3 Of The Most Underrated Tracks In ‘Wish You Were Here’ By Pink Floyd

Without a doubt, Pink Floyd ninth studio album Wish You Were Here is one of the greatest records of all time and it helped the band achieve legendary status. Interestingly, critics weren’t impressed upon its release as they deemed it inferior compared to their previous efforts but there’s no denying that Wish You Were Here showcased their collective genius. With just five tracks, it’s a musical journey and experience unlike any other.

Let’s take a closer look at its most underrated songs:

“Have a Cigar”

The intro just hooks you in. Keep in mind that this was released in 1975 and yet, it doesn’t sound dated. Written by Roger Waters, it’s his critique on the greed and hypocrisy rampant in the music industry. It features folk singer Roy Harper on lead vocals. They were recording in the studio and both Waters and David Gilmour had a go at singing but they weren’t satisfied with the result. (http://www.tntechoracle.com) Harper was there and they decided to let him sing.

“Welcome to the Machine”

Like the rest of the songs on the album, Pink Floyd heavily used studio effects like synthesizers. It was challenging to record and Gilmour recalled that they “dropped the tape down half a semitone and then dropped the line in on the track” because there was a line he couldn’t reach.

“Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts VI–IX)”

A tribute to former leader and frontman Syd Barrett, this long composition was split into two so that it bookended the album. They were actually working on the song when Barrett suddenly appeared in the studio but it took a while for his bandmates to recognize him because he was a shadow of his former self.