Animals Review

"If you didn't care what happened to me, and I didn't care for you" 

Those first few lyrics gave me chills. This is an album shrouded in deeper meaning and metaphorical hyperbole.  The honesty of dogs, pigs, and sheep serve as a testament to a world confiscated of basic humanity, as we're thrown into a system that is lead straight to slaughter. Albums like "Animals" don't get made anymore.  Strictly from an analog standpoint, feeling every ounce of this album on vinyl is an experience like none other and should be experienced if able to.  I was fortunate enough to have a friend gift me this on vinyl.  Yet either way you slice "Animals", there is a message, a calling, an inkling absorbed into your brain that just sticks. Whether you strictly enjoy the music as it is; a progressive monument ahead of its time, or if you enjoy looking deeper into the lyrics and taking what you will from them.

"Animals" certainly takes a different direction from some of their previous albums (Dark Side Of The Moon", "Wish You Were Here") as the bold effort from Pink Floyd tackles more controversial subject matter.  The album is based loosely off of George Orwell's "Animal Farm" as the lyrics speak mainly about the our societal classes metaphorically depicted as animals.  The aggressive dogs, the bigoted pigs, and the brainwashed sheep.   The lengthy tracks serve as the meat and potatoes of the album as the two parts of "Pigs On The Wing" share opposing beliefs.  Part 1 is about not giving a damn for one another as we occasionally glance at each other through the murkiness of life, and Part 2 speaks about sheltering one another in companionship and relatability. 

What truly makes "Animals" special is seeing the dynamic duo of Water and Gilmour showcasing their strengths at the top of their game.  Some of Gilmour's best guitar work is displayed on this album. The lengthy tracks gave Gilmour his easel to paint on as "Dogs" and "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" are filled with tasty solos that show a musician soaring through his prime.  Waters' lyrical imagery is a gem that fills "Animals" with industrial, reality-ridden illustrations on what really is happening around us every day.  Just from the cover art, you imagine factories, industries, and machines pumping out product onto a conveyor belt; processed one by one.  The rural setting, and the perfectly placed pig in between the silos constructs an image of pollution, corruption, and unfortunately, society as is.

Final Summary:

"You know that I care what happens to you
And I know that you care for me too

So I don't feel alone of the weight of the stone
Now that I've found somewhere safe to bury my bone
And any fool knows a dog needs a home
A shelter from pigs on the wing"

Rating: 10/10