80. King Crimson “Red” (Red)
Red is the paradigm that every pointy-headed progressive rock band worships at the altar of (even if they don’t realize it because the bands they do worship once worshipped here). The title track is a yin yang of intellect and adrenaline, underscored with a very scientific, discernible English sensibility. Robert Fripp, who has never been boring or unoriginal, outdoes himself while John Wetton and Bill Bruford do some of their finest work as well. It’s the closest thing the rock guitar ever got to its own version of “Giant Steps”, and it sets a suitable tone for the immensity to follow.
79. Pink Floyd: “Hey You” (The Wall)
Even if you believe The Wall isn’t overstuffed and self-indulgent (but it is), there’s absolutely no doubt that some of Floyd’s finest work can be found alongside the hysteria and hubris. Not coincidentally, many of these moments feature David Gilmour on vocals. Still, the reason “Hey You” remains so powerful, unsettling, and ultimately uplifting, is because it’s Floyd doing what they do best: operating as a functional unit, playing to their strengths (Waters’ lyrics, Gilmour’s voice and guitars, solid support from Mason and Wright). Not yet consumed by his cynicism (and ego), Waters channeled his sullen but sound poetic sensibilities into a song that contains some of his most consoling, hopeful (!) lyrics: “Hey you, don’t help them to bury the light / Don’t give in, without a fight.” While his towering solo from “Comfortably Numb” deservedly steals the show, Gilmour’s succinct but soaring work here is to be celebrated.