Pink Floyd was a band packed to the brim with musical talent. However, in many bands like them, Pink Floyd had a few big personalities that often soaked up most of the attention. Namely, Roger Waters and David Gilmour were the main focus of the band for most of its career after Syd Barrett’s decline. Keyboardist Richard Wright (as well as drummer Nick Mason, honestly) seemed to fade into the background. It’s a shame. Richard Wright was a talented guy, and these three songs prove he was an incredibly important part of Pink Floyd.
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1. “Summer ‘68”
The 1970 record Atom Heart Mother isn’t exactly a well-loved album from Pink Floyd. But even the most underwhelming records often have at least one or two solid tracks, and Wright’s “Summer ‘68” is definitely a standout on this record.
It’s an ambitious song from Wright that features excellent instrumentation. The choice to add drama via brass sections was a wise one, and the whole of that section weaves a stunning soundscape along with the piano. “Summer ‘68” also happens to be one of Wright’s most introspective works.
2. “The Great Gig In The Sky”
Richard Wright songs don’t get better than this stunning song. “The Great Gig In The Sky” is Wright’s finest contribution to the legendary 1973 album The Dark Side Of The Moon.
This emotional song explores death in a way that hadn’t been done before, complete with a gorgeous melody and top-notch chord sequences. And you just cannot beat Clare Torry’s vocal contributions to this track. The whole thing is on another level.
3. “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”
“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” is one of Richard Wright’s most instantly recognizable songs with Pink Floyd. A collaborative effort with Gilmour and Waters, this standout 26-minute composition from Wish You Were Here is a gorgeous dedication to Syd Barrett. It’s a timeless song, and Wright’s contribution of the Moog synthesiser really marks a special time for music in the early ages of electronica.
According to Wright himself, Syd Barrett actually stopped by the studio while they were recording the song, though it took a while for the members to realize it was actually him.
Photo by MJ Kim/Getty Images
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