Progressive Rock 90,s

After three eponymous discs noteworthy for their thematic richness and musical experimentation, Peter Gabriel yielded to conventional wisdom by actually titling this 1982 successor. In every other respect, however, Security was another stride beyond the progressive rock terrain Gabriel had explored from Genesis forward. Most crucially, he goes deeper into the heart of world music, and further investigates the African sources first invoked on the prior album's magisterial track, "Biko." …

Credo were once described as “The best progressive rock band you’ve never heard of.” …

After the strong success of the band, not only in Europe but also overseas, the band opted this time for English lyrics. Also, young Polish singer/guitarist Robert Amirian was chosen to join the new lineup (a new bass player was also added). The baptism in fire for this new lineup was a charity gig with Uriah Heep. So the idea of new arrangements of John Lennon songs was chosen and the band entered Wilanów Studio and registered several songs. Nine were chosen: seven by Lennon and two by Lennon and Paul McCartney. The band profoundly changes the songs to a progressive rock style (listeners can trace some Pink Floyd influences in some arrangements) and the results were the best possible. Not only progressive rock lovers but also Beatles fans will highly appreciate this CD, full of melodic, symphonic, and vigorous tunes.

Manfred Mann's 1980 album is a strange mix of topical songwriting, progressive rock, and power pop – from its opening seconds, the Earth Band is pressing serious messages and social commentary on their listenership amid swirling prog rock keyboards and catchy guitar hooks and choruses. The whole package is challenging in ways that should have put them on the cutting edge of rock music at the outset of that decade, but one suspects that Mann and company were too musically adept and sophisticated for their own good – a little dumbing down and maybe a little less musicianship on display would have made them more accessible to the coming MTV generation.

The debut from this Birmingham, England band featured a flute-laced progressive rock sound similar to that of Jethro Tull. (The band's sound would later become more mainstream.) The songwriting ranges from imaginative, mythical tales on "The Beginning" and the title song, to deeply philosophical tracks like "Universe" and "All That Is Right," to downright senseless on the track "Baby Rock Me," which is perhaps the worst song the band has ever recorded. Despite this one track, it is a very good album, especially for a band's first effort.