Atom Heart Mother - PINK FLOYD****

Atom Heart Mother/If/Summer 68/Fat Old Sun/Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast

After several failed attempts Pink Floyd finally get around to releasing a psychedelic album that is worthy of their reputation. However, Atom Heart Mother may require quite a few plays to reveal its quality. (US:55 UK:1)

"The title track is sprawling, yet grandiose, symphonic rock. It is captivating, it is powerful, and quite honestly I do not quite fathom why serious Pink Floyd listeners dislike this album. It is a daring experiment in themes, and in musical expression."

"Some critics have complained that Atom Heart Mother is not a very concentrated work, but I believe that the opposite is true. It seems like a serious attempt from everyone in the band to write real music. Where Ummagumma failed, Atom Heart Mother succeeds."

"The title track is masterpiece in every word. Atom Heart Mother is progressive symphonic psychedelic rock genius suite. They've decided to make the track with an orchestra and it fits perfectly for their style. This was groundbreaking combination at the time."

"The title track of this album is probably their crowning achievement as a band, with its memorable theme and strong instrumentation from each member. The B-side shows that they could write powerful songs on their own, although Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast bogs it down a bit."

"Atom Heart Mother is a great Pink Floyd record. It's definitely one of their best. The adventurous Atom Heart Mother suite combines progressive rock with classical music wonderfully. The piece is sectioned, it features a brass section, a choir, and it's one of the most intricate and powerful pieces Pink Floyd have ever composed."

"The title track is as good as symphonic prog rock can get, it runs really smoothly and the orchestral and choir arrangements are firmly at the forefront with Gilmour occasionally supplying some lovely guitar solos. The second side is similar to Ummagumma, a series of solo compositions but a with a much more unified, group feel to it. Waters If is gentle acoustic folk piece, Wright's Summer 68 shows a surprising Beatles harmonic influence, but best of all is Gilmour's Fat Old Sun. Only Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast lets the side down with some rather tedious experimentation."