This is the final Pink Floyd album. Written at the same time that the material for "The Division Bell" was written. Although it had been considered for release previously, and even played as house music on tour, this music was largely unheard by the band's fans. A lot of the music was written as just jams, but in 2012, guitarist David Gilmour, and drummer Nick Mason reconvened and turned the material into something that would run together as a cohesive whole.
A lot of people were really down on this album. There were many insults thrown its way. People saying that it's not Pink Floyd without Waters (although PF had released two albums without Waters, previously). That the band should have released it as a bonus disc to a re-release of "The Division Bell". But to me, I think it's an absolutely beautiful, and brilliant album.
Predominately instrumental, all eras of Pink Floyd seem to be represented on this album. The earlier, more experimental period, and of course "The Division Bell" era. The tracks are atmospheric, and oftentimes ethereal and haunting. If fans were to listen with an open mind, I am sure that they would all find something to like here.
The disc is broken into four "sides", each side a medley of tracks that really feed off of each other, and have the same feel. Almost as if each were a sort of epic track, something that the band had left behind with "Animals". There are moments that evoke the feeling of "The Wall" (the fantastic "Allons-y" suite), and obviously moments that bring back the instrumental feel, and vibe of songs like "Cluster One".
There is only one song with vocals here (unless you count the late Stephen Hawking, reprising his "Keep Talking" performance, in the musically emotional "Talkin' Hawkin'"), a track called "Louder Than Words", with lyrics from Polly Samson, the wife of David Gilmour. The vocals are newly recorded, and a very touching way to say goodbye to one of the greatest bands to ever grace our planet.
This would not only be Pink Floyd's swan-song, but also Richard Wright's swan song, as he sadly passed away after a battle with cancer several years prior to its release. The music is emotional, it's heartfelt, and it's a beautiful way to pay tribute to the late, great Richard Wright. And while it may not be for every Pink Floyd fan, for this fan, it's a fantastic album, and one that I feel stacks up very nicely in their incredible discography.
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