Songs over 10 minutes long are frequent in progressive rock like it’s part of its essence but very long song (more than 20 minutes) are quite common as well, for some artists, it even became a signature (Transatlanic, Mike Oldfield, The Flower Kings…). Here are the first 10 songs over 20 minutes which instantly came to my mind while writing, my favourites actually. NB : I’m aware that some choices here are in fact longer songs which have been divided into parts due to the limitations of vinyl LPs (Thick As A Brick, Tubular Bells) but it’s the format we all know, isn’t it?
Epic songs require epic studio track sheets - Are you lost?
In no particular order :
The Gates Of Delirium by Yes (21:54, Relayer)
Yes probably jumped the shark with this one as they never went that far musically but it’s so good! The peaceful part coming after “the battle” part, with Jon Anderson’s beautiful heavenly voice and Steve Howe’s guitar layers is pure prog heaven.
Thick As A Brick Part One by Jethro Tull (22:45, Thick As A Brick)
One of Jethro Tull’s masterpieces. Verses are so beautiful with Ian Anderson’s warm voice and delicate acoustic guitar. Hammond lovers should not be disappointed neither.
All Of The Above by Transatlantic (30:52, SMPTe)
This is the birth of a “modern” supergroup. They made great other epics (understand more than 25 minutes long songs) but this one has always been my favourite and I can remember very clearly the first time I played the album in 2000, I was blown away since the first seconds of the great intro. I find this one has a really nice “fresh” feel, it sounds more natural than what they did later (which is still great).
Tubular Bells Part One by Mike Oldfield (25:00, Tubular Bells)
This one is special as it contains a theme which has became a classic theme, the famous “The Exorcist” piano part. Mike Oldfield’s music is unique and Tubular Bells is one of many examples of this statement. When the tubular bells are announced and they start their melody, it’s just so majestic.
2112 by Rush (20:33, 2112)
Rush at its best! The main chorus of 2112 is a real catchy epic anthem and the finale is brillant.
Supper’s Ready by Genesis (22:58, Foxtrot)
Foxtrot highlight and one of the best epic finale of this selection, the mother of all epics if I can say that. The song is very eclectic, from the peaceful – but disturbing – acoustic introduction to the brillant instrumental “apocalypse” part, it’s a lesson of epic songwriting and a good place to start if you want to get into exciting long songs.
Echoes by Pink Floyd (23:31, Meddle)
Another epic classic. This one is probably the most accessible of this selection but brillant nonetheless. Beautiful vocals, great atmospheric part, classy keyboards. Pink Floyd may have lost something after this one…
Tarkus by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (20:42, Tarkus)
Did you say ambitious? Pompous maybe? Well, ELP may sound arrogant at times but Tarkus remains one of their masterpieces. As you guess, this is keyboards paradise and one of their best work.
A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers by Van Der Graaf Generator (23:04, Pawn Hearts)
The darkest epic of the selection. Not the most accessible neither. A true adventure in the dark meanders of Peter Hammill’s musical world.
Taurus II by Mike Oldfield (24:49, Five Miles Out)
This 25 mn long epic is a pure Oldfield track and one of his best works, if not the best, from the 80′s. With a nice celtic atmosphere thanks to the uilleann pipes played by Paddy Moloney (The Chieftains), amazing guitar work, we’re not that far from his early albums but with a brand new sounds, especially concerning keyboards. Brillant!
There’s a lot more of great progressive rock songs over 20 minutes long so a second part would be welcome but right now, what is your selection?
No Dream Theater? I would have thought Octavarium or A Change of Seasons would have made the list. Unless you would call them prog metal rather than rock, in which case, I have no argument.
Yes you’re right, it’s just a matter of label
I’m not really into prog metal anymore and my blog mainly talks about progressive rock but I’ve been a huge fan of prog metal, I discovered progressive music through Dream Theater so I may do a metal prog Top 10 someday and “A Change Of Seasons” will be there as it’s one of my favourite epic long prog metal song 
(with “Divine Wings Of Tragedy”…).
Alright, that makes sense.
Anyways, having just discovered your blog, and seeing as I’m a huge prog fan, I can definitely say I’ll be hanging around here more.
You’re very welcome here, thanks
How did you find my blog by the way?
Through Tumblr in fact. One blog I am following posted links to a few of your articles. I followed them and PRESTO! I was here.
You clearly aren’t a huge prog fan if you like Dream Theater.
I’m curious to know your favourite prog bands Bill?
Great list, and pretty bold aswell – I like how you chose ‘Gates Of Delirium’ instead of ‘Close To The Edge’, and I’m definitely gonna give it some more listens to see if it really deserves the spot
Although I’m not familiar with some of the songs, all the others would definitely rank within my top 25 progressive epics, so to me, you really hit the spot.
One last note – A Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers is SO AWESOME that it’s CREEPY… I remember how I didn’t like it too much the first time I listened to it (I thought it dragged on too long in some parts) but I somehow felt atracted to it… after a couple of listens, it really grows on you.
Thank you Freddy!! Well, you know when I say “top”, I only mean that these songs are my favourites but I’m not saying it’s “the best” songs, I think there’s no “best” in music, it’s just a matter of taste. However, I think these songs strongly deserve to be heard as they sound awesome to my ears
About Close To The Edge, it’s probably my favourite Yes song with “Heart Of The Sunrise”, it’s under 20 minutes long, that’s why I chose “The Gates Of Delirium” which is as awesome as “Close To The Edge” in my opinion.
What would be your Top 10?
Of course, I totally forgot CttE was under 20 minutes! :S
My top ten would be very similar to yours (maybe I’d include Karn Evil 9, a personal favorite), so, if you don’t mind, I’m just gonna list my top 10 favourite progressive rock songs:
1- Supper’s Ready;
2- Tarkus;
3- Starless;
4- A Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers;
5- Karn Evil 9;
6- Shine On You Crazy Diamond;
7- Starship Trooper (live from Yessongs);
8- Close To The Edge:
9- Hemispheres;
10- Thick As A Brick;
Honorable Mention: Dogs;
I’d say this is a beautiful list!! Just great stunning songs you mentioned here
“Starship Trooper” from YesSongs because of the finale solo?
Would love to see another list, anything I knew I loved and what I didn’t I will be pickin up soon.
Hey thanks! Let le me know what you think about the songs you didn’t know.
What kind Of list do you wish to see? Another 20 mn long songs? It can be done
Still need to hear Supper’s Ready, All of the Above and Taurus II. But I’ve had A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers and Tarkus sitting around forever but I never really gave them a listen, now that I have I absolutely loved them and am going to pick up Godbluff.
And yeah, another 20 minute list, I really enjoy epics. My only disagreement with this one so far is that Lizard is one of my all time favorites. Jon Anderson singing on an epic by King Crimson in my mind is a pinnacle of music.
Oh yes, “Lizard”… This is a great idea for the upcoming 20 mn long songs
Did you hear “Raider II” by Steven Wilson yet? I think he got quite inspired by this one!
Godbluff is a great album!! My personal favourite is Still Life, highly recommended in my opinion
No I have not, will remember to check it out.
Loved Taurus II by the way, an enjoyed All of the Above, just not a big fan of his voice.
Another song that came to mind by the way was Song of Scheherazade by Renaissance, are you familiar with them?
Oh yes, Renaissance is excellent! I love their Scheherazade album but also Ashes Are Burning and Turn Of The Cards
Just picked up Ashes actually, going to give it a listen once I get through this stack of Gentle Giant on top of it.
Love the list! Not familiar with the Oldfield material, but I’m a huge fan of all the other songs on the list (thought I think TAAB part 2 is better than part 1, personally). Here’re mine, in no particular order:
A Passion Play: Jethro Tull
Inaugural Bash: Deluge Grander
The Revealing Science of God / Dance of the Dawn: Yes
A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers: VDGG
Lizard: King Crimson
Supper’s Ready: Genesis
Tarkus: ELP (though Jordan Rudess has a fantastic cover)
All of the Above: Transatlantic
Brother Where You Bound: Simon Says
TAAB: Jethro Tull
Prog on!
Hi Alec! Thanks for your list!! Really nice choices! I need to check out “Brother Where You Bound”, I don’t know Simon Says very well…
I highly recommend you Mike Oldfield’s old albums, it’s pure prog heaven