Pink Floyd’s ninth album is significantly different from anything else that the band had done up this point, mostly because it is their first album as acknowledged superstars, due to their incredible success with “Dark Side of the Moon.”

Their newfound fame triggered a strong aversion to their opinions regarding the business that elevated them so suddenly. “Wish You Were Here” represents the beginning of the ‘cynical’ songwriting themes that would become a major part of the band’s subsequent work, particularly Roger Waters. His unrestrained anger was now front and center. He was now writing all the lyrics and took aim at the ignorance and shallowness of the very people who were allegedly responsible for supporting their careers.

Thankfully, the main portion of the album has a tenderness that counteracts the misanthropy, due to the overriding theme of honoring their ex-leader, Syd Barrett. As a result, “Wish You Were Here” is thematically schizophrenic, which only adds intrigue to the mostly plodding musical themes.

Featured tracks include:

Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts I-V

Welcome to the Machine

Have a Cigar

Wish You Were Here

Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts VI-IX

September 1975 - Billboard Charted #1