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The Definitive Collection cover

The Definitive Collection

The Alan Parsons Project

Album 1997
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About this album

Sound: "A seamless blend of progressive rock and art pop, layered with orchestral arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics."

Where they were

Released in 1997, 'The Definitive Collection' serves as a comprehensive anthology of The Alan Parsons Project's career, marking their transition from a prominent band in the 1970s and 1980s to a retrospective compilation. This collection highlights their most significant works, following the band's decline in mainstream visibility after the release of 'Gaudi' in 1987, reflecting a moment where nostalgia intersected with an enduring legacy.

Why it matters

'The Definitive Collection' is significant for its encapsulation of The Alan Parsons Project's artistic evolution, featuring tracks that reached the charts during their prime years. The album not only showcases their commercial success but also serves as a critical tool for understanding the band's influence on the progressive rock genre, reintroducing them to newer audiences through its curated selection.

Essential tracks

  • "I Robot" — This track encapsulates the band's innovative sound, blending electronic elements with orchestral textures while exploring themes of artificial intelligence.
  • "Eye in the Sky" — A signature hit known for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, it exemplifies the band’s ability to merge catchy hooks with deeper philosophical questions.
  • "Old and Wise" — This poignant ballad stands out for its emotional resonance, showcasing lyricist Eric Woolfson's reflective storytelling about aging and loss.
  • "(The System of) Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether" — With its theatrical narrative and dynamic arrangement, this track showcases the band’s flair for combining rock music with literary inspiration.

Release Date

January 1, 1997

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 (The System of) Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether 4:21
  2. 2 The Raven 4:06
  3. 3 I Robot 6:02
  4. 4 I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You 3:23
  5. 5 Breakdown 3:53
  6. 6 Don't Let It Show 4:24
  7. 7 Voyager 2:24
  8. 8 What Goes Up... 3:30
  9. 9 The Eagle Will Rise Again 4:22
  10. 10 Can't Take It With You 5:05
  11. 11 Pyramania 2:46
  12. 12 Damned If I Do 4:51
  13. 13 Lucifer 5:05
  14. 14 If I Could Change Your Mind 5:49
  15. 15 The Turn of a Friendly Card, Part 1 2:42
  16. 16 Snake Eyes 3:19
  17. 17 Games People Play 4:24
  18. 18 Time 5:04

Disc 2

  1. 1 Sirius 1:57
  2. 2 Eye in the Sky 4:37
  3. 3 Psychobabble 4:52
  4. 4 Mammagamma 3:37
  5. 5 Old and Wise 4:56
  6. 6 Prime Time 5:04
  7. 7 Don't Answer Me 4:14
  8. 8 You Don't Believe 4:25
  9. 9 Let's Talk About Me 4:30
  10. 10 Days Are Numbers (The Traveller) 4:27
  11. 11 Stereotomy 7:04
  12. 12 In the Real World 4:20
  13. 13 Standing on Higher Ground 5:47
  14. 14 Too Late 4:32
  15. 15 Turn It Up 6:15
  16. 16 Re-Jigue 2:30

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