1. “Karn Evil 9”
“Karn Evil 9” is a multi-part progressive rock composition by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), featured on their 1973 album “Brain Salad Surgery.” The song was written by keyboardist Keith Emerson and lyricist Pete Sinfield.
“Karn Evil 9” is divided into four movements, each with its own distinct musical style and thematic elements. The lyrics explore themes of technology, society, and the human condition, with references to dystopian imagery and futuristic landscapes.
The first movement, “1st Impression,” is an instrumental piece featuring Emerson’s virtuosic keyboard work and Carl Palmer’s dynamic drumming. It sets the stage for the epic journey that follows.
The second movement, “2nd Impression,” introduces Greg Lake’s vocals and explores themes of isolation and alienation in a world dominated by technology and media.
The third movement, “3rd Impression,” is a dynamic instrumental section that features complex rhythms and intricate musical interplay between the band members.
The final movement, “4th Impression,” brings the composition to a dramatic climax, with Emerson’s synthesizers and Palmer’s percussion creating a sense of tension and urgency.
“Karn Evil 9” is widely regarded as one of ELP’s most ambitious and iconic works, showcasing the band’s virtuosity and innovation in the progressive rock genre. The song’s epic scope, intricate arrangements, and thought-provoking lyrics continue to captivate listeners and cement its status as a classic of progressive rock music.
2. “Lucky Man”
“Lucky Man” is a song by the British progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). It was written by the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, Greg Lake. The song was included on ELP’s self-titled debut album, released in 1970.
“Lucky Man” is one of ELP’s most famous and enduring songs. It features Lake’s acoustic guitar work and heartfelt vocals, accompanied by Keith Emerson’s iconic synthesizer solo. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who reflects on his life, acknowledging both the good and bad experiences he has had. Despite the challenges he has faced, he considers himself fortunate for the love he has found.
The song is notable for its simple yet powerful melody and its juxtaposition of acoustic and electronic elements. “Lucky Man” became a surprise hit for ELP, reaching the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio playlists.
“Lucky Man” is often regarded as one of the definitive songs of the progressive rock genre and is celebrated for its emotional resonance and timeless appeal.
3. “Tarkus”
“Tarkus” is the title track of the second studio album by the British progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). The album was released in 1971.
“Tarkus” is a concept piece composed by the band’s keyboardist, Keith Emerson. The composition is divided into multiple sections, each depicting different characters and events in a fantastical story. The title character, Tarkus, is a mythical creature resembling an armadillo tank, depicted on the album’s iconic cover artwork.
The music of “Tarkus” is complex and ambitious, featuring virtuosic performances by all three members of ELP. Keith Emerson’s keyboards, Greg Lake’s bass and vocals, and Carl Palmer’s drums combine to create a dynamic and intricate sonic landscape. The piece incorporates elements of classical music, jazz, and rock, showcasing the band’s eclectic influences and innovative approach to progressive rock.
“Tarkus” is considered one of ELP’s defining works and a landmark in the progressive rock genre. It has been praised for its technical prowess, inventive composition, and imaginative storytelling. The album’s title track remains a fan favorite and a highlight of ELP’s live performances throughout their career.
4. “From the Beginning”
“From the Beginning” is a song by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), featured on their 1972 album “Trilogy.” Written by Greg Lake, the song is one of ELP’s most popular and enduring tracks.
“From the Beginning” is a departure from the bombastic and complex compositions that ELP was known for. Instead, it is a more stripped-down and melodic piece, showcasing Lake’s songwriting and vocal talents.
The song features acoustic guitar, played by Lake, as well as electric guitar and synthesizer, played by Keith Emerson. The lyrics reflect themes of introspection, self-discovery, and personal growth, with Lake singing about finding oneself and embracing change.
“From the Beginning” became a hit for ELP, receiving widespread radio airplay and reaching a wide audience. Its accessible melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated with listeners, making it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances.
“From the Beginning” remains one of Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s most beloved songs, celebrated for its beauty, simplicity, and emotional resonance. It showcases a different side of the band’s musical prowess and continues to be cherished by fans of progressive rock and classic rock alike.
5. “Jerusalem”
“Jerusalem” is a hymn with lyrics written by the English poet and painter William Blake in 1804, as part of his epic poem “Milton: A Poem in Two Books.” The poem is commonly known as “And did those feet in ancient time,” which is the first line of the hymn.
The lyrics of “Jerusalem” are a call for divine intervention and the establishment of a new Jerusalem in England, echoing the legend of Jesus Christ’s visit to the country during his early life. The poem explores themes of spiritual renewal, social justice, and the pursuit of a utopian society.
The hymn gained popularity as a patriotic anthem in England during the early 20th century, particularly during World War I. It has since become a beloved and iconic piece of English culture, often performed at national events and ceremonies.
The music commonly associated with “Jerusalem” was composed by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916. Parry’s stirring melody has contributed significantly to the hymn’s enduring popularity and is frequently performed at patriotic gatherings, graduations, and sporting events in England.
“Jerusalem” has been covered by numerous artists and adapted into various musical arrangements over the years. It remains a powerful and evocative expression of national identity and aspiration for a better world.
6. “Fanfare for the Common Man”
“Fanfare for the Common Man” is an iconic instrumental composition by American composer Aaron Copland, written in 1942 during World War II. The piece was inspired by a speech by Vice President Henry A. Wallace, who referred to the “common man” as the backbone of the United States. Copland’s composition aims to celebrate the spirit of the everyday American and pays tribute to their resilience and strength.
The composition features bold brass fanfares, powerful percussion, and stirring melodies, evoking a sense of patriotism and pride. Its grandeur and majesty make it a fitting tribute to the common people who contribute to the fabric of society.
“Fanfare for the Common Man” has become one of Copland’s most famous and enduring works, beloved for its stirring melodies and evocative themes. It has been performed by orchestras around the world and has been adapted for various contexts, including sporting events, political rallies, and commemorative ceremonies.
In addition to its widespread popularity, “Fanfare for the Common Man” has also been influential in popular culture, with its distinctive motifs and powerful sound making it a recognizable and iconic piece of music. It remains a timeless tribute to the strength and resilience of ordinary people everywhere.
7. “Trilogy”
“Trilogy” is a progressive rock album by the British band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). It was released in 1972 and serves as their third studio album. The album features a blend of classical music influences, jazz-inspired improvisation, and rock arrangements.
The album consists of a total of nine tracks, with the title track “Trilogy” serving as the centerpiece. The title track is a multi-part suite that showcases the band’s virtuosity and compositional prowess. It features complex arrangements, intricate melodies, and dynamic shifts in tempo and mood.
Other notable tracks on the album include “The Endless Enigma Part One” and “The Endless Enigma Part Two,” which serve as bookends to the “Trilogy” suite. These tracks explore existential themes and feature Greg Lake’s emotive vocals, Keith Emerson’s innovative keyboard work, and Carl Palmer’s powerful drumming.
The album also includes the instrumental track “Fugue,” which highlights the band’s ability to blend classical and rock elements seamlessly. Additionally, tracks like “From the Beginning” and “Living Sin” showcase the band’s versatility and range, featuring both introspective ballads and energetic rock anthems.
“Trilogy” received critical acclaim upon its release and became one of ELP’s most successful albums, reaching the top 5 on the UK Albums Chart and the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. It remains a classic of progressive rock music and a favorite among fans of the genre.
8. “C’est la Vie”
“C’est la Vie” is a song by progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), released on their 1977 album “Works Volume 1.” The song was written by Greg Lake, the band’s bassist and vocalist.
“C’est la Vie” is a departure from ELP’s typical progressive rock sound, featuring a more acoustic and folk-influenced style. The song incorporates acoustic guitar, mandolin, and strings, creating a gentle and melodic atmosphere.
The lyrics of “C’est la Vie” reflect on the transient nature of life and the acceptance of fate. The title, which translates to “That’s life” in English, encapsulates the sentiment of the song, suggesting a resigned acceptance of life’s ups and downs.
Despite its departure from ELP’s usual sound, “C’est la Vie” became one of the band’s most successful songs, receiving significant airplay on radio stations around the world. Its accessible melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Greg Lake’s emotive vocals resonated with audiences, making it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances.
“C’est la Vie” remains a beloved classic in the ELP discography, celebrated for its beauty, simplicity, and universal themes of acceptance and resilience. It showcases a different side of the band’s musical versatility and continues to be cherished by fans of progressive rock and classic rock alike.
9. “The Endless Enigma”
“The Endless Enigma” is a two-part suite by the British progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). It appears on their 1972 album “Trilogy.”
Part One of “The Endless Enigma” serves as the opening track of the album. It begins with atmospheric synthesizer sounds before transitioning into a section featuring Greg Lake’s vocals accompanied by Keith Emerson’s keyboards. The lyrics explore existential themes, questioning the nature of reality and existence.
Part Two of “The Endless Enigma” serves as the closing track of the album. It revisits the themes and motifs introduced in Part One, with a dynamic arrangement featuring intricate instrumentation and powerful vocals. The song builds to a dramatic climax before fading out, leaving the listener with a sense of contemplation and introspection.
“The Endless Enigma” showcases ELP’s signature blend of classical influences, jazz-inspired improvisation, and rock arrangements. The suite demonstrates the band’s virtuosity and compositional prowess, with complex arrangements and dynamic shifts in tempo and mood.
Overall, “The Endless Enigma” is considered one of the standout tracks on the “Trilogy” album and a classic example of ELP’s innovative approach to progressive rock music.
10. “Still… You Turn Me On”
“Still… You Turn Me On” is a song by the progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), featured on their 1973 album “Brain Salad Surgery.” The song was written by Greg Lake, the band’s vocalist and bassist.
“Still… You Turn Me On” is a departure from the bombastic and complex compositions that ELP was known for. Instead, it is a more intimate and romantic ballad, showcasing Lake’s songwriting and vocal talents.
The song features acoustic guitar and Lake’s emotive vocals, with minimal instrumentation. The lyrics express themes of love and desire, with Lake singing about the irresistible attraction he feels for his partner.
“Still… You Turn Me On” became one of ELP’s most popular and enduring tracks, receiving significant radio airplay and reaching a wide audience. Its accessible melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Greg Lake’s soulful vocals resonated with listeners, making it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances.
“Still… You Turn Me On” remains a beloved classic in the ELP discography, celebrated for its beauty, simplicity, and emotional resonance. It showcases a different side of the band’s musical versatility and continues to be cherished by fans of progressive rock and classic rock alike.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
