10 Underrated Songs by Pink Floyd That Deserve a Spin

If you’re a casual Pink Floyd fan, you might only know their most famous songs from albums like Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall. But Pink Floyd had a long and diverse career, with many hidden gems in their discography. Let’s dive into ten underrated Pink Floyd songs that deserve a spin.

“Lucifer Sam” (1967)

During Pink Floyd’s early years with Syd Barrett, they crafted eccentric and brilliant songs. “Lucifer Sam,” featured on their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, exemplifies Barrett’s unique songwriting. It’s a whimsical and slightly sinister tribute to a Siamese cat, showcasing the band’s psychedelic roots.

“Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun” (1968)

This track serves as a bridge between the Syd Barrett era and the arrival of David Gilmour. With haunting keyboards and sci-fi-inspired lyrics, it’s a mesmerizing journey into the band’s experimental side. Both Barrett and Gilmour contribute to the track, but it’s Rick Wright’s eerie keyboards that steal the show.

“Fearless” (1971)

From the album Meddle, “Fearless” combines Roger Waters’ introspective lyrics with David Gilmour’s soulful guitar work. The song explores the fear of fame and the longing for authenticity, all set to a soothing folk-rock backdrop. Waters’ line, “Fearlessly, the idiot faced the crowd,” adds depth to its melancholic beauty.

“Echoes” (1971)

Considered by many as the stepping stone to the iconic Dark Side of the Moon, “Echoes” is a majestic closing track from the album Meddle. Clocking in at over 23 minutes, it’s an epic composition where all four band members contributed. While the middle section gets a bit experimental, the main part, with Gilmour’s breathtaking guitar work and Wright’s mesmerizing keyboards, is absolutely unassailable.

 

“Free Four” (1972)

Appearing on the soundtrack album Obscured by Clouds, “Free Four” is a catchy and somewhat quirky song. It explores themes of time and death, offering a unique blend of handclaps and thought-provoking lyrics. It’s an often-overlooked gem in Pink Floyd’s repertoire.

“Pigs (Three Different Ones)” (1977)

The album Animals tends to be overshadowed by Pink Floyd’s more famous records, but it holds some hidden rock treasures. “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” is a gritty and funky track that showcases the band’s rock prowess. Roger Waters’ biting lyrics add an extra layer of depth to this powerful song, making it a must-listen.

“Nobody Home” (1979)

Amidst the intensity of The Wall, “Nobody Home” provides a poignant and tender moment. The track features Bob Ezrin’s soulful piano and Roger Waters’ heartfelt lyrics about longing and the distractions of modern life. It’s one of Pink Floyd’s finest ballads, often overlooked on the radio.

“When the Tigers Broke Free” (1982)

“For many years, this was a song that most Floyd fans couldn’t get their hands on,” Roger Waters wrote “When the Tigers Broke Free” for the film adaptation of The Wall, and it eventually found its way onto compilations and reissues. The song is a moving account of Waters’ father’s death during World War II, blending childhood memories with soldiers’ experiences at Anzio. It’s a potent anti-war statement that resonates deeply.

“The Gunner’s Dream” (1983)

From the album The Final Cut, “The Gunner’s Dream” stands out as a more musical and less overtly political track. It features orchestration by Michael Kamen and impassioned saxophone work from Raphael Ravenscroft. The song offers a poignant narrative about a soldier meeting his fate, and it’s a standout on the album.

“Take It Back” (1994)

Released during the post-Roger Waters era on The Division Bell, “Take It Back” is a mid-tempo gem that showcases David Gilmour’s exceptional guitar skills and lead vocals. The song’s strong melody and soaring chorus make it a standout track, ripe for rediscovery. Despite being released as a single during an era when singles had less impact, “Take It Back” is a hidden treasure in Pink Floyd’s later catalog.