Photo: By Afelipe.carvalho (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Our Top 10 Rick Wakeman songs list will only focus on Rick Wakeman’s solo material. It almost feels criminal to call it solo material because the majority of Rick Wakeman’s recorded material that he has released throughout his career stems from his own solo albums. Rick Wakeman has released over 100 albums when combining studio albums, live recordings, soundtracks, and other various projects. None of that includes the albums he recorded with Yes. When we combine every album he has played on, we are looking at a couple of thousand officially released songs. So how in the name of King Arthur do we pick the 10 best Rick Wakeman Songs? Well, we can have some fun trying.
# 10 – Sir Lancelot and The Black Knight
Sir Lancelot and The Black Knight launches our list with an exhilarating entry from Rick Wakeman’s 1975 album The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. As the closing track on the first side of the album, “Sir Lancelot and The Black Knight” is an intricate musical retelling of the iconic duel between Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight. This composition highlights Wakeman’s signature flair for blending progressive rock with classical themes, setting the stage for the album’s exploration of Arthurian legend with an engaging mixture of keyboard work, orchestration, and rich, narrative-driven music.
Recorded in 1974 and produced by Wakeman himself, the song brings together some of his most skillful collaborators. Wakeman’s virtuosic keyboard skills dominate the piece, with David Hemmings providing narration that breathes life into the song’s legendary storyline. Additionally, the track features percussion by Barney James and guitar work by Roger Newell, whose contributions add layers of complexity and rhythm that complement Wakeman’s keyboard performance. This collaborative approach delivers an intense musical atmosphere that evokes the tension and stakes of the famous duel, making the song a cinematic journey for the listener.
The lyrics, primarily narrated by Hemmings, detail the dramatic clash between two of Arthurian lore’s most celebrated knights, capturing the intensity of medieval honor and valor. As the lyrics bring to life the story’s climactic moments, Wakeman’s instrumentation underscores these themes, particularly through the interplay between electric keyboards and strings, which simulate the perilous back-and-forth of the battle. The lyric “the Black Knight fell, and Lancelot stood alone” serves as a powerful culmination of this musical and narrative journey, leaving listeners with a sense of both triumph and the somber cost of victory. As the first song on this list, “Sir Lancelot and The Black Knight” exemplifies Wakeman’s ability to transform legendary stories into deeply compelling rock compositions, setting a high standard for the tracks to follow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4cyDv7eVoE
# 9 – White Rock
White Rock stands as an exhilarating title track from Rick Wakeman’s White Rock album, which served as the official soundtrack for the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Released in 1977, this album marked a unique venture for Wakeman, as he crafted music explicitly tailored to capture the athleticism, drama, and grandeur of the Olympic events. The track “White Rock” particularly showcases his ability to convey these themes through his dynamic, virtuoso keyboard work, which is as thrilling as the competitive spirit it aimed to celebrate.
Recorded with Wakeman’s characteristic blend of classical training and progressive rock influences, “White Rock” features Wakeman on an array of keyboards, including the Minimoog synthesizer and piano, creating an intricate soundscape that echoes the excitement of high-stakes competition. Produced by Wakeman himself, the album captures the artist at his most inventive, merging electronic and acoustic textures to embody the grandeur of the Olympics. His use of synthesized and layered keyboards gave the track a compelling modern edge that resonated with listeners, and the album’s success in the U.K. charts reflected its appeal, where it reached the top ten and became a staple in Wakeman’s discography.
Musically, “White Rock” unfolds with a vibrant, rhythmic energy, using layered keyboard riffs and pulsating beats to mimic the thrill of sporting events. While there are no lyrics in this instrumental track, Wakeman’s use of dynamic crescendos and shifts in tempo effectively conveys a narrative of struggle and triumph. Through swelling chords and fast-paced sequences, Wakeman paints a picture of the endurance and resilience associated with Olympic athletes. As a piece designed to elevate and honor athletic achievements, “White Rock” captures an atmosphere that is both regal and exhilarating, making it a fitting choice for this list and a standout example of Wakeman’s skill in conveying complex themes without the need for words.
# 8 – Music Reincarnate
Music Reincarnate is a masterful suite that occupies the entirety of Side A on Rick Wakeman’s No Earthly Connection (1976), a testament to Wakeman’s extraordinary compositional ambition and visionary storytelling in music. Divided into five sections—“The Warning,” “The Maker,” “The Spaceman,” “The Realisation,” and “The Reaper”—this extended piece explores humanity’s quest for meaning, creation, and existence beyond the earthly realm, capturing a blend of progressive rock and symphonic elements that moves listeners through each stage with captivating energy and nuance.
Recorded in France, where Wakeman found the peaceful environment he needed to conceive and produce such a substantial work, No Earthly Connection saw him delving deeper into synthesizer innovations and lush keyboard arrangements. The suite flows seamlessly between each section, introducing distinctive musical motifs that evolve and reappear, pulling listeners into an immersive auditory experience. Wakeman’s use of the Minimoog, Mellotron, and various keyboards adds layers of texture, and the shifts in tempo and style mirror the suite’s exploration of cosmic and philosophical themes. The suite is held together by Wakeman’s precision and adaptability as he seamlessly moves from grandiose symphonic expressions to quieter, reflective passages, all within a framework of continuous dynamic changes.
“Music Reincarnate” stands as a profound composition, driven by Wakeman’s creative vision and skill. His journey through progressive and symphonic soundscapes in this suite reflects the themes of reincarnation, enlightenment, and human curiosity, tying together the conceptual ambition of No Earthly Connection. The piece is widely praised for its complexity and cohesion, resonating as one of Wakeman’s boldest artistic statements and an essential work in progressive rock’s exploration of life’s mysteries and universal themes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M74FijmFy8
# 7 – The Pharos of Alexandria
The Pharos of Alexandria opens Rick Wakeman’s The Seven Wonders of the World (1995) with a compelling blend of historical reverence and musical ingenuity, as he evokes the grandeur of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This album track introduces listeners to a soundscape that seeks to embody the mystique and innovation of the iconic structure, which once stood as a beacon of knowledge and guidance on the Mediterranean coast. Through Wakeman’s intricate keyboard work, the song bridges the past and present, weaving an auditory tapestry that invites listeners to imagine the marvel and grandeur of Alexandria’s ancient harbor.
Recorded as part of a concept album, The Seven Wonders of the World, The Pharos of Alexandria combines Wakeman’s synthesizers with sweeping orchestration, giving the track an almost cinematic quality that reflects the awe such wonders inspire. Wakeman employs layers of melody and harmony to build a sense of scale, capturing the imposing stature of the ancient lighthouse. With an intricate layering of keyboard harmonies and progressive motifs, Wakeman creates a sound that conveys both the permanence of stone and the fluidity of the sea surrounding the lighthouse, blending symphonic rock elements with neoclassical themes.
Critically, this piece has been praised for its evocative power, particularly in how Wakeman’s arrangement seems to embody the mystery of an ancient world that has been lost to time. Wakeman’s musical storytelling creates a sensory experience, allowing the listener to envision the monumental structure guiding ships to safety. The Pharos of Alexandria serves as a unique entry in Wakeman’s repertoire, marrying his flair for progressive rock with a thematic dedication to historical wonders, highlighting his versatility as both a composer and storyteller.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gr7i27hg-I
# 6 – Lure of the Wild
Lure of the Wild stands out as a memorable collaboration between Rick Wakeman and his son, Adam Wakeman, on the Wakeman with Wakeman album, released in 1994. As the title suggests, Lure of the Wild explores themes of untamed nature and the enigmatic pull of the unknown through a progressive rock framework. This piece is a masterful example of Rick and Adam’s shared musical instincts, weaving together their generational talents in an intricate interplay of keyboards and synthesizers that exemplifies their unique musical synergy.
The album itself, recorded during a period of prolific output for Rick Wakeman, reflects his lifelong penchant for combining classical sensibilities with progressive rock. Lure of the Wild integrates sweeping melodies and layered synthesizer textures that evoke the mystique of wild landscapes. Adam Wakeman’s contributions bring a fresh perspective to his father’s well-established sound, infusing the composition with a modern edge while still honoring Rick’s stylistic hallmarks. The track features dynamic shifts, transitioning from serene passages to moments of intensity, a structure that echoes the unpredictable rhythms of the natural world.
Critical reception to Lure of the Wild was positive, with listeners praising the father-son duo for their seamless collaboration and mutual respect evident in the composition. For Rick Wakeman, this piece marked another milestone in his musical journey, showcasing his adaptability and openness to new influences. For Adam, it was a defining step in his career, setting the stage for his own future in progressive rock. Together, their performance on Lure of the Wild highlights the Wakeman legacy, merging the experimental edge of Rick’s earlier works with the creative input of a new generation.
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# 5 – Stairway To Heaven
Stairway to Heaven found a new, unique interpretation on Rick Wakeman’s 2017 album Piano Portraits, where he reimagines iconic songs through the lens of solo piano. This rendition of Led Zeppelin’s classic stands out for its intricate and thoughtful approach, stripping down the original rock anthem to its melodic essence. Wakeman’s skillful interpretation breathes a fresh life into “Stairway to Heaven,” bringing out layers of emotion and nuance that differ from the song’s original powerful rock arrangements.
Piano Portraits, recorded in response to Wakeman’s fans who appreciated his solo work, includes reinterpretations of various hits by artists like The Beatles, 10cc, David Bowie, and, of course, Led Zeppelin. Wakeman’s version of Stairway to Heaven showcases his ability to transform well-known songs into something that feels personal and introspective, emphasizing the melody and harmony over the intensity of the original.
Critics and fans praised Piano Portraits as a testament to Wakeman’s profound musical understanding and expressive ability. His interpretation of Stairway to Heaven reminds listeners of the song’s timeless quality, highlighting how a familiar rock classic can take on an entirely new identity under Wakeman’s deft touch. In reimagining this track for solo piano, Wakeman demonstrates the versatility of the composition and his own capacity to convey powerful emotion through simplicity and restraint.
# 4 – Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot serves as a powerful and haunting finale to Rick Wakeman’s Criminal Record, an album where Wakeman delves into dark and complex historical figures. Released in 1977, Rick Wakeman’s Criminal Record sees Wakeman exploring the concept of guilt, betrayal, and the darker aspects of humanity, with “Judas Iscariot” as its climactic statement. This track captures the intensity of Judas’s betrayal, combining Wakeman’s virtuosic keyboard work with haunting, almost cinematic compositions that draw listeners into the weight of the story.
Recorded at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland, and produced by Wakeman himself, the album features Wakeman’s signature blend of classical and rock influences. His use of synthesizers, organ, and piano in “Judas Iscariot” is particularly noteworthy, as each instrument plays a role in building the atmosphere of tension and sorrow. The track’s length and evolving sections showcase Wakeman’s ability to guide listeners through an emotional narrative without the need for lyrics—only through carefully constructed musical phrasing.
Critically, “Judas Iscariot” has been praised for its layered arrangement and evocative progression, which combine to convey the anguish and complexity of one of history’s most infamous betrayals. The track invites comparison to other works on Rick Wakeman’s Criminal Record that explore themes of wrongdoing and remorse, yet stands alone in its solemn, almost symphonic resonance. As a closing track, “Judas Iscariot” leaves a lasting impact, embodying Wakeman’s skill at using music to interpret and express profound human emotions.
# 3 – The Battle / The Forest
In The Battle / The Forest, Wakeman brings listeners into a realm of sonic storytelling, where intense musical passages represent pivotal moments of struggle, discovery, and awe. “The Battle” illustrates a climactic clash with sweeping orchestration and Wakeman’s own powerful synth lines and organ flourishes, emphasizing the drama of the underground conflict. “The Forest” then unfolds with softer, almost ethereal tones that evoke a mysterious and majestic subterranean landscape, using Wakeman’s expert piano work to guide listeners through an enchanted forest far below the Earth’s surface.
Critics and fans alike recognize this suite as essential to the concept of Journey to the Centre of the Earth, making it a piece that truly must be experienced in a single sitting. Its seamless transitions and evolving themes make for a cohesive auditory journey, reflecting Wakeman’s deep storytelling ability through instrumental composition. As an early example of live concept albums, The Battle / The Forest also stands as a testament to Wakeman’s bold creativity, placing him firmly within the tradition of rock’s most theatrical and progressive works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q54ZcaWJmKo
# 2 – Catherine of Aragon
Catherine of Aragon opens Rick Wakeman’s groundbreaking 1973 album The Six Wives of Henry VIII, setting a majestic tone that aligns with the album’s ambitious theme. Inspired by Henry VIII’s first queen, Catherine of Aragon, this track blends classical influences with Wakeman’s signature rock keyboard virtuosity, creating a regal, yet emotionally intricate portrayal of one of history’s most resilient queens.
The song’s structure is as elaborate as its namesake’s historical significance. With powerful church organ sections, intricate synthesizer layers, and Wakeman’s expressive piano passages, “Catherine of Aragon” encapsulates the queen’s dignity and her enduring strength despite her troubled marriage. The composition weaves through dynamic shifts that seem to echo Catherine’s journey from youthful hope to her eventual isolation and loss. Wakeman’s use of harpsichord further enhances this historic and dramatic feel, invoking the courtly sounds of the Tudor period while maintaining a distinct rock intensity.
Praised for its unique fusion of genres, The Six Wives of Henry VIII stands as a milestone in Wakeman’s solo career, with “Catherine of Aragon” remaining one of its most celebrated tracks. The album demonstrated Wakeman’s capacity to tell complex historical stories through instrumental compositions, capturing Catherine’s legacy with both respect and passion. As the opening piece, “Catherine of Aragon” invites listeners into an imaginative musical landscape that Wakeman would continue to explore throughout his career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_1FOGuUmfs
# 1 – “The Journey”/”Recollection”
The Journey/Recollection Suite on Rick Wakeman’s celebrated 1974 album Journey to the Centre of the Earth is a masterful orchestral rock suite that takes listeners on a vivid musical exploration of Jules Verne’s classic novel. Released as a live recording from the Royal Festival Hall in London, this suite covers the entire first side of the album and stands as one of Wakeman’s most iconic and ambitious works.
The suite opens with “The Journey,” introducing the characters as they descend into the earth’s depths. Wakeman’s arrangements create an atmosphere of mystery and discovery, employing dramatic swells from the London Symphony Orchestra and English Chamber Choir, whose sweeping contributions add cinematic layers to the music. The piece is filled with intricate keyboard sections, where Wakeman’s playing bridges rock and classical motifs, establishing a sense of grandeur fitting for the journey’s scale. The blending of synths with full orchestration brings a powerful sense of anticipation and adventure, setting a standard for Wakeman’s progressive rock approach.
In “Recollection,” the mood shifts to a more reflective tone, capturing the travelers’ awe and introspection as they explore the underground landscapes. Wakeman’s keyboards take center stage here, with hauntingly beautiful piano and synthesizer sections that evoke the wonder and timelessness of the world beneath the earth’s surface. The live setting lends an immediacy and dynamism to the recording, making each musical shift feel organic and immersive. Together, “The Journey” and “Recollection” illustrate Wakeman’s vision of translating literature into music, making Journey to the Centre of the Earth one of the most innovative and enduring albums in his career.
Top 10 Rick Wakeman Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
