10) Gentle Giant

And the countdown of the top ten progressive rock bands of all time begins. Unlike previous countdowns I’ve done I’ve decided I would shorten my write ups of each band, because I was really killing myself with past countdowns, especially the top ten bands of all time. Anyway, at number ten we have Gentle Giant, and I must say it was extremely tough for me to come to this conclusion, I’m still questioning myself on it but in my heart I feel it’s the right one. Gentle Giant came together in the late 60’s and was one of the pioneering bands of the progressive rock genre. Unfortunately for this immensely talented and unique band they never quite reached the major status that other Prog Rock bands reached such as Yes and Pink Floyd. Gentle Giant is one of the great bands under the art rock sub genre. For most, Gentle Giant is more than just difficult to understand and digest but with more and more listens the appreciation grows. Their sound is unlike any other band; they draw heavily from medieval music and their vocals sound strikingly similar to classical chamber music which is what sets Gentle Giant far away from any other band. I can’t emphasize enough the power and distinctiveness of Derek Shulman’s voice which will have you wondering if their music was made within the past one hundred years. The band explored the typical prog territories in terms of instruments with orchestral instruments such as oboes and horns as well as the typical prog instruments such as moogs and mellotrons. Despite the inability to reach commercial success they have a number of phenomenal albums that are a must have for any prog enthusiast such as “In a Glass House,” “Free Hand,” “Acquiring the Taste” and “Octopus.” The most accessible of all of these would definitely be “Free Hand” which I personally feel is their best album with depth, strong melodies, and catchy hooks. While Gentle Giant may not be remembered by even the biggest of music fanatics they will always have a place in the heart of each and every prog rock fan.

Essential Albums: "Free Hand" and "Acquiring the Taste"