Top 10 Gentle Giant Songs

Our Top 10 Gentle Giant songs list takes a look at a band that was a favorite among hardcore progressive rock fans in the 1970’s. However, the band Gentle Giant was not well known to mainstream rock fans in the United States. However, the band was well respected in the United Kingdom and were a favorite among progressive rock fans in Europe in the 1970’s.

I saw the band perform on Long Island in 1978 at the Calderone Concert Hall. The band hooked me instantly. They may not have been as big as bands like Genesis or Emerson Lake & Palmer, but they were one of the most talented groups of musicians I ever saw perform.

Gentle Giant released their first album in 1970 on Vertigo Records. The band consisted of Derek Shulman on lead vocals, Gary Green on guitar, Ray Shulman on bass, Phil Shulman on trumpet, Kerry Minnear on keyboards and Martin Smith on drums. After the release of their initial album in 1970, Gentle Giant released ten more albums ending with their final LP in 1980 entitled Civilian. 

Or Top 10 Gentle Giant songs list attempts to define some of the best music the band released over their ten magnificent years of touring and recording.

# 10 – Two Weeks In Spain

Opening up our Top 10 Gentle Giant Songs list is the opening track to the band’s The Missing Piece album. The record was released in 1977. This is a pretty fast-paced tune fueled by some daring guitar work at the song’s opening. It was the opening song of the band’s ninth album. The song was composed by Kerry Minnear, Derek Shulman, and Ray Shulman. We love the way the keyboard parts in the middle of the song mimic the signature guitar lick that opens the song.

# 9 – The Runaway

The great track “The Runaway,” was released on Gentle Giant’s album In A Glass House. The legendary record was released in 1973. The song “The Runaway” was the opening track on the album. The song’s opening sound effects explain the album title immediately. Nonetheless, after a minute of sound effects, the band comes flying in with their trademark twisting progressive rock riffs that are simply captivating. Like most of there songs, this one is a fun ride all the way thorugh.

# 8 – The Moon Is Down

The Gentle Giant song “The Moon Is Down” was released on the album Acquiring the Taste. The album was released in 1971. The song was written by Derek Shulman, Phil Shulman, Ray Shulman, and Kerry Minnear. Now, you may look at the photo below and be a little shocked at what you see, especially when reading the title of the album. However, if you had the actual album in your hand and opened it up you would see that the tounge was actually licking a peach and not what what you thought it was about to lick.

# 7 – Playing The Game

In 1974, Gentle Giant released the album The Power and The Glory. It became one of Gentle Giant’s most popular albums. The record hosted the excellent track “Playing The Game.” The early 1970s defined the genre of the concept album. Bands like Genesis, Pink Floyd, Yes, The Who, Frank Zappa, and so many more were releasing records tied to one specific theme or story. It all pretty much started with The Beatles Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

# 6 – I’m Turning Around

The second track featured on this Top 10 Gentle Giant songs list from the great album The Missing Piece is the terrific Gentle Giant tune, “I’m Turning Around.” This is easily one of the most popular Gentle Giant Songs ever. This is the song that turned a lot of new fans onto the band.

# 5 – Plain Truth

The album Acquiring the Taste is represented multiple times on this Gentle Giant song list. Deservedly so, because it is such an inspiring record to fans of the progressive rock genre. “The Plain Truth” is another stunning song from this excellent band.

# 4 – Experience

The song “Experience” was released by Gentle Giant in 1973. The song was the closing track from the In A Glass House album, not counting the hidden track at the end of the CD that was a compilation of snippets from the album’s other tracks.

# 3 – Funny Ways

The Gentle Giant song “Funny Ways” was released on the band’s debut album in 1970. The song appeared as the second track on the record. The album was not initially released in the United States. If you watch the video below while listening to the song, you’ll get freaked out. But it’s worth it because this is such a stunning piece of music.

# 2 – Proclamation

The great Gentle Giant album The Power and the Glory presented Gentle Giant fans with one of their greatest recordings. “Proclamation” remains one of the most significant Gentle Giant songs the band ever released.

# 1 – The Advent of Panurge

Everything about the excellent track “The Advent of Panurge” defined the brilliance of Gentle Giant. The virtuoso musicianship, the soulful, laid-back groove usually interrupted by chaotic yet meticulous rhythm and melodic changes, and, of course, the pitch-perfect vocals. It’s all here in this great track from their 1972 album Octopus.