
  • 5 Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Part 1 11:32
  • 6 Drum Solo 4:16
  • 7 Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Part 2 1:44
  • 8 Karn Evil 9: 2nd Impression, Part 2 6:24
  • 9 Karn Evil 9: 2nd Impression 2:55
  • 10 Karn Evil 9: 3rd Impression 6:42
  • 11 Tiger in the Spotlight 4:19
  • 12 C’est la vie 4:14
  • 13 Tank 3:56
  • 14 Fanfare for the Common Man 8:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata