Progressive rock

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Emerson, Lake & Palmer 01

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Progressive rock (often shortened to prog rock or prog) is a broad genre of rock music that developed in the United Kingdom and United States throughout the mid to late 1960s. Initially termed "progressive pop", the style was an outgrowth of psychedelic rock, and it sought to move beyond the limitations of traditional pop music. Progressive rock bands aimed to create more complex and sophisticated music, incorporating elements from classical music, jazz, and world music into their compositions. This genre is characterized by its use of unconventional time signatures, extended compositions, conceptual album themes, and the integration of technology in music production.

History

The roots of progressive rock can be traced back to the late 1960s, with bands such as The Beatles, The Moody Blues, and Pink Floyd laying the groundwork for what would become a major musical movement. The Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) is often cited as a significant precursor for its experimental approach to pop music. The late 1960s and early 1970s saw the emergence of bands that would become synonymous with progressive rock, including Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. These bands pushed musical boundaries, both in terms of composition and performance, setting new standards for musical complexity and virtuosity.

During the 1970s, progressive rock reached its commercial and artistic peak, with albums such as Close to the Edge by Yes, Selling England by the Pound by Genesis, and In the Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson achieving critical and commercial success. However, by the late 1970s, the genre began to face criticism for its perceived pretentiousness and complexity, leading to a decline in popularity. The rise of punk rock and new wave music, which emphasized simplicity and directness, further marginalized progressive rock.

In the 1980s and 1990s, progressive rock experienced a resurgence, with bands like Marillion, IQ, and Dream Theater leading a new wave of prog musicians. This period, often referred to as the "neo-progressive" movement, saw the genre incorporating elements of hard rock, heavy metal, and electronic music, while still maintaining the complex structures and musicianship of classic prog.

Characteristics

Progressive rock is distinguished by its ambitious approach to music-making, often involving:

• Extended song formats that go beyond the standard verse-chorus structure
• Complex and irregular time signatures
• Concept albums with thematic unity across tracks
• Virtuosic musicianship and complex arrangements
• Use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments
• Incorporation of elements from classical, jazz, and world music

Influence

Despite its fluctuating popularity, progressive rock has had a lasting impact on the broader landscape of rock music. It paved the way for the development of other complex and experimental genres, including progressive metal, math rock, and post-rock. Additionally, prog has influenced artists in a variety of genres, demonstrating its wide-reaching impact on the music industry.

See Also

• Rock music
• Concept album
• Symphonic rock
• Canterbury scene
• Krautrock