Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) were virtuosic progressive rock icons, known for their audacious and extravagant performances. The late Keith Emerson once recalled the start of their 1977 tour of America, which was the most extravagant rock tour ever assembled. The setup included drummer Carl Palmer’s karate instructor, an army of roadies, and a full orchestra. Despite the cost and difficulty, Emerson emphasized the importance of honesty with their fans, ensuring that the live performances matched the grandeur of their recordings.
ELP, formed in 1970, were veterans of various Sixties British rock bands. Emerson played in the Nice, Palmer hailed from Atomic Rooster, and Greg Lake migrated from King Crimson. They became one of rock’s first supergroups, practically defining the term. Before punk took progressive rock down a peg, ELP enjoyed immense success in the Seventies, pushing the boundaries of music with their complex arrangements and grandiose performances.
Their music turned progressive rock from a niche genre into a stadium-filling phenomenon. At the heart of ELP was Emerson, whose quest for a bigger, grander sound made the band one of the most accomplished and absorbing in rock history. Here are the top 10 greatest Emerson, Lake & Palmer songs of all time.
“Lucky Man” (1970)
Greg Lake wrote “Lucky Man” at age 12 upon receiving his first guitar. The song, intended to fill out the trio’s first album, became the Moog synthesizer’s pop breakthrough thanks to Keith Emerson’s memorable first-take solo. Despite Emerson’s desire for a second pass, the solo became iconic. The song’s lyrics were often associated with public figures like President John F. Kennedy.
“The Barbarian” (1970)
“The Barbarian” introduced ELP’s staggering scope to the public. The song transitions from proto-metal heaviness to jaunty jazziness to a frenetic, piano-driven passage by Emerson. It showcased the band’s ability to blend their diverse backgrounds into a cohesive sound.
“Tarkus” (1971)
“Tarkus” is a 20-minute epic divided into seven movements, blending fusion and classical elements into a mythic prog sprawl. The song revolves around a fantastic creature, with Emerson drawing inspiration from Greek mythology. The album cover’s iconic artwork by William Neal depicts the creature’s lifecycle, complemented by Emerson’s lush and dexterous keyboard work.
“From the Beginning” (1972)
“From the Beginning” is a showcase for Greg Lake’s moody acoustic guitar and vocals. The song’s final minute features one of Emerson’s most noteworthy keyboard solos, expanding the song’s scale from love-song intimacy to cosmic grandeur. It became the band’s highest-charting single in the States.
“Hoedown” (1972)
“Hoedown” was the first ELP adaptation of composer Aaron Copland. Emerson’s rollicking organ and Moog arrangement incorporated East European elements alongside American folk tunes. The track’s signature synth sound was discovered by chance, adding to its unique charm.
“Trilogy” (1972)
“Trilogy” opens with Emerson’s lilting, melodic piano before transitioning into monstrous riffs and baroque synth workouts. The song’s layers of intricacy invite listeners to discover new elements with each listen, showcasing ELP’s ability to blend restraint with complexity.
“Toccata” (1973)
“Toccata” is an arrangement of the 4th Movement of Alberto Ginastera’s Concerto for Piano No. 1. The track combined ELP’s passion for classical music with their fascination with musical technology, featuring pre-programmed electronic percussion. Ginastera’s endorsement of the track added to its significance.
“Still… You Turn Me On” (1973)
“Still… You Turn Me On” from Brain Salad Surgery is a relatively pared-down tune, relying on a luscious melody and Emerson’s tasteful synth flourishes. The song’s balance between Lake’s songcraft and Emerson’s atmosphere makes it timeless, highlighting ELP’s ability to blend innovation with classic songwriting.
“Karn Evil 9” (1973)
“Karn Evil 9” is a progressive rock epic in three “impressions,” exploring the theme of man versus technology. The half-hour-long dystopian fantasy gave the band members ample space to showcase their instrumental virtuosity. The song’s prescient themes and complex structure make it one of the most iconic prog-rock pieces ever recorded.
“Fanfare for the Common Man” (1977)
“Fanfare for the Common Man” was adapted from a 1942 composition by Aaron Copland. Emerson transposed Copland’s score to the key of E, and the band recorded the track as an inspired first take. The 10-minute adaptation became a ubiquitous fist-pumper during many televised sports events, showcasing ELP’s ability to blend classical music with rock.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s music continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day. Their unique blend of classical music and rock, combined with their virtuosic playing and theatrical stage shows, cemented their place as one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all time.
Source: Rolling Stone, Ultimate Classic Rock
