About this album
Where they were
Released on November 30, 1979, 'The Wall' marked Pink Floyd's eleventh studio album and was a follow-up to their commercially successful 'Animals'. At this point in their career, the band was navigating internal tensions, particularly with Roger Waters emerging as the primary creative force, leading to a more personal and introspective narrative within the album.
Why it matters
'The Wall' became one of the best-selling albums of all time, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and remaining there for 15 weeks. Its impact extended beyond music; the album's themes of isolation resonated with fans, inspiring a theatrical performance and a feature film adaptation, cementing its cultural significance.
Essential tracks
- "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2" — This track critiques the rigid educational system and became an anthem for youth rebellion, popularizing the phrase 'We don't need no education'.
- "Comfortably Numb" — 'Comfortably Numb' features contrasting verses and a soaring guitar solo that encapsulates feelings of alienation and disconnection, making it one of Pink Floyd's most celebrated songs.
- "Hey You" — 'Hey You' captures the essence of loneliness and longing within the narrative arc of 'The Wall', showcasing Waters' poignant lyricism paired with atmospheric instrumentation.
- "In the Flesh?" — Opening the album, 'In the Flesh?' sets a theatrical tone while introducing themes of war and loss that permeate throughout.
Release Date
November 30, 1979
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 In the Flesh? 3:18
- 2 The Thin Ice 2:28
- 3 Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1 3:41
- 4 The Happiest Days of Our Lives 1:20
- 5 Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2 3:56
- 6 Mother 5:32
- 7 Goodbye Blue Sky 2:48
- 8 Empty Spaces 5:36
- 9 Young Lust 2:03
- 10 One of My Turns 1:33
- 11 Don’t Leave Me Now 4:22
- 12 Another Brick in the Wall, Part 3 1:17
- 13 Goodbye Cruel World 1:04
Disc 2
- 1 Hey You 4:40
- 2 Is There Anybody Out There? 2:40
- 3 Nobody Home 3:25
- 4 Vera 1:38
- 5 Bring the Boys Back Home 0:50
- 6 Comfortably Numb 6:49
- 7 The Show Must Go On 1:36
- 8 In the Flesh 4:16
- 9 Run Like Hell 4:22
- 10 Waiting for the Worms 3:56
- 11 Stop 0:34
- 12 The Trial 5:16
- 13 Outside the Wall 1:42
