Pink Floyd

The Division Bell

Pink Floyd as good as ever!

Review Score:

(10/10)
Contrary to what you may have read, anyone with an open mind would qualify this Pink Floyd album as great as any other.
It has been long since Roger Waters left the band (and very long since Syd did, so please focus), and, therefore, one cannot expect the music to still be the same. Bands always evolve, specially throughout 30 something years. Some evolve for good, some don't. Sometimes, they drastically change their style, most of them in hopes of commercial success. Anyway, I think we can be sure that the least reason Pink Floyd had for taking out a new album was getting richer.

Instead, they must have felt sure that they could create a new album without ignoring the Pink Floyd trademark sound. That is basically what this album is, modern Pink Floyd in its best. Please don't expect epic lyrics like those from the 70's (though the ones provided are not bad at all). And surely, don't expect a great concept album that will make you change your attitude towards life. After all, these guys are musicians, and that is what musicians do, music.

Anyone with the slightest musical sense towards the work of Pink Floyd should find this album to be a masterpiece. Since the opening track, the band introduces us to their musical environment: calm, inspired, sentimental, reflexive...
All in all, the musical highlights, in a pure sense, are "Cluster One", "Marooned", and "Wearing the Inside Out".

Speaking about "Marooned", I believe David Gilmour is a highly underrated guitar player, and this track definetely supports my opinion. I don't think many guitar players in the world can play that song.

At least 4 other tracks are definetely Floydian, too. And if you have a thing for lyrics, there are a couple more that might strike you.

It's a shame too many 'fans' have denied the existence of Pink Floyd beyond Roger Waters, and it's a shame too, that most so-called critics underrated this album; but, hey, how many among those know a bit of music? Most of them just found the subject that would help them write their review: Pink Floyd is not the same without Roger Waters. Of course it isn't! How can it be?

In conclusion, don't look for timeless lyrics and stunning concepts; leave that for the writers and poets. If you have been able to understand the musical complexity behind Pink Floyd's work, and don't think that Roger Waters WAS Pink Floyd, then you should have already bought this album.

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