Pink Floyd: “Money”

Thesis:

Pink Floyd’s “Money,” released in 1973, reflected Progressive Rock and portrayed the 1970s environment that underwent economic turmoil and rising unemployment levels. This stagflation could help determine why “Money” resonates with significant populations and saw commercial success as it experimented with new progressive rock elements such as cover art, light shows and vocal style to capture listeners. “Money” serves as a critique of western culture through its unique sounds and lyrics.

  • Pink Floyd’s “Money” was very unique with progressive rock elements. It also became a defined song that resonates during the 1970s in America. This can be attributed to the economy’s bad health and rising unemployment level. The song changed the stature of progressive rock in the early 70s, the hit song describes money as a “crime” and how it becomes a catalyst for problems in society.
  • The album, The Dark Side of the Moon embodied progressive rock and showed new depictions of rock. The album moved rock from an adolescent stage where all the songs were about sex and partying, to an adult stage. The new stage is set in singing about real real problems that are rooted in time and money in a folk like way. There are folk and blues elements incorporated in Pink Floyd’s version of progressive rock.
  • Pink Floyd crafted an album that planted a seed for other progressive rock and rock and roll albums to come. Through their lyrical art, they were also able show significant experimentation and differences which conveyed authenticity that could resonate with their audiences. Pink Floyd’s artistic abilities did not just stop with lyrics, but also expanded into their cover art as well as performances.

http://www.pink-floyd.org/

Nick Mason, Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Richard Wright, and David Gilmour.