Wish You Were Here Review

With time comes the passing of people in our lives; even if they don't pass away per se.  They leave impressions that last a life time.  Not only does "Wish You Were Here" pay homage to founding member of Pink Floyd Syd Barrett, but it speaks on the importance of camaraderie within a group; and how you should never forget the ones that erected the structure around you.  "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is the tribute to Syd who left the band seven years earlier after suffering a mental breakdown.  The carefully crafted, tasteful guitar licks on "Shine On" demonstrate the final waltz for Barrett as Pink Floyd evolved without their absent founder.  

There is weight to the 5 tracks on this record.  The two parts of "Shine On" encompass half the album's length as the remaining tracks speak about subjects such as corporate greed, musical discovery, fame, fortune, and human relationships.  "Welcome To The Machine" is very much a jab towards societal issues as it seems to be a recurring theme in Roger Water's writing.  Being put up in a corporately run system is highlighted greatly here as the industrial, ominous feel of the song makes you feel trapped in the pipelines of life.  "Have A Cigar" portrays a satirical stance against the music industry.  The corporate fat cat showing an up and coming musician how to make money in the sleazy industry; it's what comes to mind whenever I listen to it.

The title track has become a classic rock radio staple as I feel I've listened to it close to a million times.  "Wish You Were Here" was another song written for Syd Barrett as the song speaks about friends taking different paths in life and ultimately ending back where you started.  It is a song that anyone who has lost a friend who took a different path can relate to.  Also, "Wish You Were Here"(album) eventually became Pink Floyd's fastest selling album.  

Final Summary:

The album is largely a tribute to their old friend Syd who went off the deep end back in the day; but "Wish You Were Here" highlights some of the societal issues that Water's recognized from growing up in England.  The album seems like the first of a three part series of Pink Floyd albums that dive deep into the under toe of society; and how we are all part of a huge system that is very difficult to escape.  Basically, all of "Animals" preaches the same message, as "The Wall" is more of a conceptual adaptation on what really is happening in your backyard.  But on a lighter note, "Wish You Were Here" stands its own ground in rock history as one of the greatest concept albums ever written. 

Rating: 9.3/10