50 Years Ago, Pink Floyd Was Recording the Greatest Rock Record of All Time

On September 12, 1975, Pink Floyd released their ninth studio album, Wish You Were Here. Recorded in London, the album marked a departure from grandiose to mark new maturity for the band. The record is unique in its tracklist, with personal music explorations taking priority over a formal collection of songs. Wish You Were Here is a critique of the cynicism displayed by the music industry at the time and a tribute to former bandmate Syd Barrett. Pink Floyd exhibit emotional motivation in a way that tastefully honors the history and nuanced experience of the band, almost feeling like a memoir. Half a century later, we’re still remembering Wish You Were Here, and its themes of absence and disillusion are still hitting the mark. The record is timeless, and arguably Pink Floyd’s best-aged work.