Progressive rock (or "progressive rock" in Italian), also known as "prog rock" or simply "prog", is a musical genre that stands out for the variety of themes it deals with and for its instrumental complexity. Many progressive rock songs are excellent examples of both playing and composing skills. The best way to learn to like prog is to start by listening to albums by famous artists you may already be familiar with, then expand your musical knowledge and learn more about the genre.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Appreciate the Classics
Step 1. Listen first to the best known Pink Floyd and Genesis albums
The best introduction to prog rock is to listen to the best known bands. Start with Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon", which is quite affordable and contains many popular songs. He then moved on to "Selling England by the Pound", one of Genesis' most popular albums.
If you are more interested in live music, there are many Genesis and Pink Floyd cover bands that you can go and see for yourself. A live concert is an excellent alternative to listening at home to approach this type of music
Step 2. Enjoy the "golden age" of prog rock bands like King Crimson and Yes
"In the Court of the Crimson King" by King Crimson, for example, is one of the most critically acclaimed masterpieces of prog rock. Then try to listen to "Close to the Edge" by Yes, which represents a more spiritual and sentimental side of the prog.
If you like these albums, listen to other records by these two bands to get to know them better. Both bands have around 20 studio albums to offer prog fans
Step 3. Enjoy early progressive rock, like the Beatles and Jethro Tull
To understand the beginning of the prog movement, listen to "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" by the Beatles, which is often considered the first true progressive rock album. Then, listen to "Aqualung" by Jethro Tull to get a taste of symphonic music combined with rock instruments.
If you like the Beatles album, also try watching the movie (which has the same title as the album), searching for it online or buying it in DVD format - it provides a visual representation of all the songs and can help you understand the narrative
Step 4. Listen to some punk and pub rock songs to understand the decline of prog
Progressive rock underwent a steep decline in the late 1970s due to the emergence of punk rock, which caught the attention of prog fans. Listen to songs by the Ramones and the Sex Pistols to understand the similarities and differences between genres.
You may find that these bands often make music on themes already addressed by prog rock bands. The two genres are very similar, but the punk movement ultimately led to the end of the golden era of prog
Part 2 of 3: Discovering New Music
Step 1. Join online forums to discuss prog rock with other listeners
Most forums have large discussion sections on a variety of different bands. Post your opinions and reviews on various albums and ask for recommendations on new bands and new records to listen to. Don't be afraid to enter discussions and share your point of view!
- Remember that music is an art form that must be analyzed and criticized, but on which it is normal to have different opinions. If someone on the forum disagrees with you, respect their point of view.
- If you're looking for online forums, try websites like ProgressiveEars, ClassicRockForums and ProgForums (in English) or Arlequins Forum and VintageRockForum (in Italian).
Step 2. Subscribe to music magazines to keep up to date with the genre and emerging bands
For example, you could subscribe to Prog or Rolling Stone, which frequently interview members of progressive rock bands. In online magazines, such as Ultimate Classic Rock (in English) or Arlequins (in Italian), you can find reviews and opinion articles from passionate listeners.
Some magazines may also announce reunion tours or new albums from bands that have previously disbanded. Keep an eye on both print and online magazines so you don't miss out on this information
Step 3. Listen to other genres inspired by progressive rock
Prog rock had a brief but influential development in the music industry. If you listen to albums on a music subscription service, visit the artist page and scroll to the bottom for suggestions on "similar artists". Don't be afraid to venture into new genres, like folk or punk, to better understand prog.
Popular subgenres
Progressive Folk - features elements of folk, blues, country and world music.
Crossover - more accessible and commercial progressive rock, inspired by classic rock and pop.
Psychedelic - featuring surreal and psychedelic guitars and keyboards and sci-fi elements.
Progressive Metal - a mix of progressive rock and heavy metal.
Jazz Fusion - combines progressive rock elements with jazz music.
Step 4. Search prog music playlists on streaming services
An easy way to approach progressive rock is to search for "progressive rock playlists" on a music streaming platform such as Spotify, Apple Music or Pandora. Listen to a selection of songs from different eras and add the ones you like to your library.
- Sometimes you can add entire playlists to your library so you can listen to them even when you're not connected to the internet.
- This is a great way to discover the different types of prog rock from the various subgenres.
Part 3 of 3: Follow Good Listening Practices
Step 1. Listen to the albums in their entirety to better understand their meaning
Progressive rock albums are usually designed in such a way as to take the listener on a real journey. Take your time and listen to the album all the way through, which can take up to an hour for longer albums. Try not to skip tracks and pay attention to how the album evolves through all the songs.
If you don't have much free time, try listening to full albums while driving or doing other activities. Listening to prog rock as background music is a great way to familiarize yourself with the genre
Step 2. Pay close attention to the texts to discern the "plot"
Some 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 entire stories that unfold from the first to the last track. As you listen, close your eyes and focus on the singer's words to follow the plot.
While not all progressive rock albums tell a story from start to finish, most individual songs have their own mini-story
Step 3. Look for instrumental versions of songs to appreciate the musical talent of the artists
Spend time listening to music without paying attention to the lyrics or listening to unsung versions. Focus on one instrument at a time or enjoy the song as a whole. Note the difficult guitar riffs, complex drum solos, and impressive vocal prowess.
Albums such as "Selling England by the Pound" by Genesis, "Close to the Edge" by Yes and "The Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd are considered benchmarks in the musical world for the extraordinary skills that were required to make them happen
Step 4. Listen to the albums a second time to notice new items
Once you've listened to an album all the way through, take a little pause and then listen to it again. During the second listen, focus on the things you didn't pay attention to the first time. Clarify the lyrics that you are not sure you understand and enjoy the parts that you liked the most from your first hearing.
If you're undecided about what to listen to, read some reviews online and pay attention to the elements of the album that the reviewer points out, usually particularly complex instrumental parts or very meaningful lyrics
Advise:
Some prefer to listen to progressive rock on vinyl to capture all the nuances of the sound. If you have access to a turntable, grab a few vinyl albums to hear the genre differently.
Step 5. Ask friends and other music lovers for advice
Talking about music is one of the best ways to really appreciate it, and this is especially true in prog rock. If you know someone who likes the genre, you can tell them about your favorite albums and ask them if they can recommend other records or bands that might interest you.
