I Love Animals (but not in that way).
I first listened to Animals in the summer of 1990 after having listened, extensively, to Meddle, DSOTM, WYWH and The Wall. I didn't get it.
Fast forward to 2020 and I saw a review on You Tube suggesting that it might be Pink Floyd's best album. I scoffed at this notion, but, in the interests of fairness, decided to give it
another spin. After 10 minutes of side one, I started to write a scathing review, but as "Dogs" unfolded it was like a different record to the one all those years ago. I listened to it, back to back, four times - I was hooked.
Although the content of the lyrics is bleak, I have found that the music lifts me like only the best music can. I think that my appreciation of this record had coincided with my listening to Radio 3 most days and after having been exposed to the majesty of Beethoven and his ilk, with the desire to move the listener, I can do no greater justice to this record than to say that it may well be the best that this incarnation of the band produced.
In my view, what elevates this record is focus, whereas with The Dark Side of the Moon, it covers all areas of life and
it moves on.
In common with all of the most popular Floyd records, Animals takes you on a journey a leaves you feeling all the better for it. This is not to say that it's a joyful record, because it isn't, it's more an experience; in a way it's the most mature album from the classic line up.
Dark Side is a bit too teenage and Wish You Were Here feels distant (by design), in comparison, and The Wall tries too hard not to be Tommy.
It seems that I'm damming these other LPs, I'm not I own them all and love them. I think that they're all essential records to own, but Animals is special. It's taken me 30 years to form an appreciation of it, don't make my mistake, listen to it. It might take a few listens, but by taking the time, you will be rewarded. Read full review
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