Review Summary: “Obscured by Clouds” is a complete and solid record, and it’s Pink Floyd after all. If that indicates anything, it means that this record is great.
So much is made of Pink Floyd’s 1970’s success. If fans were to be asked what Pink Floyd’s best albums were, “Animals,” “Dark Side of the Moon,” “Meddle,” “Wish You Were Here,” and even “The Wall,” would enter the discussion. You would be hard pressed however, to find someone who would mention the band’s 1972 record “Obscured by Clouds.” A year earlier, “Meddle” proved to be the band’s most ambitious release and virtually Pink Floyd’s breakthrough record. That album in particular had transformed Pink Floyd’s sound; they were becoming much less of a psychedelic band and much more of a progressive group. In 1973, the band delivered “Dark Side of the Moon,” which was a record that the world had never seen the likes of before. That’s where “Obscured by Clouds” is puzzling. Having been released in between two of Pink Floyd’s greatest albums and during the decade that the band could do no wrong, “Obscured by Clouds” seems to pale in comparison. Although it may be seen as a forgettable release, this particular release is a solid one in its own right, and does not deserve to be ignored.
With “Obscured by Clouds,” the elements that created such a tremendous record in “Meddle” are still present. Spacey atmosphere, wailing guitars, and the soothing vocals from Roger Waters and David Gilmour established the distinct sound that Pink Floyd is known for. Not unlike the rest of the band’s career, Pink Floyd does not show any shyness towards experimentation, which is reflected in the opening tracks. Both the title track and
When You’re In are instrumentals; the former fading in with a dark and mysterious synth sound and Gilmour’s howling guitar. The aura of
Obscured by Clouds is what sets the tone for this unique record, and plays on the theme of “obscured.” The second track
When You’re In is much more upbeat, and is similar to
The Gold It’s in the….
The Gold It’s in the… may be the record’s most enjoyable track, and features some of Gilmour’s best guitar work of his music career. The lead guitar is undoubtedly one of the major factors that makes “Obscured by Clouds” a pleasurable album.
The tandem of Roger Waters and David Gilmour on vocals has loomed large for the band, and on this album there is no exception. Their harmonies are tremendous,
Wot’s…Ugh the Deal and
Burning Bridges holding true to this. The latter is quite a relaxing and pleasing track, highlighted by outstanding vocals and Rick Wright’s keyboards. A great deal of Pink Floyd’s works on this album resemble a great deal of their other records;
Mudmen is a lead guitar-driven instrumental similar to
Marooned from “The Division Bell,” and
Free Four resembles “A Piper at the Gates of Dawn’s”
The Gnome.
The similarities of “Obscured by Clouds” to the rest of Pink Floyd’s records seems to be a bit of a weakness, for the album really has nothing new to offer. “Obscured by Clouds” does not have anything that would rival Pink Floyd’s best works; no essential songs that would stand up with the likes of
Comfortably Numb,
Echoes, and
Us and Them. With that said however, “Obscured by Clouds” is a complete and solid record, and
it’s Pink Floyd after all. If that indicates anything, it means that this record is great.
Recommended Tracks:
When You’re In
Burning Bridges
The Gold it’s in the…
Wot’s…Uh the Deal
Free Four
