My insane section dedicated to Rick Wakeman

Every Rick Wakeman Album

Now before all the 60 year old Rick fans crawl out the walls and get in a huff because I am a natural born hater I want to make clear that these are just my opinions. If you enjoy an album I hate through and through then good for you. I'm all for it. I won't look down on you for that, Art is subjective after all!

I'll let you know which ones to go for and what to avoid, don't worry, I got you :)

(1971) Piano Vibrations: A good one! I believe this was intended to be session work for another artist but the record company released it and slapped Rick's name on top. You can tell it's not 'complete' so to speak, but still a great listen.
(1973) The Six Wives of Henry VIII: GODD TIERR The first solo album I heard! Every song a banger, showcases his robust writing, good mixing and use of the minimoog. I've heard so many iterations of this tracklist but nothing holds a candle to the original.
(1974) Journey To The Centre of The Earth: ALSO GOD TIER AHH this albums slaps so hard. Due to budget issues they had to record it all in one session, but it kinda adds to it! I also first heard this album on youtube pitch shifted up +1, so to me that's the only way to hear it. But regardless, I think Rick thrives when he's taken away from whatever cheesy rompler he ownes and is given other instruments to work with. The writing is top notch on this.
(1975) The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table: God Rick was killing it in the 70s. Another absolutely slapping record. Great writing, doesn't take itself too seriously. Wide textures. Memorable moments back to back.
(1975) Lisztomania: When I first heard this album I was blown away. I had never seen the film, and this is the only way you should hear this album. DO NOT WATCH THE FILM. If you do watch it, listen to the album first so it doesn't ruin it for you. Obviously when you have Franz Liszt backing your compositional process, you will struggle to do wrong.
(1976) No Earthly Connection: Surprise Surprise, another great album. People thought he was going off the rails considering the spiritual themes, but I'd say he was all there. It's a great prog rock album, has great synth moments, has awesome writing with lots of recurring themes that tie things together, and is just great overall.
(1977) White Rock: Hmm, this one is mixed. I had great fun with this album when I was playing Oblivion as it lined up with lots of different moments, but as a standalone listening album, it's pretty cheesy. It is a soundtrack in the end, so for me it served its purpose!
(1977) Rick Wakeman's Criminal Record: MY FAVOURITE YAAAY, So cool. Humorous, tightly played, interesting moments, dynamic, ambitious. I don't hear people talk about this one and you can't purchase a rerelease of this one on RWMI. Luckily I found the Vinyl by accident!
(1979) Rhapsodies: This is where things get a little ropey. There are some good tracks on here but it's starting to lose a concrete sense of direction. I do appreciate that it's one of his last 'Analogue Albums' so to speak, before his rompler brain worms kicked in. His Rhapsody in Blue cover leaves something to be desired.
(1981) The Burning: I didn't remember specifics about this album, except that it does a good job of creating suspense. Which you would hope for as it's the score for a horror flick. Love the spooky synthy vibes.
(1981) 1984: Rick mentioned he was having a particularly tough time making this album, which is a shame because it's great. A crazy amazing trip with incredible tracks, lyrics written by Tim Rice and a feature by Chaka Khan??? Incredible!!
(1982) Rock 'n' Roll Prophet: As Rhapsodies fortold, Rick was struggling to find his place. Prog Rock wasn't cool anymore, so he began to explore pop horizons. A very strange collection of songs, but nonetheless enjoyable. Not my favourite, but I like them.
(1983) Cost of Living: What a strange album this was, I enjoyed the humorous edge. I should probably listen to it again as I didn't fully absorb the political angle as I was fighting off Mythic Dawn Cultists when I first heard it. Definitely worth a go.
(1983) G'olé!: The Original Film Soundtrack: I'll be honest, I didn't remember much of this one. It made fitting background music for my game, but it is essentially what you'd expect from a soundtrack, complete with his signature early 80's synth tones. It seems to have some comedic moments in too, but mostly, you aren't missing out if you skip this one.
(1984) Crimes of Passion: Another very interesting soundtrack. Assembling the old Lisztomania crew (Rick and Ken Russell) this time we channel the scores of Dvorak for inspiration. Which is nice for this sex film directed by a man who lost my faith completely with his last work. Regardless, the soundtrack is enjoyable enough.
(1985) Silent Nights: This is Rick at his lowest. Not in skill or artistic merit, but literally in his life. He wasn't relevent musically, he was depressed, and battling alcoholism. The album is miscalaneous pop songs, many humerous and self referential. I can't help but feel for him when hearing it. But I actually really liked this album!
(1985) Live at Hammersmith
(1986) Country Airs: This is the start of Ricks foray into ambient relaxation music. The 'Airs' trilogy being piano focused. These don't interest me at all. That's just how I roll though, the albums are fine, pleasant and well recorded.
(1987) The Family Album: An eclectic mix of songs, each representing a person or persons from Rick's family. He mentioned that he finds it hard to listen to as many of those people have now passed, and it's hard not to get that feeling when you hear it.
(1987) The Gospels: (I need to figure out which christian album this is as theyre often mislabelled and there are so many of them...)
(1988) Time Machine: WHAT A MESS! This, to me, marks the rompler brainworm EXPLOSION of the 1990s. Rick claims to have written his best work on this album and to that I must say... the worms are still working on his noggin it seems (I witnessed it first hand when I saw him live). This one dissapointed me because his previous literary adaptations had been so good. The best track on the album, Ocean City, was re-done in a later album with a better arrangement so if I were you I would skip this. Unless you are in the market for a good laugh. It is funny. The rompler AUDACITY of those tones.
(1988) A Suite of Gods: As far as I'm aware, this marks Rick's first venture into the operatic. The combination of calm synth tones and tenor vocals is an interesting one, but it is a welcome one. It isn't my favourite, but it is still good. You can see the beginnings of Phantom Power brewing in this release.
(1988) Zodiaque: Zodiaque is a strange mix of songs. Extremely 80s. Extremely rompled (KORG is even outright mentioned on his website). Not my preference in genres but it is pleasant listening.
(1988) The Word and the Gospels: I am by no means religious or Christian but this album SLAPPED. Rick's tone's not the best as he is smack bang in the middle of his Time Machine tonal era but the rest of the studio musicians make this. Incredible Operatic and Narration and strings and just overall great power and writing.
(1989) Black Knights at the Court of Ferdinand IV: YESS THIS ALBUMMMM-- The 80s was a rough time but it ends with a bang. This is Rick's first collaboration with Mario Fasciano, who sings in Neapolitan and is noted for having a similar range to Jon Anderson. You can tell that Mario had a part in the composition and not just the vocal aspects. There are some really cool chords and melodies that interested me a lot. It also has great percussion - ahh all round an awesome album.
(1989) Sea Airs: See Country Airs
(1990) Night Airs: See Country Airs
(1990) Phantom Power: Now This is interesting. A bold move to adapt The Phantom of The Opera considering the overpowering awareness of the stage adaption. (Apparently this was to go with a film, maybe I will find it one day) Each song is very memorable and silly. There is of course the humourous streak we are familliar with. Perhaps not as well made as the other one, but still a classic regardless.
(1990) In the Beginning: Although I technically have never heard this album, I think I already know what I will think of it. See The Word and Music.
(1991) Rock 'n' Roll Prophet Plus: See Rock 'n' Roll Prophet
(1991) Aspirant Sunrise: A continuation of his ambient music. I like the cover art... but honestly I just wanted it to end. Again, they aren't bad, but they bore me to tears!
(1991) Aspirant Sunset: ^
(1991) Aspirant Sunshadows: ^
(1991) The Classical Connection: A collection of his songs simplified down into Keys/Bass. Solid I suppose. If you are a die-hard fan of Rick and want to hear new arrangements of his previous tracks then maybe you will be interested. Or perhaps you are hosting the most bizarre dinner party in existance and want some calm background music. I also think the 'classical' element would've been stronger if he had used an actual piano and not a preset.
(1991) African Bach: A very interesting album... reminiscent of his writing style from Phantom Power. Based on time he spent in South Africa and features a South African choir, which is wonderful. Generally when Rick has ideas for choir the albums turn out great. Recommend.
(1991) 2000 A.D. Into The Future: hmm.......... I just remember thinking it sounded like Captain N The Game Master music. Roland users........ I swear.
(1991) Softsword: King John and the Magna Charter: This has some good songy elements to it, but otherwise it didn't interest me that much. It's the typical 90s cheese. From the way he organises his sounds you can tell that the Korg M1 rocked his world when it released.
(1993) Wakeman With Wakeman/Lure of the Wild: This is Rick's first album with his son, Adam. My god. It was the first appearance of the 'Adam Tone' (which I unreasonably assigned to poor Adam and later found out from watching a live performace that it was actually RICKS doing the whole time). This flubby tone continued to get on my nerves for the next 30 years. Regardless, the album is very cheesy, very 90s. Imagine two keyboard players outsoloing eachother in every track. It sounds like, the sort of thing you would do for fun in your room and jam and laugh at..... and never release. If you are looking to purchase a Roland keyboard maybe this will make a suitable instrument demo.
(1993) Heritage Suite: I adored this album. It's solely piano pieces but they are well written and interesting. The opening track is phenominal. I also love 'St Michael's Isle'. This is more evidence that he can be amazing but often... chooses not to.
(1993) No Expense Spared: YOU SAY YOU WONT BELIEVE BE WHEN I TELL YOU THAT IM SCARED, AND THE WAY YOU WALK, YOU WALK TOWARDS ME ONLY SHOWS THAT YOU ONCE CARED... NOW THATS NO- NO EXPENSE SPARED...... NO EXPENSE SPARED NO EXPENSE SPARED NO EXPENSE NO NO NO NO NO, EVERYBODY KNOWS, EVERBODYS SINGING IN THE ONE MAN SHOW OF LIFE, MYYY LIFE SOME LIFE SOME LIFE SOME LIFE SOME LIFE SOME LIFE LIFE LIFE LIFE!!!!!!; The second album with his son Adam, still cheesy but definitely an improvement. More songwriting and less soloing; Adam definitely has an interest in writing songs and you see that more and more as their collaborations continue. But DAMN that opening track..
(1993) Prayers: More Christian music from Rick. To me, not as good as The Word and The Gospels, but still solid writing. More great vocal work from Chrissie Hammond who frankly carries Rick's Career in the 90s. I would recommend tbh. If you're a Christian then you will certainly get an extra element from this that I missed out on. I did have an INCREDIBLE music/gameplay line up moment to this album that I'll never forget so it has a special place in my heart.
(1993) Classic Tracks: I have only heard the bits and pieces of this on the compilation album Tales of Future and Past, but upon further research, maybe I won't bother! This whole thing was created without Rick's knowledge! Even though I liked the vocals on these tracks, he hates them. Just look at these excerpts from his website!; "I despise this album in every respect. The master tapes of the back tracks were taken to America and appalling vocals put on them without my approval. The final result was also then sold without my approval and without my receiving a penny. The master tapes were never even returned to me. the album is a disgrace.; "When I contacted the original company in America who had illegally purchased it I was threatened with not just violence but that I would "mysteriously disappear" if I interfered any more and I was never to expect one penny or my masters back."
(1993) The Classical Connection 2: In the same vain as The Classical Connection, of course. It's an interesting mix, but nothing notable.
(1993) Unleashing the Tethered One: The 1974 North American Tour: A solid live album and one of his best renditions of Journey to the Centre of the Earth since the original recording. It was recorded in the 70s so it preserves some of his original tonal tastes.
(1994) Live on the Test
(1994) Rick Wakeman's Greatest Hits
(1994) The Stage Collection: I can't seem to find it on his website, but it's on his Youtube. It's a live album. From the mid-90s. During a Wakeman with Wakeman tour. What do you expect? Many a brass player has shed a tear as they have been replaced by a combi preset...
(1995) Almost Live in Europe: An okay live album. More cheesy that others. It's fine though. I do appreciate the inclusion of No Earthly Connection material, as Rick tended to ignore that album despite the fact it was some of his best stuff.
(1995) The Piano Album: Yay, an actual Piano! Decent arrangements. But still, his regular repertoire. I'd rather something like this than something akin to The Classical Connection.
(1995) The Private Collection
(1995) Romance in the Victorian Age: Another Rick and Adam album, mostly relaxing piano with a few lively pieces thrown in. Not for me I think.
(1995) The Seven Wonders of the World: This one is like if combi mode was given creative control of an album, with narration about the seven wonders, of course. I do appreciate the horrific use of Papyrus font on the album cover.
(1995) Rick Wakeman In Concert/Live on The King Biscuit Flower Hour: I remember it being short. It had a very interesting rendition of pieces from Journey. Doesn't stand out particularly, wouldn't blame you for skipping.
(1995) Visions: Relaxing music. 90s cheese. More interesting than the Aspirant Trilogy to me for unknown reasons. I do associate it heavily with The Shivering Isles DLC though, so to me it represents a kind of haze-like insanity that I was definitely participating in at the time.
(1995) Cirque Surreal: Despite the cheese, I really did enjoy this album. I think it's because its very concept is supposed to be silly. The playing is tight too. Maybe check this one out?
(1996) Fields of Green: A strange album. A collection of songs, some more memorable than others. You can tell he was in this weird 90s songwriting era, as it's reminiscant of his work with Adam. Also I hate the opening cover of Starship Trooper. Unfortunately all Rick's covers of Starship Trooper pale in comparison to the original. This album and specifically one song is lodged in my brain forever as I did a notorious quest in the Shivering Isles while listening to it, and it affected me so much I had a breakdown that evening. I wouldn't personally recommend LOL
(1996) The New Gospels: see The Word and The Gospels
(1996) Tapestries: Rick and Adam's music transitions into a more calming arrangement here. A decent collection of piano pieces. Much like Fields of Green I was also in a tough space when I heard this. So I probably won't revisit it any time soon. If you like Rick's piano stuff then you might like this.
(1996) The Word and Music: Drove me absolutely insane but that was mostly because I had come fresh out of the breakdowns a day before. Imagine the Aspirant Trilogy but with Rick's Ex-Wife narrating Bible stories over the top. Yeah.
(1996) Can You Hear Me?: see Prayers
(1996) Vignettes: Another of Rick & Adams collabs. Here there are a lot of songy/ballady pieces. If you like lyrics then this is a good one. For me I could care less, but I won't say it's a particularly bad album. It's alright. Texturally its typical of Rick's other 90s works.
(1996) Orisons: It's The Word and Music but with better mixing (although it might've been that I had listened to a worse rip before). This album and Words I feel specifically can only be enjoyed by a Christian audience, as the music stands as a background for scripture. Which is totally fine, I just happen not to fit into that audience.
(1997) Tribute: Hoooh. An album of absolutely atrocious Beatles covers. The album art is horrific too. The 'Come Together' cover is painfully funny so perhaps worth a listen if you enjoy the Beatles and want to keel over in pain.
(1997) Simply Acoustic: A live album of Piano renditions, complete with stories. Of rememberance was the story of the time he was pulled over by the cops and had to go to the toilet in a random strangers house. I like the St Michaels isle/Chapel Hill performance, because anything from Heritage Suite will have my attention.
(1997) Fields Of Green '97: See Fields of Green
(1998) Themes: Themes is just little scraps of projects he had for tv so nothing particularly exciting. Everything you expect from this era of course. There are a few songs hidden in there though. An album only for hardcore fans, or if you want suitable background music.
(1999) Return to the Centre of the Earth: Amazing, to put it simply. Featuring Narration from none other than Patrick Stewart, which of course blew my mind as he played Uriel Septim VII. Amazing arrangement, narration, songwriting, themes. It was a tall order to follow up the original Journey to the Centre of the Earth but god, he managed to do it! Also featuring some famous voices, it's one you certainly don't want to miss.
(1999) White Rock II: Ah yes, the return of the flub. Not nearly as good as the original. Not as many dynamics or interesting writing choices. It feels like this could've been one of his random 90s albums with no association with a film score. It reminds me a lot of Wakeman with Wakeman with lots of meandering solos. Skip.
(1999) The Natural World Trilogy: More ambient music. It took every piece of strength I could muster to make it through this album. It's not unpleasant, it's just SO. LONG. And if you aren't a fan of ambient chill then it seems even longer.
(1999) The Art in Music Trilogy: ^
(1999) Stella Bianca alla corte de Re Ferdinando: Hooray Yaaay another collaboration with Mario Fasciano!! Great writing, great performances, all around awesome. I love their work together, and Mario is so underrated. This album also includes the afformentioned version of Time Machine's "Ocean City", complete with new Neapolitan lyrics. Adore this one.
(2000) Preludes to a Century: Piano music. Pleasant and optimistic and the use of an actual piano is always welcome. Compared to his other piano works it's passable, but I am a harsh critic. Nothing will ever beat something like Heritage Suite in my eyes.
(2000) Chronicles of Man: Much similar to Preludes to a Century, nothing but solo piano music. However, there is more dynamicism and action and diverse writing. A spiritual successor to Heritage Suite. I like this one.
(2000) Christmas Variations: Mr Roland got me a gift this year! Christmas carols made out of Rompler magic, certain to make any Rick fans Christmas wonderful. AKA a nightmare for me. Passable but I care not for it.
(2000) The Legend: Live in Concert 2000
(2000) Morning Has Broken
(2001) Songs of Middle Earth: Nono. Nope. The first track on the album is ripped directly from Seven Wonders of the World (Pharos of Alexandria) and given a new name. And given the mix of production styles in this album it wouldn't surprise me if the other tracks were too. Especially bad since the first Lord of the Rings came out that same year. I see you, you sneak. I see all. Much like a certain character I know.; ^^^^ And this was written before I found out the full of it. That the entirety of Songs of Middle Earth is actually a rehash of songs from Seven Wonders of The World and Heritage Suite. Oh, why? Why would you defile Heritage Suite like that? The tracks are as follows:; The Shire (Pharos of Alexandria); The Old Forest (Pyramids of Egypt); Rivendell (The Peregrine Falcon); The Great River (Hanging Gardens of Babylon); Lothlorien (Spanish Head); The Misty Mountains (The Temple of Artemis); Helms Deep (Statue of Zeus); Rohan (The Dhoon); Minas Tirith (The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus); The Grey Havens (Chapel Hill); I'd say this is the most shameless thing he's ever put out, but it is possible (and honestly most likely) that the record company he was with decided to do this album and theme it around Lord of The Rings to cash in on the films at the time. Stupid stupid album. What a waste.
(2001) Out of the Blue: Hell yeah. This is an assembly of the New English Rock Ensemble, and the performance is great. It's also nice to hear music from Return to the Centre of the Earth, Phantom Power and No Earthly Connection played live. I generally thought his English Rock Ensamble lineup was a great one. Definitely listen to this one.
(2001) Classical Variations: More chill piano music. Eh.
(2001) Tales of Future and Past: Now I didn't expect to like this album, but it has some of the best renditions of his classic catalogue. Turns out this is because this is a compilation album, and those tracks were taken from Classic Tracks, which I hadn't heard at the time. The other tracks are taken from other albums. On 'CD 2', the rendition of Journey to the Centre of the Earth is particularly good. However, I couldn't find the original source. Maybe check this out, if you don't mind putting up with a bit of Fields of Green and White Rock II.
(2001) Two Sides of Yes: Yes covers. Need I say more? Although the rendition of Heart of the Sunrise was nice.
(2002) The Wizard and the Forest of All Dreams: Now heres a real LEGENDARY album. I have no idea why this album exists but I'm glad it does. Great piano with interesting chords and melodies, an incredible Choral accompaniment with both mens and womens choirs. This is hands down one of my favourite albums he's ever produced and I did not expect that from him in this era. I solidly recommend this one. Definitely. Some of his best compositional stuff. I do believe he thrives when he is given access to a choir.
(2002) The Real Lisztomania: It's Lisztomania, but with added narration and music score to bring it back to the story of the film. Which I suppose is good but... I think the original score benefits from not being associated with the film. It does certainly give a different experience than the original album. I would recommend listening to this album instead of watching the film, as you will get the jist of it without wanting to throw yourself into a river afterward.
(2002) The Oscar Concert: This is a deepcut for sure. The live performance is not particularly of note, his playing is poor and out of time, and the only reason this was printed to media was that there was a little dog called Oscar attending the gig. So for the rest of the set Rick tells these awfully cheesy dog jokes. As an album, not worth it, but just to witness the bizarre spectacle of this event, maybe check it out.
(2002) The Missing Half
(2002) Almost Classical
(2002) The Mixture
(2002) Medium Rare
(2002) Journey to the Centre of the Earth Plus
(2002) Stories
(2002) Two Sides of Yes Volume 2: See Two Sides of Yes
(2002) The Yes Piano Variations
(2003) Out There: This album is awesome!! The writing is great, songs you can sing along to, Prog Rock we can all enjoy. The vocals are great, the next best thing to having Jon Anderson. To me, this is a spiritual successor to No Earthly Connection thematically. An interesting concept for an album and an excellent execution.
(2005) At Lincoln Cathedral
(2005) Made in Cuba: Would you believe me if I told you that Fidel Castro personally invited Rick to play at the Karl Marx theatre in Havana? Well, he bloody well did. The whole concert is on Youtube! It's a fine enough live performance, although with a few blunders. The singer gets some lyrics wrong too. Rick is generally a sloppy live player, but I feel like if Fidel Castro wanted to see me I would brush up a bit on my soloing. Worth a watch I'd say.
(2006) Retro: Ooh one of my favourites for sure!! It's gimmick was that it was all recorded on Retro synths. According to the album cover, featuring the likes of Hammond M102, KORG's Mono/Poly, Trident, Sigma and ES50, MiniMoog, Taurus, and many more, essentially, my dream. Finally. A world without those ridiculous Romplers! The songwriting is great, really interesting and memorable. Of course, great tones. It's annoying that he doesn't sell reissues on RWMI, because I adore this one. And why does nobody talk about this one? It's one of the best ones he did!
(2007) Live at the BBC
(2007) Retro 2: Written in the same vain as the first. Although I did enjoy this album, the first one I feel is more unique and memorable. Still of great quality though.
(2007)1984 Live at the Hammersmith Odeon 1981: Technically a video but I listened to this instead of the actual Live At Hammersmith album. Interesting to hear renditions of 1984 live. Not the best vocal performances, but it's hard to top the original.
(2009) The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Live at Hampton Court Palace: An interesting performance for sure. This is why I mentioned previously that the original Six Wives is the best version. He has produced so many its hard to keep up with them. His synth tones kind of blow here. Don't bother listening to the album on its own, theres a video that makes up the entertainment factor. I've even seen this broadcasted on TV so you might just catch it.
(2009) Past, Present and Future
(2010) Always with You
(2012) In the Nick of Time: Live in 2003
(2012) Journey to the Centre of the Earth: A superb follow up to the original. Good production and arrangement, although I prefer the original's live nature, this is still a perfectly good rendition. This one is special to me, as it was what played as I completed the main quest, to tie up the theme, as the Original played when I began the game and Uriel Septim VII died. I would recommend!
(2016) The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table: An interesting studio update of the 70s original with new tracks. The new tracks are actually great! Great vocals, great choral arrangement and writing. They are obviously a different style from the original, you can tell they were written at different points in his life, but it doesn't matter. They are all great. Solid recommendation. I would listen to the original first though.
(2017) Piano Portraits: Although I physically own the CD of this album I haven't listened to it yet...
(2017) Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble: Live at Starmus: Not my favourite live moment from Rick, although a feature from Brian May is of note.
(2018) Piano Odyssey
(2019) Christmas Portraits
(2019) Buenos Aires Argentina 2000 - Live: Solid playing. A great lineup. If you like live albums in particular then check this one out.
(2020) The Red Planet: At the time of my original listening/recording in 2022, this was Rick's latest album. Everything after this I am unfamilliar with. Regardless, this album was awesome. Use of classic synth tones (not over rompling it, thank god. It only took 30 years), great songwriting, awesome session playing (Particularly of note is the percussionist, Ash Soan. His performance is great) There are so many memorable moments on this album. Despite the previous decades of... things... I think Rick is in a good place compositionally. He is finally making some great stuff again pretty regularly. Please listen!

(Bear in mind everything past this point is new to me. I don't tend to listen to Rick in my spare time.)

(2022)A Gallery of the Imagination
(2022)Live from Elche
(2024)Live at the London Palladium 2023

As someone who is not fussed about live albums... Rick... You're killing me here!