One of the most overlooked musical genres among students here at Hillsdale is progressive rock. Prog rock is by far the most profound musical genre of the last 50 years. While many more socially conservative people over the past half-century have claimed rock music is merely Satanic and sexualized, in actuality, progressive rock is some of—if not the—best music ever composed. Indeed, progressive rock should be considered a part of the liberal arts, as the supreme form of music, and be studied and enjoyed as such.
Some of you might be wondering what exactly is “progressive” rock. Let me reassure you, it has absolutely nothing to do with political progressivism. It is only progressive in that it deviates from traditional rock rhythms and themes. Prog rock is characterized by abnormal time signatures, incredible musicianship, thought provoking lyrics, and long songs that often tell a story. You may be familiar with many of the more “popular” prog bands, such as Rush, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Muse. Prog rock had its heyday in the 1970s, but it has made an incredible resurgence in the last several years, with bands such as Big Big Train, Transatlantic, and Flying Colors leading the charge.
The key difference between prog rock and other forms of rock is the exceptional level of musicianship. Many of the best rock musicians in the world play progressive rock. For example, Neal Peart, the drummer and lyricist for Rush, is widely considered to be the best drummer in the world. Guitarists like Steve Howe (Yes) and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) are two of the best to ever play the instrument. Bassists like Chris Squire (Yes) and Geddy Lee (Rush) are unequalled in their talents, and Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake, and Palmer) and Rick Wakeman (Yes) could rival Van Cliburn on the keyboards and piano. Progressive rock combines the classical traditions of music with the upbeat rhythms of rock music. Add in thought provoking lyrics often influenced by classical liberalism, and you have a winning combination.
The biggest connection between progressive rock and the liberal arts is the lyrics. The classical traditions established by writers such as Augustine, Shakespeare, William Blake, and Charles Dickens are continued in the genre of prog rock. For example, Neal Peart of Rush has often been called a modern day stoic (he is even mentioned in our Western Heritage reader as such). Ayn Rand and libertarianism have heavily influenced Peart, which is blatantly clear in Rush’s lyrics, especially in songs like “2112,” “Anthem,” “Something for Nothing,” “Freewill,” “Tom Sawyer,” and many others. Rush lyrics often tell a story while expounding the classical liberal ideals of freedom and personal responsibility. The chorus of “Something for Nothing” says, “You don’t get something for nothing / You can’t have freedom for free / You won’t get wise / With the sleep still in your eyes / No matter what your dream might be.” This song could be Hillsdale’s theme song.
Another prominent example of libertarian, or anarchist, lyrics comes from Pink Floyd, particularly on their album, “The Wall.” “The Wall” screams against overpowering governments, mind-controlling curriculum, and encroachments on freedom. The album can be summed up in this lyric: “Mother, should I trust the government?” Roger Waters, the bassist, vocalist, and lyricist for Pink Floyd, is well known for his in-your-face anti-establishment lyrics.
Not only do prog bands embrace the ideas of classical liberalism, but they also feature the great works of the liberal past in their music. Emerson, Lake, and Palmer used William Blake’s poem, “Jerusalem,” on their 1973 album, “Brain Salad Surgery.” Rush based their song “Xanadu” on Samuel Coleridge’s poem, “Kubla Khan,” and Iron Maiden’s song “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” was derived directly from Coleridge’s poem of the same name. Examples abound of prog bands flaunting their classical liberal backgrounds.
Genesis is probably the best example of the connection between prog and the liberal arts. In their 1973 album, “Selling England by the Pound,” the band embraces their English heritage while exploring new frontiers musically, lyrically, and thematically. The album, along with 1974’s “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway,” is pure poetry in a very classical sense of the word. Their albums tell a story in a moving way that few bands have been able to approach.
In the end, progressive rock embraces philosophy, history, literature, and musical virtuosity in a way unlike any other genre of music. It combines all aspects of the liberal arts in a profound way, and it begs the listener to experience the western heritage in a completely new way. Join me in appreciating the truly wonderful world of progressive rock, and prepare to be blown away by some of the best music ever recorded.
Bryan Morey is a junior studying history. He is from Chicago.
