Five brilliant radio-friendly prog-rock songs from the 1970s and 1980s

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As a seasoned prog-rock enthusiast with a lifetime of listening to the complexities and intricacies that this genre offers, I must say that these five songs are a testament to the adaptability of progressive rock in the mainstream music scene. From the pioneering efforts of Yes’ “Roundabout” to the commercial success of Rush’s “The Spirit of Radio,” each track showcases the unique blend of musicality and storytelling that prog-rock is known for, while still maintaining a radio-friendly appeal.

For those who appreciate progressive rock, it’s seldom a genre that finds its way onto regular radio playlists. The pieces or songs are often lengthy and intricate, with detailed components taking time to unfold and convey their narrative. It generally fits better within the extended duration of an album.

Additionally, live shows often feature lengthy improvisations by artists, allowing them greater freedom in their performances. These performances also offer a chance for more dramatic visual elements; consider early Genesis with Peter Gabriel, who was known for his flamboyant stage presence.

In the 1970s, when progressive rock was popular but there weren’t many specialized stations playing it, these bands often needed to find creative ways to get airtime. Here are some examples of progressive rock songs that were made more suitable for radio play.

I’ve chosen not to include songs where the band shifted their genre extensively for that particular song, or where their main body of work wasn’t progressive rock. This means we’re excluding some fantastic tracks like “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, which showcases their occasional prog-rock influence. Similarly, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is also off the list, as while it’s an extraordinary piece, its classification as progressive rock could be debated, and some might argue it wasn’t always popular on the radio despite its widespread success.

Five1970s and 1980s prog rock on the radio songs

Yes – “Roundabout”

There’s no question about Yes being a pioneering prog-rock band. Their groundbreaking move of releasing “Roundabout” as a single served as an inspiration for many others. This song was first released as a single in 1972, taken from their Fragile album. On the original album version, it lasted over eight minutes. For its single release, it underwent significant editing and was shortened to three minutes and 27 seconds.

The problem lies with the duration of the song; a shortened version isn’t feasible for every track as it needs to preserve the narrative, emotion, structure, and musicality. This particular song had significant parts removed, yet the final single maintained its strength, brimming with classic Yes elements such as remarkable guitar work, Rick Wakeman’s brilliant keyboard melodies, and Jon Anderson’s distinctive, crystal-clear vocals.

The single served as a sneak peek or preview for the complete version. It gained significant popularity on the radio charts, reaching the 13th spot on the Billboard Hot 100. This success also sparked increased sales of the “Fragile” album, as people craved more. Notably, if you desired a full rendition of the song, Yes concerts frequently included approximately 15 minutes of “Roundabout.

Kansas – “Carry On Our Wayward Son”

Kansas embodied a commercially oriented facet within progressive rock. This didn’t guarantee an effortless climb up the charts, but their style resonated more readily with various radio stations, given its foundation in album-oriented rock.

Some might find it unexpected that this band is categorized as progressive rock, but a quick listen to their most popular songs, such as “Carry On Our Wayward Son,” quickly verifies their classification. The telltale signs are everywhere in the tune, whether it’s the harmonious vocals, complex guitar work, or the prominent use of keyboards – all pointing to a genre that shines through in the song.

The track was initially made available as a standalone single from their album “Leftoverture” back in 1976. This song turned out to be their biggest hit, earning a four-times platinum certification. It soared to the 11th spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since become an iconic tune from that era, widely recognized even today.

Focus – “Hocus Pocus”

The Dutch band Focus is an exceptional ensemble, known for their unique style. Their piece “Hocus Pocus” originates from their second album titled Focus II/Moving Waves. While I label it instrumental, your perspective might differ due to the inclusion of yodeling and a peculiar vocal segment in the song; however, these are not traditional lyrics as we understand them.

The song itself has some amazing guitar led by Jan Akkerman, it drives the tune forward. The guitar, keyboards, flute, and other varied instruments still leave room for those ‘vocals’ by Thijs van Leer. It sounds very pacy, but the band is known for playing it even faster live. At this stage, if you don’t know the song, it’s a must-listen. The song was a number nine hit on the Billboard Hot 100 when released as a single in 1973 in the US. 

Marillion – “Kayleigh”

In 1985, Marillion put out “Kayleigh” as a single from the album “Misplaced Childhood“. While they were sometimes categorized as neo-prog, this song was their defining moment and a massive hit. It had a catchy, easily recognizable tune that contributed to its popularity.

In the UK, the record achieved a top spot, climbing up to second place on their singles charts. For several years following its release, the name Kayleigh became increasingly popular for girls there. The single was also distributed in the U.S., helping the band gain recognition in that country. However, it peaked at number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Remarkably, it turned out to be their most successful song and paved the way for another progressive rock group to make waves on the radio and charts.

Rush – “The Spirit of Radio”

The sound was quite strong, yet the radio signal was clear, not just because of its title. The variety in style and tone within this track made it appealing to many music enthusiasts. Originally released from their “Permanent Waves” album in 1980, this single served as another demonstration of how commercial success could propel a progressive rock band towards broader acclaim.

The music possesses a characteristic Rush style, featuring strong and complex guitar work, energetic drumming from Neil Peart, and memorable hooks as well. In certain areas, it showcases art rock elements, while its conclusion includes a hint of reggae rhythm. This diverse blend attracted many new listeners, achieving significant success. The song climbed up to the 51st position on the Billboard Hot 100, marking their highest ranking at that point. It also reached the 13th spot in the UK and, naturally, became a massive hit in its home country Canada, peaking at number 22.

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2024-11-26 14:00