Home | Pink Floyd Albums | Pink Floyd’s Albums Ranked Best to Worst
Pink Floyd’s best albums ranked in a list is very debatable because of individual taste. I have ranked each Pink Floyd album on this page. First putting them into the top 5, the middle 5 and the bottom 5. Then I had quite a debate as to the exact order; the top 5 were easiest. I also looked back at the Big Pink Floyd Survey I did in 2009 where fans voted for their favourites. Therefore the NPF list is well thought out and supported by many fans. I even compare to other lists like Rolling Stone and Mojo magazine. Read on…
All eras of the band are ranked in the list. I have placed Syd’s Piper at the Gates of Dawn in the top 5. Its no surprise that the “mega albums of the 1970s” feature mostly in the top 5. Then the “finding their feet” after Syd era didn’t do great, and the David Gilmour led era was a mixed bag really. Saying that, there is a time and place for all Pink Floyd albums in the ranked list. Even the lowest ranked albums has a lot to offer music fans.
What order should I listen to Pink Floyd albums in?
If I was new to Pink Floyd and wanted to listen to their best albums first, I would probably go at them in the following order. Below is an overview of each Pink Floyd album with ranking provided. For each, you’ll find a brief description, a selection of standout songs, memorable quotes (or lyrical highlights), and a few fun facts and pieces of trivia that capture the essence of each record.
Top 5 Pink Floyd Best Albums
1 – Dark Side of the Moon, 1973
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
I think The Dark Side of the Moon is probably going to be in most people’s top 3. It is the eighth studio album by Pink Floyd, released in 1973, and is widely regarded as a landmark in progressive and experimental rock. Even the band say that they were building up to this album with all prior releases in their musical development.
The album employs innovative studio techniques—such as multitrack recording, tape loops, and analogue synthesis—to create a seamless auditory journey that explores universal themes including time, greed, mental illness, and existential conflict. Its thematic cohesion and pioneering production methods, underscored by iconic tracks like “Money,” “Time,” and “The Great Gig in the Sky,” have contributed to its enduring influence and commercial success, notably its record-breaking run on the Billboard charts. The prismatic cover design also remains a celebrated symbol of visual ingenuity in music history, reflecting the album’s balance of technical mastery and artistic expression.
Overview: A true sonic journey, this album tackles universal themes like time, mental illness, greed, and mortality. Seamless transitions, cutting‐edge sound design, and subtle experimentation redefined what a rock album could be. Standout Songs: “Money”, “Time”, “Us and Them”, “Brain Damage/Eclipse”. Quotes & Trivia: The Dark Side of the Moon is one of the most legendary albums in music history, with a remarkable 937-week run on the Billboard 200 chart, cementing its status as a timeless masterpiece. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios between 1972 and 1973 with Alan Parsons as its engineer, the album marked a shift in Pink Floyd’s approach, with Roger Waters taking full lyrical control for the first time. Originally considered for the title Eclipse, the album eventually took its iconic name and was paired with the instantly recognizable prism artwork, designed by Hipgnosis. Its immersive sound design includes heartbeats that bookend the album, reinforcing the cyclical themes of life and mental struggle, and features spoken-word snippets from various people—including Paul McCartney, whose contribution was ultimately left out. With its ground-breaking production, philosophical lyrics, and seamless transitions, the album remains a cultural touchstone and an enduring influence on generations of musicians.
2 – Wish You Were Here, 1975
Grab a standard copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com or the amazing boxset from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
The Wish You Were Here album is the ninth studio album by Pink Floyd, released in September 1975, and is celebrated as a reflective masterpiece of progressive rock. The album marries a heartfelt tribute to founding member Syd Barrett with a scathing critique of the music industry, as heard through tracks like the expansive “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” the satirical “Have a Cigar,” and the mechanized “Welcome to the Machine.” Recorded in various sessions at Abbey Road Studios, its production captured both raw emotion and technical innovation, evidenced by its atmospheric soundscapes and meticulous sonic layering. Complemented by an iconic cover designed by Hipgnosis, the album not only achieved commercial success—topping charts in both the UK and US—but also left a lasting influence on rock music criticism and culture for its honest exploration of absence, industry cynicism, and the costs of creative success.
Overview: This heartfelt record serves as both a tribute to founding member Syd Barrett and a critique of the music industry’s mechanized nature. Blending acoustic elements with progressive rock flourishes, it exudes warmth and melancholy. Standout Songs: “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”, “Wish You Were Here”, “Have a Cigar”. Quotes & Trivia: Wish You Were Here is a deeply introspective album, released in 1975, that reflects on themes of absence, loss, and the music industry’s commercialization. It was largely inspired by Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd’s founding member, whose mental decline left a lasting impact on the band. The album features Shine On You Crazy Diamond, a tribute to Barrett, and was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, where the band experimented with synthesizers and unconventional sound effects. The LP was originally shrink-wrapped in black plastic, hiding the cover art—a handshake between two businessmen, one of whom is on fire—symbolizing the deceptive nature of the industry. The album was so highly anticipated that EMI struggled to meet demand, receiving 250,000 preorders in the UK alone. Despite its troubled production, both David Gilmour and Richard Wright later named it their favorite Pink Floyd album. With its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, Wish You Were Here remains one of the band’s most celebrated works.
3 – Animals, 1977
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Animals is Pink Floyd’s tenth studio album, released on January 21, 1977, and stands out as a scathing socio-political concept record that channels the turbulent spirit of mid‑1970s Britain. The band recording this at a time when punk was taking off and some thought Pink Floyd was irrelevant. This gritty album is quite the response and deserves its place. Roger Waters frequently plays songs from this album on his solo tours with Sheep being a favourite amongst fans.
The album’s extended, hard‑hitting tracks—most notably “Dogs,” “Pigs (Three Different Ones),” and “Sheep”—use vivid animal allegories inspired in part by George Orwell’s Animal Farm to critique capitalist excess and institutional corruption. Recorded at Britannia Row Studios in London, its raw production and experimental use of sound effects marked a shift from the band’s previous more atmospheric explorations toward a grittier, more direct musical statement. Roger Waters’ pointed lyricism—once described as embracing the album’s “violent” edge—and the iconic cover featuring an inflatable pig drifting over Battersea Power Station, have made Animals not only a commercial success (peaking at number 2 in the UK and number 3 in the US) but also a perennial touchstone for progressive rock’s ability to merge art with political commentary .
Overview: An uncompromising concept album, Animals uses animal allegories (dogs, pigs, and sheep) to examine the cutthroat nature of capitalist society. Its tone is harsher, its compositions more sprawling, and its lyrics sharply critical. Standout Songs: “Dogs”, “Pigs (Three Different Ones)”, “Sheep”. Quotes & Trivia: Animals, released in 1977, is one of Pink Floyd’s most politically charged albums, drawing inspiration from George Orwell’s Animal Farm to critique social hierarchies. The album features three extended tracks—Dogs, Pigs (Three Different Ones), and Sheep—each representing different societal classes. The iconic cover, depicting Battersea Power Station with an inflatable pig floating above it, was conceived by Roger Waters, but the actual photoshoot turned chaotic when the pig broke free and soared into the skies, disrupting air traffic. The album was recorded at Britannia Row Studios, a facility the band had recently built, marking a shift in their production process. Interestingly, Dogs and Sheep were originally written during the Wish You Were Here sessions but were reworked to fit the album’s theme. Despite its darker tone and internal tensions within the band, Animals remains a fan favorite, showcasing Pink Floyd’s sharp social commentary and progressive rock mastery.
4 – Meddle, 1971
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Meddle, released in November 1971, is the sixth studio album by Pink Floyd and marks a transitional phase in the band’s evolution—from their early psychedelic experiments toward the more conceptual, cohesive works that defined their later career. The album blends blues-inspired rock with expansive, experimental soundscapes and is best known for its 23-minute epic “Echoes,” which showcases innovative analogue recording techniques developed by utilizing 16‑track equipment at studios like EMI, AIR, and Morgan. This period of creative exploration not only set the groundwork for future progressive masterpieces but also demonstrated the band’s willingness to push technical and artistic boundaries, earning praise for its unified, exploratory nature despite the varied character of its individual tracks.
Overview: Bridging the gap between early experimental psychedelia and the later grandiose epics, Meddle marks a clear step forward. It mixes exploratory passages with structured frameworks, hinting at what was to come. Standout Songs: “Echoes” (the nearly 23‑minute centrepiece), “One of These Days”. Quotes & Trivia: Meddle, released in 1971, was a pivotal album for Pink Floyd, marking their transition from psychedelic experimentation to the progressive rock sound that would define their later work. The album was recorded at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios) and other locations, with the band initially struggling to find direction before settling on a more cohesive approach. The standout track, Echoes, was originally titled Return of the Son of Nothing and featured underwater-themed lyrics after Roger Waters shifted away from the initial space imagery. The album also includes Seamus, a bluesy track featuring a howling dog, which was humorously divisive among fans. The cover, designed by Hipgnosis, was Storm Thorgerson’s least favorite of all Pink Floyd album designs, with the band rejecting his original idea—a close-up of a baboon’s anus. Despite mixed critical reception at the time, Meddle is now regarded as a crucial stepping stone in Pink Floyd’s evolution, setting the stage for their later masterpieces.
5 – Piper at the Gates of Dawn, 1967
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, released on 4 August 1967, is the debut studio album by Pink Floyd and a seminal work of psychedelic rock. Spearheaded by Syd Barrett’s inventive songwriting and produced by Norman Smith at EMI Studios in London, the album blends whimsical pop tunes with experimental soundscapes, as exemplified by tracks such as “Astronomy Domine,” “Lucifer Sam,” and “Interstellar Overdrive.” Its innovative use of reverb, echorec echo effect, and unconventional arrangements captured the countercultural spirit of the era while establishing the band’s early creative identity. Critically lauded for its originality and influential legacy—reaching number 6 on the UK Albums Chart—it remains both a cherished document of 1960s psychedelia and a point of reference for later progressive works.
Whilst I have placed this album in position 5 in the list, some may find it less accessible than the “mega albums” of the 1970s. I included it because of how innovative and impactful it has been. If it wasn’t for Syd’s songs, his ability to write fantastic singles, then we might not have seen the rest of Pink Floyd’s albums being released.
Overview: This record captures the essence of 1960s psychedelia. Dominated by Syd Barrett’s quirky vision, its whimsical lyrics and experimental soundscapes set the stage for Pink Floyd’s future evolution. Standout Songs: “Astronomy Domine”, “Interstellar Overdrive”, “The Gnome”. Quotes & Trivia: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, released in 1967, was Pink Floyd’s debut album and the only one fully led by Syd Barrett. It was recorded at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios) while The Beatles were working on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in the next room, leading to speculation that some sonic influences may have crossed over. The album’s title comes from Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, a book Barrett loved. Originally, the album was nearly called Projection, reflecting the band’s fascination with psychedelic light shows. The track Lucifer Sam was first titled Percy the Rat Catcher, showcasing Barrett’s whimsical approach to song writing. Meanwhile, Interstellar Overdrive was born from a hummed melody that manager Peter Jenner couldn’t recall, and some believe it subtly resembles the theme from Steptoe and Son. With its surreal lyrics, experimental soundscapes, and Barrett’s visionary creativity, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn remains a cornerstone of psychedelic rock.
The Next Best Five Floyd Albums
6 – The Wall, 1979
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
The Wall is Pink Floyd’s eleventh studio album, released on November 30, 1979. Conceived as a sprawling rock opera, it tells the story of a disillusioned rock star named Pink, who constructs a metaphorical wall to shield himself from the emotional pains of isolation, loss, and oppressive societal forces. Blending autobiographical elements with incisive social commentary, the album employs innovative soundscapes, theatrical arrangements, and state-of‑the‑art production techniques to create a deeply immersive narrative experience that features iconic tracks like “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” and “Comfortably Numb.”
Initially met with mixed reviews for its grandiose ambition, The Wall has since been recognised as a seminal work in rock history, both for its cultural impact and its commercial success—further underscored by its adaptation into a feature film. Most casual fans would instantly recognise Comfortably Numb with its epic guitar solo and Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 with its disco beat!
Overview: A cinematic rock opera, The Wall tells the story of isolation and personal alienation. Its narrative of a rock star’s emotional and psychological breakdown is interwoven with both introspection and politically charged commentary. Standout Songs: “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)”, “Comfortably Numb”, “Hey You”, “Run Like Hell”. Quotes & Trivia: The Wall, released in 1979, is one of Pink Floyd’s most ambitious projects, blending rock opera with deeply personal themes of isolation and psychological turmoil. The album was largely inspired by Roger Waters’ own experiences, particularly his growing detachment from audiences during live performances. It features Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2, which became the band’s only number-one single in both the US and UK. The album’s narrative follows Pink, a fictional character who builds a metaphorical wall around himself due to trauma and societal pressures. The accompanying 1982 film adaptation saw Bob Geldof in the lead role, and during filming, he cut his hand badly while destroying a hotel room but refused medical attention until the scene was completed. The album’s cyclical nature is reinforced by the phrase “Isn’t this where we came in?”, which connects the beginning and end of the record. With its theatrical storytelling, haunting melodies, and powerful social commentary, The Wall remains one of the most iconic concept albums in rock history.
7 – Atom Heart Mother, 1970
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Atom Heart Mother is Pink Floyd’s fifth studio album, released in October 1970 in the UK. Marking a daring exploration into symphonic rock, the album features an expansive 23‑minute title suite—developed in collaboration with composer Ron Geesin—that seamlessly fuses rock instrumentation with orchestral elements such as brass and choral passages. The experimental nature of the suite, along with the album’s iconic cover art by Hipgnosis (which famously depicts a cow against a pastoral backdrop), underscored the band’s ambition to expand the sonic and structural boundaries of rock music. Although its initial reception was mixed—with some critics questioning its indulgence in experimentation—Atom Heart Mother has since come to be viewed as a pivotal step in Pink Floyd’s evolution and an influential work within the progressive rock canon.
Overview: Here, Pink Floyd dares to mix rock with orchestral arrangements. The album’s experimental approach and extended suites showcased a willingness to merge genres while pushing the boundaries of conventional song structure. Standout Songs: The title suite “Atom Heart Mother”, “If”, “Fat Old Sun”. Quotes & Trivia: Atom Heart Mother, released in 1970, was Pink Floyd’s first album to reach number one in the UK. The title was inspired by a newspaper article about a woman with an atomic-powered pacemaker. The album was recorded at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios) and featured orchestral arrangements by Ron Geesin, who struggled with session musicians during recording. The cover, designed by Hipgnosis, was the first Pink Floyd album not to feature the band’s name or photos. The album’s centerpiece, the 23-minute title suite, was originally called The Amazing Pudding and was performed live before its official release. The track Alan’s Psychedelic Breakfast included real kitchen sounds recorded in Nick Mason’s kitchen, adding to the album’s experimental nature. Despite its commercial success, Roger Waters and David Gilmour later expressed negative opinions about the album. Nevertheless, Atom Heart Mother remains a fascinating chapter in Pink Floyd’s evolution, blending rock with orchestral elements in a bold, unconventional way.
8 – A Saucerful of Secrets, 1968
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
A Saucerful of Secrets is Pink Floyd’s second studio album, released in June 1968, and it marks a crucial transitional moment for the band. The album reflects a blend of the remaining traces of Syd Barrett’s psychedelic whimsy with a new, more experimental approach that would come to define their later work—a shift further underscored by the arrival of David Gilmour during its recording. Standout tracks like “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” showcase a cosmic, atmospheric sound palette, while “Jugband Blues” offers a glimpse into Barrett’s deteriorating state and poignantly signals his fading influence. With its experimental sound collages, unconventional production techniques, and genre-blending compositions, A Saucerful of Secrets has come to be regarded as both an end of an era and a foundation stone for Pink Floyd’s evolution into progressive rock innovators .
Overview: Serving as a pivot between the quirky Syd Barrett era and the more structured later works, this album is filled with spacey, experimental sounds that hint at the band’s emerging new direction. Standout Songs: “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun”, “Let There Be More Light”. Quotes & Trivia: A Saucerful of Secrets, released in 1968, was a transitional album for Pink Floyd, marking the shift from Syd Barrett to David Gilmour as Barrett’s mental health declined. It was recorded at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios) and De Lane Lea Studios, with each band member contributing to songwriting and vocals. The album features Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun, the only track where all five members—Barrett, Gilmour, Waters, Wright, and Mason—appear together. The title track is an experimental suite that evolved through studio improvisation, and Jugband Blues became Barrett’s farewell song, reflecting his detachment from the band. The album’s cover, designed by Hipgnosis, embraced psychedelic imagery, setting the tone for future Pink Floyd artwork. Though initially overshadowed by The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, A Saucerful of Secrets has since gained recognition as a crucial step in the band’s evolution toward their progressive rock identity.
9 – Obscured by Clouds, 1972
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Obscured by Clouds is the seventh studio album by Pink Floyd, released on 2 June 1972, and serves as the soundtrack for Barbet Schroeder’s French film La Vallée. Recorded over brief, intensive sessions at the Château d’Hérouville in France while the band was touring, the album blends atmospheric instrumentals with concise, song-oriented tracks. Its understated production and gentle acoustic textures mark a transitional phase that hints at the sonic innovations later fully realized on The Dark Side of the Moon. Although initially regarded as a stopgap project, the album’s evocative mood-setting and careful construction have earned it a respectful place in Pink Floyd’s discography, with its success underscored by reaching number six on the UK charts .
Overview: Created as the soundtrack for François Truffaut’s film La Vallée, this album offers a collection of atmospheric and understated compositions that emphasize mood over narrative. Standout Songs: “Wots… Uh the Deal”, “Childhood’s End”. Quotes & Trivia: Obscured by Clouds, released in 1972, served as the soundtrack for the French film La Vallée, directed by Barbet Schroeder. The album was recorded at Château d’Hérouville in France, during a brief break from touring, and was completed in just two weeks. Unlike Pink Floyd’s more polished works, this album captures a raw, spontaneous energy, with tracks like Free Four, which became one of their earliest songs to receive significant airplay in the US. The album’s title was inspired by a pulsating instrumental theme that opened both the film and the record. Interestingly, the cover features an out-of-focus film still of a man in a tree, adding to its mysterious aesthetic. Though often overshadowed by The Dark Side of the Moon, Obscured by Clouds was the first Pink Floyd album to break into the Top 50 on the US Billboard charts.
10 – A Momentary Lapse of Reason, 1987
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
A Momentary Lapse of Reason marks a defining turning point for Pink Floyd as their first album following Roger Waters’ departure, released on September 7, 1987. Helmed by David Gilmour and co-produced with Bob Ezrin, the album blends expansive sonic textures with reflective lyrical themes, showcasing a more contemporary yet atmospheric direction. Featuring standout tracks such as “Learning to Fly,” “On the Turning Away,” and “One Slip,” it was largely recorded aboard Gilmour’s converted houseboat, Astoria, with contributions from Nick Mason and returning keyboardist Richard Wright. Despite navigating legal disputes and creative challenges during its production, the album achieved both critical and commercial success, reaffirming Pink Floyd’s innovative legacy in progressive rock.
Overview: The first release after Roger Waters’ departure, this record is marked by David Gilmour’s refined touch. It features a more polished, reflective sound aimed at recapturing the band’s earlier magic while exploring new textures. Standout Songs: “Learning to Fly”, “On the Turning Away”, “One Slip”. Quotes & Trivia: A Momentary Lapse of Reason, released in 1987, marked a new era for Pink Floyd, as it was the first album recorded without Roger Waters, who had left the band in 1985. The album was primarily recorded on David Gilmour’s houseboat studio, Astoria, and saw the return of Richard Wright, though only as a session musician due to legal disputes. The production was troubled, with Gilmour facing writer’s block and bringing in outside musicians to help shape the sound. The album’s title was nearly Delusions of Maturity or Signs of Life, but the latter was rejected to avoid critics making jokes about the album showing “no signs of life”. The lead single, Learning to Fly, became a hit, helping the band gain a new, younger fanbase. Despite mixed reviews, the album was commercially successful, reaching number three in both the UK and US charts and outselling The Final Cut. It was supported by a massive world tour, including a free performance on a barge in Venice, which caused controversy due to its impact on the city.
The Bottom Five Pink Floyd Albums
11 – The Division Bell, 1994
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
The Division Bell is Pink Floyd’s fourteenth studio album, released in 1994, that marks a reflective evolution in the band’s sound. Curated primarily under David Gilmour’s leadership alongside lyricist Polly Samson, the record delves into themes of communication, isolation, and the subtle barriers that emerge in human relationships. It features a refined blend of atmospheric soundscapes and intricate musical arrangements, highlighted by standout tracks such as “High Hopes,” “Keep Talking,” and “Take It Back.” Recorded in a variety of settings—including Britannia Row Studios and Gilmour’s Astoria houseboat—the album’s meticulous production and mature lyrical content resonated internationally, helping it reach number one in several markets. While initial reviews were mixed regarding its contemplative pace, The Division Bell has since been celebrated for its emotive depth and enduring contribution to the progressive rock canon .
Overview: Focused on themes of communication, isolation, and the passing of time, this album is both reflective and expansive, featuring lush soundscapes and subtle interplay between musicians. Standout Songs: “High Hopes”, “Keep Talking”, “Coming Back to Life”. Quotes & Trivia: The Division Bell, released in 1994, was Pink Floyd’s second album without Roger Waters, marking a return to a more atmospheric and melodic sound. The album was largely written by David Gilmour and Richard Wright, with Gilmour’s wife, Polly Samson, contributing lyrics that explored themes of communication and misinterpretation. The title refers to the bell rung in the UK Parliament to signal a vote, symbolizing the album’s focus on dialogue and understanding. The cover, designed by Storm Thorgerson, features two large metallic heads facing each other, subtly forming a third face in the negative space between them. The album was recorded at Britannia Row Studios, Astoria, Abbey Road, and Metropolis, with Bob Ezrin returning as co-producer. It was supported by the Division Bell Tour, which became one of the highest-grossing tours of the decade. Though initially met with mixed reviews, The Division Bell reached number one in multiple countries and later gained recognition as a strong entry in Pink Floyd’s discography.
12 – The Final Cut, 1983
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
The Final Cut is Pink Floyd’s twelfth studio album, released on March 21, 1983, and widely regarded as the band’s final statement with Roger Waters at the helm. Crafted during a period of personal and political upheaval, the album channels Waters’ reflections on war, loss, and the betrayal of post-war ideals—drawing on influences ranging from personal family history to the recent Falklands War. Musically cinematic in scope, its arrangements blend orchestral elements with rock dynamics to reinforce its bleak, contemplative narrative, while standout tracks like “The Post War Dream” and “Not Now John” encapsulate its thematic weight. Although the album achieved commercial success—topping the UK charts—it polarized critics, with many questioning its overt politicization and the diminished creative input from the other band members; over time, however, it has been reassessed as a poignant, if divisive, farewell to the classic Pink Floyd era .
Overview: Deeply influenced by Roger Waters’ perspectives, this album confronts themes of war, loss, and disillusionment in a manner that some see as a farewell not only to a period of history but also to an era of Pink Floyd. Standout Songs: “The Post War Dream”, “Not Now John”, “The Fletcher Memorial Home”. Quotes & Trivia: The Final Cut, released in 1983, was Pink Floyd’s last album with Roger Waters, marking the end of an era for the band. Originally conceived as a companion to The Wall, the album evolved into a politically charged work, heavily influenced by the Falklands War. It is the only Pink Floyd album where all songs are credited solely to Waters, and it features deeply personal themes, including a dedication to his late father, Eric Fletcher Waters, who died in World War II. The album’s cover displays Remembrance Day poppies alongside British military medal ribbons, reinforcing its anti-war message. The track Not Now John was released in two versions—one with the explicit lyrics censored to ensure radio play. Despite mixed reviews upon release, The Final Cut reached number one in the UK and later gained recognition for its emotional depth and cinematic storytelling.
13 – Soundtrack From The Film More, 1969
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Soundtrack From The Film “More” is Pink Floyd’s third studio album and first film soundtrack, released in 1969 (June 13 in the UK and August 9 in the US). Recorded at Pye Studios in London during January–February 1969, the album serves as the sonic backdrop for Barbet Schroeder’s film More, capturing the restless energy and diverse moods of the late 1960s counterculture. Blending elements of psychedelic rock, blues, folk, and experimental soundscapes, the soundtrack features a varied collection of pieces—from the atmospheric “The Nile Song” to the reflective “Green Is the Colour”—that together illustrate the band’s creative transition beyond their earlier, Syd Barrett–influenced style. Though it received mixed reviews at release, its eclectic approach and status as both a film score and standalone record have earned it recognition as a pivotal work in Pink Floyd’s early evolution .
Overview: A dynamic soundtrack album that experiments with a variety of musical styles—ranging from folk to psychedelic rock—More embodies the band’s willingness to push beyond conventional album formats. Standout Songs: “Cirrus Minor”, “The Nile Song”. Quotes & Trivia: Soundtrack from the Film More, released in 1969, was Pink Floyd’s first full-length film soundtrack, created for Barbet Schroeder’s movie More. The album was recorded at Pye Studios in London and marked the band’s first project without Syd Barrett. Unlike traditional film scores, the director wanted the songs to be integrated into the film’s scenes, such as playing from a record at a party. The album features a mix of psychedelic rock, folk, and avant-garde elements, showcasing the band’s versatility. The track The Nile Song is one of Pink Floyd’s heaviest songs, while Cirrus Minor opens with atmospheric birdsong, setting a dreamy tone. Interestingly, the band timed sequences in the film using a stopwatch rather than a dubbing studio due to budget constraints. Though often overlooked, More was a top ten hit in the UK and played a crucial role in Pink Floyd’s early experimentation with film music.
14 – Ummagumma, 1969
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Ummagumma is Pink Floyd’s fourth album, a double LP released in 1969 that boldly juxtaposes the intensity of their live performances with eclectic, experimental studio compositions. The first disc captures the band’s raw energy through extended live renditions of early classics such as “Astronomy Domine” and “Careful with That Axe, Eugene,” while the second disc features individually crafted, avant-garde pieces—from Roger Waters’ pastoral “Grantchester Meadows” to Richard Wright’s abstract “Sysyphus”—that push the boundaries of conventional rock. The album’s title, a nonsensical word chosen to mirror its unpredictable structure, reflects Pink Floyd’s willingness to explore unconventional musical territories, a choice that initially polarized critics yet has earned Ummagumma a lasting reputation as a daring, formative work in psychedelic and progressive rock history .
Overview: A double album that juxtaposes energetic live performances with adventurous, experimental studio pieces, Ummagumma captures the band’s boundless creative experimentation during its early, unpredictable years. Standout Songs: The live staple “Careful With That Axe, Eugene”, A selection of the experimental conceptual tracks found on its second disc. Quotes & Trivia: Ummagumma, released in 1969, is a unique double album that combines live recordings from Pink Floyd’s performances with experimental solo compositions from each band member. The live portion was recorded at Mothers Club in Birmingham and Manchester College of Commerce, capturing the band’s raw energy at the time. The studio half allowed each member to explore their own musical ideas, resulting in avant-garde tracks like Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict, which features sped-up and reversed vocal effects. The album’s title supposedly comes from Cambridge slang for sex, though some band members later claimed it was a made-up word. The cover, designed by Hipgnosis, features a Droste effect, creating a recursive image of the band. Despite mixed reviews, Ummagumma reached number five in the UK and became a cult favorite among fans of Pink Floyd’s early experimental phase.
15 – The Endless River, 2014
Grab a copy from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
The Endless River is Pink Floyd’s fifteenth and final studio album, released in November 2014. Primarily assembled from unreleased instrumental sessions recorded during The Division Bell era (1993–94), with additional contributions laid down in 2013–2014 at David Gilmour’s Astoria and Medina Studios, the album serves as a reflective, ambient tribute to the late keyboardist Richard Wright. Eschewing conventional song structures in favour of expansive, mood-driven soundscapes, The Endless River captures both a sense of elegiac finality and the band’s ongoing commitment to sonic experimentation. While its introspective, nearly entirely instrumental approach garnered praise for its emotional subtlety and atmospheric depth, it also received mixed reviews from critics who noted its departure from the band’s more dynamic, lyrically driven classics .
Overview: An ambient, mostly instrumental album paying tribute to the late Richard Wright, it reflects on decades of musical evolution while offering a bittersweet farewell from the band. Standout Songs: The album is best experienced as a suite of shifting themes rather than individual “songs,” with its evocative passages standing out as meditative highlights. Quotes & Trivia:
The Endless River, released in 2014, is Pink Floyd’s final studio album and serves as a tribute to Richard Wright, who passed away in 2008. The album is largely composed of instrumental and ambient music, built from unreleased recordings made during The Division Bell sessions in 1993 and 1994. The title references a lyric from High Hopes, the closing track of The Division Bell. The cover was designed by Ahmed Emad Eldin, an 18-year-old Egyptian artist discovered by Hipgnosis’ Aubrey Powell. The album became the most pre-ordered album of all time on Amazon UK and debuted at number one in multiple countries. Despite mixed reviews, The Endless River remains a poignant farewell to Pink Floyd’s legacy, encapsulating their signature atmospheric sound.
How does NPF list of Pink Floyd Best Albums compare to Rolling Stone and Mojo lists?
My top 5 are very similar to both Rolling Stone and Mojo’s top lists. Mojo doesn’t have Animals but does have The Wall which I placed in position 6. Whereas Rolling Stone doesn’t have Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Personally, I don’t think The Endless River should have been released as a standalone thing rather it could have ended up in the Later Years Boxset instead as bonus material. I think David Gilmour rather agrees; it was released because the record company was moaning rather than for artistic reasons.
The rest of the albums “in the middle” are absolutely excellent and have some of my favourite individual songs. Comfortably Numb on The Wall along with Mother. Cymbaline on More is also a massive favourite. But not all albums can be in the top 5.
So there you have it. A very subjective list that I would well change depending on the day of the week! If you would like to share your own list of favourite Pink Floyd albums, then we have a forum thread to discuss that.
More Pink Floyd Album trivia?
Pink Floyd has a treasure trove of fascinating trivia! Here are some lesser-known facts:
- The Origin of the Name – The band’s name comes from two blues musicians, Pink Anderson and Floyd Council, whom Syd Barrett admired.
- First Single Confusion – Many assume Another Brick in the Wall was their first single, but it was actually Arnold Layne, released in 1967.
- The Pompeii Experiment – Their legendary 1972 concert film, Live at Pompeii, was performed without an audience, making it one of the most unique live recordings ever.
- Hidden Messages – The Wall contains a secret message at the end of Empty Spaces, where a reversed voice says, “Congratulations, you have just discovered the secret message.”
- Stephen Hawking’s Cameo – His synthesized voice appears on Keep Talking from The Division Bell, inspired by his lectures on communication.
- The Floating Pig Incident – During the Animals cover shoot, the inflatable pig broke free and disrupted air traffic over London.
- David Gilmour’s Houseboat Studio – A Momentary Lapse of Reason was largely recorded on Astoria, Gilmour’s floating studio on the Thames.
Links – Pink Floyd Wikipedia page
Note: A small commission is earned from each purchase made on Amazon after following one of our links on this page. This does not affect the price you pay.
