12 - The Wall (Pink Floyd) ***** It would feel quite wrong if after reviewing 3 albums of this band that I was left with little to say given the quality is fairly prima facie and self-evident. Given this album seems a bit more controversial and with how much primarily Waters is putting of himself on this album, I feel this would be an appropriate place to give a few more thoughts on one of their albums other than just saying it is really good. With how introspective the plot and thematic relevance this rock opera gets, it’s impossible to shed or avoid labels of sap or pretentiousness. But even if these were elements that did irritate someone, I don’t see how you couldn’t look past it when it is handled and presented with this level of artistry. The stylings of a hazy reminiscence of ones life throughout the whole album feel tangible and structurally sound. While I wouldn’t say there are any songs on here that are bad or even mediocre, it’s clear to see they knew what the standouts tracks are, and the surrounding tracks stretch from one to another to form its act structure (I wouldn’t dare to consider it a 3 act structure as there are more than 3 standout songs on here). I would say disc 2 is stronger overall (the stretch of songs from Comfortably Numb to Waiting for the Worms is literally perfect). Waters can get a bit of flack for his vocal components on here, but I can’t see anyone but him performing these parts, from the subject matter being deeply personal to the way he gradually adjusts his performance, feeling in a way like a time lapse showing Pink at their different stages gives a really raw sentimentality which I am sure has endeared this album to so many people, myself included. Putting any kind of artsy fartsy critique lens aside for a final moment, this is probably the coolest I have heard a guitar sound in a single album? Michael Mann (a creator whose films are all very introspective to their main characters) chose to have a rip-off of Comfortably Numb in two of his movies and they both fucking slap