Complete List Of Alan Parsons Project Albums And Songs

Alan Parsons Albums

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This Complete List Of Alan Parsons Project Albums And Songs presents the full discography of  Alan Parsons Project studio albums. The band Alan Parsons Project was first formed in 1975. The group Alan Parsons Project hails from the area of London England  It was in essence a partnership between Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson that also featured a large showcase of various musicians throughout their recording career.

This complete Alan Parsons Project discography also includes every single Alan Parsons Project live album and Alan Parsons solo albums. All these spectacular Alan Parsons Project albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each Alan Parsons Project album as well as all original Alan Parsons Project album covers. Every Alan Parsons Project album listed below showcases the entire Alan Parsons Project album tracklisting.

ALAN PARSONS PROJECT STUDIO ALBUMS

Tales of Mystery and Imagination

Released 1976

The debut album from The Alan Parsons Project, Tales of Mystery and Imagination is based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. It is a concept album that received acclaim for its adventurous meld of rock and orchestral music. It reached No. 38 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on keyboards and vocals, and various session musicians. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on 20th Century Records. The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, in London, between July 1975 and January 1976.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “A Dream Within a Dream” – 3:43
  2. “The Raven” – 3:57
  3. “The Tell-Tale Heart” – 4:38
  4. “The Cask of Amontillado” – 4:33
  5. “(The System of) Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether” – 4:20
  6. “The Fall of the House of Usher” – 16:10
  7. “To One in Paradise” – 4:46

I Robot

Released 1977

I Robot is a concept album inspired by Isaac Asimov’s science fiction Robot series. The album was certified Platinum and peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on keyboards and vocals, and numerous session musicians. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, in London, between late 1976 and early 1977.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “I Robot” – 6:02
  2. “I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You” – 3:22
  3. “Some Other Time” – 4:06
  4. “Breakdown” – 3:50
  5. “Don’t Let it Show” – 4:24
  6. “The Voice” – 5:24
  7. “Nucleus” – 3:31
  8. “Day After Day (The Show Must Go On)” – 3:49
  9. “Total Eclipse” – 3:09
  10. “Genesis Ch.1. V.32” – 3:28

Pyramid

Released 1978

Pyramid is a concept album that delves into themes related to time and ancient civilizations. It reached No. 25 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on keyboards and vocals, and a range of session musicians. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at Super Bear Studios, Berre-les-Alpes, France, in late 1977 and early 1978.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Voyager” – 2:24
  2. What Goes Up…” – 3:31
  3. “The Eagle Will Rise Again” – 4:20
  4. “One More River” – 4:15
  5. “Can’t Take it With You” – 5:06
  6. “In the Lap of the Gods” – 5:27
  7. “Pyramania” – 2:45
  8. “Hyper-Gamma-Spaces” – 4:19
  9. “Shadow of a Lonely Man” – 5:34

Eve

Released 1979

Eve focused on the subject of women’s impact on men. It was a commercial success, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on keyboards and vocals, and various session musicians. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at Super Bear Studios, Berre-les-Alpes, France, between April and August 1979.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Lucifer” – 5:06
  2. “You Lie Down With Dogs” – 3:47
  3. “I’d Rather Be a Man” – 3:53
  4. “You Won’t Be There” – 3:34
  5. “Winding Me Up” – 4:04
  6. “Damned If I Do” – 4:48
  7. “Don’t Hold Back” – 3:37
  8. “Secret Garden” – 4:41
  9. “If I Could Change Your Mind” – 5:43

The Turn of a Friendly Card

Released 1980

This concept album centers around themes of gambling and life’s risks. It peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the hit single “Games People Play.”

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on keyboards and vocals, and multiple session musicians. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at Acousti Studio, in Paris, between late 1979 and mid-1980.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “May Be a Price to Pay” – 4:58
  2. “Games People Play” – 4:22
  3. “Time” – 5:05
  4. “I Don’t Wanna Go Home” – 5:03
  5. “The Gold Bug” – 4:34
  6. “The Turn of a Friendly Card” (Suite) – 16:24

Eye in the Sky

Released 1982

Eye in the Sky is one of the group’s most commercially successful albums, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and going platinum.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on keyboards and vocals, and a host of session musicians. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, between late 1981 and early 1982.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Sirius” – 1:54
  2. “Eye in the Sky” – 4:36
  3. “Children of the Moon” – 4:51
  4. “Gemini” – 2:11
  5. “Silence and I” – 7:19
  6. “You’re Gonna Get Your Fingers Burned” – 4:22
  7. “Psychobabble” – 4:51
  8. “Mammagamma” – 3:34
  9. “Step by Step” – 3:54
  10. “Old and Wise” – 4:55

Ammonia Avenue

Released 1984

This album explores the conflict between technology and humanity. It reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on keyboards and vocals, and various session musicians. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, between April and August 1983.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Prime Time” – 5:03
  2. “Let Me Go Home” – 3:20
  3. “One Good Reason” – 3:36
  4. “Since the Last Goodbye” – 4:34
  5. “Don’t Answer Me” – 4:11
  6. “Dancing on a Highwire” – 4:23
  7. “You Don’t Believe” – 4:26
  8. “Pipeline” – 3:56
  9. “Ammonia Avenue” – 6:30

Vulture Culture

Released 1984

The album diverged from previous conceptual works, comprising mostly standalone tracks. It peaked at No. 46 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on keyboards and vocals, and various session musicians. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, between early and mid-1984.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Let’s Talk About Me” – 4:29
  2. “Separate Lives” – 4:42
  3. “Days Are Numbers (The Traveller)” – 4:27
  4. “Sooner or Later” – 4:26
  5. “Vulture Culture” – 5:21
  6. “Hawkeye” – 3:48
  7. “Somebody Out There” – 4:56
  8. “The Same Old Sun” – 5:24

Stereotomy

Released 1985

The title is a term borrowed from Edgar Allan Poe’s essay “The Power of Words,” and the album itself focuses on the modern world’s complexities. It reached No. 43 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on keyboards and vocals, and various session musicians. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at Mayfair Studios, London, between April and August 1985.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Stereotomy” – 7:15
  2. “Beaujolais” – 4:27
  3. “Urbania” – 4:35
  4. “Limelight” – 4:39
  5. “In the Real World” – 4:17
  6. “Where’s the Walrus?” – 7:31
  7. “Light of the World” – 6:19
  8. “Chinese Whispers” – 1:01
  9. “Stereotomy Two” – 1:18

Gaudi

Released 1987

Inspired by the works of architect Antoni Gaudí, this album marked the end of The Alan Parsons Project. It peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on keyboards and vocals, and various session musicians. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, between March and July 1987.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “La Sagrada Familia” – 8:45
  2. “Too Late” – 4:31
  3. “Closer to Heaven” – 5:52
  4. “Standing on Higher Ground” – 5:03
  5. “Money Talks” – 4:26
  6. “Inside Looking Out” – 6:23
  7. “Paseo de Gracia” – 3:43

The Sicilian Defence

Released 2014 (Originally recorded in 1979 but shelved)

This album stands as an anomaly in the Alan Parsons Project catalog, primarily because it was initially recorded as a contractual obligation and then shelved for several decades. Named after a famous chess defense strategy, the album is entirely instrumental and diverges from the group’s usual rock and pop sensibilities. Despite its curious background, the project showcases the band’s musical craftsmanship. It’s worth mentioning that these track titles refer to chess moves, staying true to the theme of the album.

The album featured key members of the Alan Parsons Project, including Alan Parsons himself in the role of engineer and producer, and Eric Woolfson on keyboards. Due to its late release and unusual circumstances, chart information for this album is limited. It was originally recorded in 1979 as a way to fulfill contractual obligations to Arista Records.

The album was recorded at various locations, including Abbey Road Studios, between the other more commercially oriented projects the band was working on during that time frame.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “P-K4”
  2. “P-QB4”
  3. “Kt-KB3”
  4. “P-Q4”
  5. “PxP”
  6. “Kt-B3”
  7. “Kt-QB3”
  8. “P-K3”
  9. “Q-K2”
  10. “Kt-K1”
  11. “Kt-KB3”
  12. “K-Kt5”

Freudiana

Released 1990

Although not strictly an Alan Parsons Project album, “Freudiana” was a musical with a score by Eric Woolfson. It was to be the 11th album by The Alan Parsons Project, but during its development, it turned into a musical. The album did chart in various European countries but didn’t make it to the U.S. charts.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Eric Woolfson on vocals and keyboards, and several other musicians and vocalists. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Parlophone Records. The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios and Metropolis Studios, London, between 1989 and 1990.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Nirvana Principle” – 3:45
  2. “Freudiana” – 6:20
  3. “I Am a Mirror” – 4:07
  4. “Little Hans” – 3:15
  5. “Dora” – 3:51
  6. “Funny You Should Say That” – 4:36
  7. “You’re on Your Own” – 3:54
  8. “Far Away From Home” – 3:11
  9. “Let Yourself Go” – 5:26
  10. “Beyond the Pleasure Principle” – 3:13
  11. “The Ring” – 4:23
  12. “Sects Therapy” – 3:40
  13. “No One Can Love You Better Than Me” – 5:41
  14. “Don’t Let the Moment Pass” – 3:40
  15. “Upper Me” – 5:16
  16. “Freudiana” – 3:43

ALAN PARSONS PROJECT LIVE ALBUMS

Alan Parsons Project – Greatest Hits Live (also known as “Best of Live”)
Released 1998

Greatest Hits Live captures the Alan Parsons Project’s most celebrated tracks in a live setting. Often referred to as the “Best of Live,” this compilation presents iconic songs that have been meticulously recreated for the live stage. Alan Parsons is once again at the helm, ensuring that the performance stays true to the band’s progressive rock legacy.

Musicians for this live recording include Alan Parsons on acoustic guitar, vocals, and as lead producer. Ian Bairnson plays the guitar, Stuart Elliott is on drums, and Richard Cottle is on the keyboard and saxophone. The album is significant as it represents some of the band’s most successful tracks in a live atmosphere, although it didn’t make a major impact on the charts.

The album was recorded at various locations during their European tour in 1994 and 1995.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “I Robot”
  2. “Can’t Take It With You”
  3. “Don’t Let It Show”
  4. “The Raven”
  5. “Time”
  6. “Psychobabble”
  7. “The Turn of a Friendly Card (Suite)”
  8. “Prime Time”
  9. “Sirius”
  10. “Eye in the Sky”
  11. “Old and Wise”
  12. “Games People Play”

Extended Versions: The Encore Collection Live

Released 2002

The “Extended Versions: The Encore Collection Live” album is another significant live release in the Alan Parsons Project catalog. It is part of the Encore Collection series that showcases live performances of various artists. The album contains longer, “extended” versions of some of their most well-known tracks, giving fans a different taste of their favorite songs in a live setting.

The album features the likes of Alan Parsons on acoustic guitar and vocals, Ian Bairnson on guitar, Stuart Elliott on drums, and Richard Cottle on keyboards and saxophone. As usual, Alan Parsons acts as the main producer, ensuring that the live renditions carry the same depth and musical integrity as the studio recordings. This album didn’t make a significant impact on the charts but remains an intriguing entry for collectors and fans who wish to explore the live nuances of the band.

The album was recorded during multiple live performances but exact locations and dates are not specified.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Breakdown”
  2. “Don’t Let It Show”
  3. “What Goes Up”
  4. “One Good Reason”
  5. “Time”
  6. “Let’s Talk About Me”
  7. “Lucifer”
  8. “Prime Time”
  9. “Games People Play”
  10. “The Turn of a Friendly Card”

ALAN PARSONS SOLO ALBUMS

Try Anything Once

Released 1993

The album marked Alan Parsons’ first album as a solo artist, and it covers various topics like the uncertainty of life and the concept of taking risks. It did not chart on the Billboard 200 but had some success in European countries.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, and vocals were provided by various artists. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Arista Records. The album was recorded at Parsonics Studios, Sussex, in 1992.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Three of Me” – 5:44
  2. “Turn It Up” – 6:13
  3. “Wine From the Water” – 5:43
  4. “Breakaway” – 4:07
  5. “Mr. Time” – 8:17
  6. “Jigue” – 3:24
  7. “I’m Talkin’ to You” – 4:38
  8. “Siren Song” – 5:01
  9. “Dreamscape” – 3:01
  10. “Back Against the Wall” – 4:38
  11. “Re-Jigue” – 2:29
  12. “Oh Life (There Must Be More)” – 6:32

On Air

Released 1996

Alan Parsons’ second solo album, “On Air,” is a concept album that tells the story of the human obsession with flight, from the myth of Daedalus and Icarus to the development of space travel. Though it did not make the U.S. charts, it gained some traction in Europe.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, Christopher Cross, and Neil Lockwood on vocals. The album was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on CNR Music. It was recorded at Parsonics, London and Abbey Road Studios, London in 1995-1996.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Blue Blue Sky” – 1:39
  2. “Too Close to the Sun” – 5:04
  3. “Blown by the Wind” – 5:22
  4. “Cloudbreak” – 4:38
  5. “I Can’t Look Down” – 5:34
  6. “Brother Up in Heaven” – 4:00
  7. “Fall Free” – 4:22
  8. “Apollo” – 5:05
  9. “So Far Away” – 4:07
  10. “One Day to Fly” – 6:00
  11. “Blue Blue Sky” – 2:47

The Time Machine

Released 1999

Continuing with his love for concept albums, Alan Parsons’ “The Time Machine” is based on the science fiction novella by H.G. Wells. It didn’t make a big impact on the charts but garnered positive reviews from fans and critics alike.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments and vocals by Maire Brennan and Tony Hadley. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Miramar Records. The album was recorded at Parsonics, London in 1998-1999.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Time Machine (Part 1)” – 4:55
  2. “Temporalia” – 1:00
  3. “Out of the Blue” – 4:54
  4. “Call Up” – 5:13
  5. “Ignorance Is Bliss” – 6:45
  6. “Rubber Universe” – 3:52
  7. “The Call of the Wild” – 5:21
  8. “No Future in the Past” – 4:46
  9. “Press Rewind” – 4:20
  10. “The Very Last Time” – 3:42
  11. “Far Ago and Long Away” – 5:14
  12. “The Time Machine (Part 2)” – 1:47

A Valid Path

Released 2004

“A Valid Path” is Alan Parsons’ fourth studio solo album and is a departure from his traditional symphonic rock sound, featuring more of an electronic and dance influence. Though it did not perform well in terms of chart positions, it was positively reviewed for its experimental approach.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments and guest appearances by The Crystal Method, Shpongle, and David Gilmour. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Artemis Records. The album was recorded at Parsonics, London in 2003-2004.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Return to Tunguska” – 8:48
  2. “More Lost Without You” – 3:20
  3. “Mammagamma 04” – 5:05
  4. “We Play the Game” – 5:33
  5. “Tijuaniac” – 5:21
  6. “L’Arc En Ciel” – 5:26
  7. “A Recurring Dream Within a Dream” – 4:06
  8. “You Can Run” – 3:51
  9. “Chomolungma” – 7:46

The Secret

Released 2019

Alan Parsons’ fifth solo studio album, “The Secret,” brings the musician back to his classic progressive rock roots. The album features a mix of instrumentals and vocal tracks and was warmly received by fans.

The album featured Alan Parsons on various instruments, and vocals by Jason Mraz and Lou Gramm. It was produced by Alan Parsons and was released on Frontiers Records. The album was recorded at Parsonics Studios in Santa Barbara, California in 2018-2019.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” – 5:44
  2. “Miracle” – 3:22
  3. “As Lights Fall” – 4:58
  4. “One Note Symphony” – 4:43
  5. “Sometimes” – 5:08
  6. “Soirée Fantastique” – 5:27
  7. “Fly to Me” – 3:45
  8. “Requiem” – 4:02
  9. “Years of Glory” – 4:05
  10. “The Limelight Fades Away” – 3:36
  11. “I Can’t Get There from Here” – 4:38

From The New World

Released 2023

Alan Parson brings out the big guns for his most recent album. From The New World features performances by blues guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa, the legendary Tommy Shaw of Styx, and David Pack of Ambrosia. Don’t miss this one!

CD Track Listings:

1 Fare Thee Well
2 The Secret
3 Uroboros (Featuring Tommy Shaw of Styx)
4 Don’t Fade Now
5 Give ‘Em My Love (Featuring James Durbin, Joe Bonamassa)
6 Obstacles
7 I Won’t Be Led Astray (Featuring David Pack, Joe Bonamassa)
8 You Are the Light
9 Halo
10 Goin’ Home
11 Be My Baby

Complete List Of Alan Parsons Project Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."
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