Progressive rock, also known as "prog rock" or simply "prog", is a music genre that has diverse themes and complex instrumental music. Many progressive rock songs offer amazing song arrangements and showcase the musician's skill in composing songs. The best way to enjoy this genre of music is to listen to albums by famous musicians you know. After that, you can broaden your horizons about this genre by searching and listening to other progressive rock songs that are loved by many people.
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Method 1 of 3: Enjoying Classical Progressive Rock Lagu
Step 1. Listen to popular albums composed by Pink Floyd and Genesis first
The best way to get into progressive rock is to listen to songs by famous bands. Try listening to the album “The Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd. This album is pleasant to listen to and has many famous Pink Floyd songs. After that, you can listen to the album “Selling England by the Pound” composed by Genesis. The album is one of Genesis' most famous albums.
If you are more interested in watching progressive rock concerts live, many local bands often cover Pink Flody and Genesis songs. Watching a music concert can help you experience progressive rock music better than listening to recordings at home
Step 2. Listen to bands that date back to the golden age of progressive rock, like King Crimson and Yes
Listen to the King Crimson album called “In The Court Of The Crimson King”. The album is considered one of the best progressive rock pieces. After listening to the album, try playing the album “Close to the Edge” made by Yes. This album offers progressive rock songs that are more emotional.
If you like these two albums, you can try listening to other albums made by the band. This music group has about 20 studio albums that can spoil the ears of progressive rock music lovers
Step 3. Listen to early progressive rock bands, such as The Beatles and Jethro Tull
To delve into the origins and development of progressive rock music, listen to The Beatles album “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". This album is seen as the first progressive rock album. After that, play the album "Aqualung" made by Jethro Tull to listen to symphonic music combined with rock instruments (rock).
If you like The Beatles album, you can also watch the movie called "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". You can watch it on the internet or buy a DVD of the movie. This film provides a visual overview of all the songs available on the album. By watching it, you can get deeper into the narrative of the album
Step 4. Listen to punk and pub rock to understand the decline of progressive rock
Progressive rock music experienced a major setback in the late 1970s due to the presence of punk rock music that attracted fans of progressive rock music. Listen to songs composed by The Ramones and The Sex Pistols to find out the similarities and differences between the two genres.
After listening to punk rock music, you may realize that songs made by punk rock bands have the same topic as progressive rock songs. Although these two genres have much in common, punk music ultimately ended the golden age of progressive rock
Method 2 of 3: Finding New Music
Step 1. Join music forums on the internet to discuss progressive rock with other people
Almost all internet forums offer a place to discuss various musical groups. You can write opinions and reviews about the albums you've heard to start a discussion. In addition, you can also ask forum users for recommendations for new music groups and albums. Don't be afraid to join in the discussion and share your opinion about the albums you've heard.
- Remember that music is a work of art that can be analyzed and critiqued. Therefore, it is natural to have a different opinion from the opinion of others. However, you should still be polite when expressing your opinion and accepting criticism. Respect people who have different opinions.
- If you want to join a music forum on the internet, try visiting the ProgressiveEars, ClassicRockForums, and ProgForums websites.
Step 2. Subscribe to music magazines for the latest information on progressive rock and emerging bands
Set aside enough money to subscribe to Prog or Rolling Stone magazines because these magazines often interview members of progressive rock bands. Also, read online magazines (online or online), such as Ultimate Classic Rock, for reviews and opinions on progressive rock written by music enthusiasts.
Some magazines may announce a reunion tour or a new album for previously disbanded bands. Therefore, read print and online magazines for the latest information
Step 3. Listen to music genres inspired by progressive rock
Although the golden age of progressive rock wasn't that long ago, the genre had a huge impact on the music industry. If you listen to progressive rock albums on a music streaming service, such as Spotify, visit the music group's page and look for sections that recommend musicians similar to that band. Don't be afraid to listen to new genres of music, such as folk or punk, so you can get deeper into progressive rock.
Famous Music Genres Inspired by Progressive Rock
Progressive Folk - This genre is influenced by folk music, blues, country, and world music.
crossover – This genre is more pleasant to hear and is often played on the radio. The genre is inspired by rock and pop music.
Psychedelic – This genre features surreal and psychedelic guitar playing with science fiction elements.
Progressive Metal – This genre combines progressive rock with heavy metal.
Jazz Fusion – This genre combines progressive rock with jazz (jazz).
Step 4. Search for progressive rock playlists on music streaming services
To find new progressive rock music, search for progressive rock playlists on a music streaming service, such as Spotify, Joox, Apple Music, or Pandora. Listen to songs from different eras and make sure you've added them to your song collection.
- Sometimes you can add an entire playlist to a song collection. This can help you listen to songs when you're not connected to the internet.
- Playing a progressive rock playlist is a great way to listen to a wide variety of progressive rock songs from many subgenres.
Method 3 of 3: Tips for Listening to Progressive Rock Songs
Step 1. Listen to the whole album to understand the theme of the music
Usually, progressive rock album arrangements are specifically designed to invite people to listen to the story the band wants to tell. Therefore, take enough time to listen to all the songs available on the album. You may have to spend up to an hour listening to an album. Try to pay attention to the musical changes that occur to the song and make sure you don't skip any songs.
If you don't have much free time, try listening to albums while driving or doing other activities. Listening to progressive rock music while doing activities can help you live it
Step 2. Pay attention to the lyrics of the song to understand the plot
Several progressive rock albums, such as "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" by Genesis, "The Snow Goose" by Camel, and "Days Of Future Passed" by The Moody Blues, tell interrelated stories. from the first song to the last song. When listening to the album, close your eyes and listen carefully to the words spoken by the singer to find out the storyline of the song.
Although not all progressive rock albums have a continuous story from the first song to the last song, almost every song has its own story
Step 3. Find an instrumental version of the song to experience the musician's musical abilities
Take the time to listen to progressive rock songs without paying attention to the lyrics or listen to instrumental versions of songs. Focus your attention on one instrument at a time or listen to the entire instrument as a whole. Listen intently to intricate guitar riffs, complex drum solos, and amazing singing skills.
Progressive rock albums such as "Selling England By The Pound" by Genesis, "Close To The Edge" by Yes, and "Dark Side Of The Moon" by Pink Floyd are seen as masterpieces of the music industry because they are made with amazing musical abilities
Step 4. Listen to the album a second time to discover new things in music
After listening to the album from start to finish, take a break and listen to the album again. When listening to the album for the second time, focus your attention on aspects of the music that you didn't get to pay attention to before. Search the internet for complete song lyrics so you can understand the plot. Apart from that, enjoy your favorite parts of the song that you find when you listen to the song for the first time.
If you don't know which song to listen to, search the internet for album reviews and carefully read the sections on music that reviewers comment on. Usually the aspects of the song that are discussed are the prominent lyrical parts or the parts of the song that feature complex musical compositions
Tip:
Some listeners prefer to listen to progressive rock music on LPs to feel the nuances of the song. If you have a record player, try listening to progressive rock LP versions to understand the difference between progressive rock and other genres.
Step 5. Ask friends and music enthusiasts for recommendations for progressive rock songs
Discussing progressive rock with other people is a good way to get into it. If you know someone who likes progressive rock, you can tell them what albums you like and ask them to recommend albums or bands.
