About this album

Sound: "A seamless blend of progressive rock and lush orchestration exploring themes of technology and humanity."

Where they were

By the time 'I Robot' was released in July 1977, The Alan Parsons Project was already established following their debut album 'Tales of Mystery and Imagination' in 1976. This sophomore effort marked a significant step in their sound, showcasing an evolution towards more complex arrangements and conceptual storytelling that would define their future work.

Why it matters

'I Robot' garnered critical acclaim, particularly for its ambitious production and thematic depth, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart. Its exploration of artificial intelligence and human emotion resonated strongly during the late '70s, influencing both the progressive rock scene and subsequent electronic music artists.

Essential tracks

  • "I Robot" — The title track encapsulates the album's central theme, blending intricate melodies with a poignant narrative about technology's role in society.
  • "I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You" — This track features a catchy chorus and sharp lyrics critiquing societal conformity, making it one of the album's standout moments.
  • "The Voice" — With its haunting vocals and sophisticated production, this song exemplifies the band's ability to combine emotional resonance with technical prowess.
  • "Total Eclipse" — A poignant ballad that explores themes of loss and despair, showcasing the band's lyrical depth alongside their musical sophistication.

Release Date

July 8, 1977

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Tracklist

  1. 1 I Robot 6:06
  2. 2 I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You 3:19
  3. 3 Some Other Time 4:05
  4. 4 Breakdown 3:50
  5. 5 Don’t Let It Show 4:21
  6. 6 The Voice 5:21
  7. 7 Nucleus 3:35
  8. 8 Day After Day (The Show Must Go On) 3:43
  9. 9 Total Eclipse 3:05
  10. 10 Genesis Ch.1.V.32 3:37