Procol Harum is an English rock band that emerged in the late 1960s and quickly became one of the most influential and innovative acts of their time. With their fusion of rock, classical music, and blues, Procol Harum helped to define the sound and style of progressive rock and inspired countless musicians around the world. Over the course of their career, they released a string of classic albums and songs that continue to be beloved by music fans of all ages.
In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best Procol Harum songs of all time. These are the tracks that have defined the band’s sound and style, and that continue to be recognized as some of the greatest songs in the history of rock music. From early hits like “A Whiter Shade of Pale” and “Homburg” to later classics like “Conquistador” and “A Salty Dog,” we will be taking a deep dive into Procol Harum’s discography and exploring what makes these songs so special.
Procol Harum’s music is not just about complex arrangements and poetic lyrics; it’s also about the power of music to transport us to new places and new states of mind. Their songs are filled with imagination and depth, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless progressive and art rock musicians today. Listening to Procol Harum’s music is like taking a journey through the mysteries of the human psyche, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Procol Harum or just discovering their music for the first time, this article is sure to provide insights and appreciation for the band’s incredible body of work. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the 10 best Procol Harum songs of all time.
1. A Whiter Shade Of Pale
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” is a classic song by Procol Harum, released in 1967. The song’s haunting melody, dreamlike atmosphere, and enigmatic lyrics immediately captured the public’s imagination, becoming an international hit and a classic of the psychedelic rock era. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, with lines like “We skipped the light fandango, turned cartwheels ‘cross the floor,” conjuring images of a bygone era. The song’s memorable organ riff, inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air on a G String,” further adds to its timeless appeal. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” remains one of the most enduring and beloved songs of the 1960s, and a highlight of Procol Harum’s career.
2. Conquistador
“Conquistador” is a song by English progressive rock band Procol Harum, originally released in 1967. The song features a powerful orchestral arrangement, with soaring strings and brass, that complements the band’s signature Hammond organ and guitar sound. The lyrics describe the image of a conquistador, a Spanish conqueror, and his search for gold and glory in the New World. The song’s grandiose sound and evocative imagery make it a standout track in the band’s discography, and it remains a staple of classic rock radio. Overall, “Conquistador” is a prime example of Procol Harum’s ability to combine rock and classical elements into something truly epic.
3. Whiskey Train
“Whiskey Train” is a rock song by Procol Harum, released in 1970. The song’s driving rhythm and bluesy guitar riff give it a hard rock edge, setting it apart from the band’s more orchestral and progressive work. The lyrics speak of the lure and danger of excess, with lines like “I’m the only one who loves you when you’re stinkin’ drunk and lookin’ mean.” The song’s energetic tempo and instrumental interplay showcase the band’s musicianship and versatility, with the guitar and organ solos in particular standing out. “Whiskey Train” is a fan favorite and a highlight of Procol Harum’s more rocking material.
4. A Salty Dog
“A Salty Dog” is a song by English progressive rock band Procol Harum, originally released in 1969. The song features a haunting melody, with a lush orchestral arrangement and emotive vocals from lead singer Gary Brooker. The lyrics speak of the loneliness and uncertainty of a sailor at sea, as he contemplates his fate and the vastness of the ocean. The song’s intricate instrumentation and poetic lyrics make it a standout track on the band’s third album of the same name, and it remains a fan favorite. Overall, “A Salty Dog” is a timeless example of Procol Harum’s ability to combine rock, classical, and folk elements into something truly original and emotive.
5. Simple Sister
“Simple Sister” is a rock song by Procol Harum, released in 1971 as part of their album “Broken Barricades”. The song’s infectious groove, bluesy guitar riff, and Hammond organ give it a classic rock feel, with hints of the band’s progressive rock influences. The lyrics are a tribute to a free-spirited woman, with lines like “Her dress hung tight around her knees, her hips just couldn’t wait.” The song’s instrumental interplay and melodic hooks showcase the band’s musicianship and songwriting skills. “Simple Sister” is a fan favorite and a highlight of Procol Harum’s early 70s output.
6. An Old English Dream
“An Old English Dream” is a song by English progressive rock band Procol Harum, originally released in 1977 on their album Something Magic. The song features a dreamy, atmospheric sound, with ethereal vocals from lead singer Gary Brooker and a haunting guitar solo from Mick Grabham. The lyrics speak of a nostalgic longing for a simpler time, with lines like “In days of yore, we’d sail away / To other lands and other days.” The song’s wistful tone and lush instrumentation make it a standout track on the album, and it showcases Procol Harum’s ability to create evocative, imaginative soundscapes.
7. Fool’s Gold
“Fool’s Gold” is a song by English progressive rock band Procol Harum, originally released in 1991 on their album The Prodigal Stranger. The song features a driving, guitar-heavy sound and a powerful vocal performance from lead singer Gary Brooker. The lyrics speak of the pitfalls of seeking material wealth and fame, with lines like “Fool’s gold is all you’ll find / Where the sky meets the sea and the sea meets the land.” The song’s hard-hitting sound and socially-conscious message make it a standout track on the album, and it showcases Procol Harum’s ability to stay relevant and provocative over the course of their long career.
8. Nothing But The Truth
“Nothing But The Truth” is a rock song by Procol Harum, released in 1974. The song’s driving rhythm, bluesy guitar riff, and Hammond organ give it a classic rock sound, with hints of the band’s early progressive rock work. The lyrics are a reflection on the nature of truth and perception, with lines like “The more I think I know, the more I find I don’t.” The song’s instrumental interplay and catchy chorus showcase the band’s musical prowess and songwriting skills. “Nothing But The Truth” remains a fan favorite and a highlight of Procol Harum’s mid-70s output.
9. A Rum Tale
“A Rum Tale” is a song by English progressive rock band Procol Harum, originally released in 1974 on their album Exotic Birds and Fruit. The song features a grooving, bluesy rhythm and a sassy vocal performance from lead singer Gary Brooker. The lyrics tell the story of a man who falls in love with a woman at a bar, only to realize she’s a prostitute. The song’s witty lyrics and playful musical arrangement make it a standout track on the album, and it showcases Procol Harum’s ability to infuse their progressive rock sound with elements of blues and jazz. Overall, “A Rum Tale” is a fun and infectious example of the band’s versatility and musical prowess.
10. I Told On You
“I Told on You” is a song by Procol Harum, released in 2017 as part of their album “Novum”. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy guitar riff give it a classic rock feel, with echoes of the band’s early work. The lyrics are a cautionary tale of betrayal and revenge, with lines like “You messed around with my sweet romance, now it’s time to pay the price.” The song’s infectious energy and melodic hooks showcase the band’s enduring songwriting skills and musical chemistry. “I Told on You” is a standout track from the band’s more recent output, and a reminder of their enduring legacy.
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.
