The 10 best songs of all time by Emerson Lake and Palmer

Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) was a groundbreaking progressive rock supergroup formed in 1970 by keyboardist Keith Emerson, bassist and vocalist Greg Lake, and drummer Carl Palmer. Known for their virtuosity and sophisticated compositions, ELP blended classical music, jazz, and rock to create a unique sound that defined the genre. Their notable works include the albums Tarkus, Brain Salad Surgery, and Trilogy. ELP’s lavish live performances, featuring Emerson’s intricate keyboard setups and dramatic stage performances, thrilled audiences worldwide. Despite disbanding in the late 1970s, ELP’s legacy lives on, influencing countless musicians and continuing to attract loyal fans.

1. Fanfare for the common man

“Fanfare for the Common Man” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP) is a progressive rock adaptation of Aaron Copland’s classic composition. Released on the 1977 album “Works Volume 1,” the piece features Keith Emerson’s powerful synthesizer work, Greg Lake’s impressive bass lines, and Carl Palmer’s dynamic drumming. ELP’s version transforms Copland’s original into an electrifying, epic anthem that blends classical motifs with rock energy. The track has become one of ELP’s most iconic and enduring pieces, celebrated for its grandeur and ability to bridge the gap between classical music and rock.

2. Paper blood

“Paper Blood” is a track from Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s 1992 album *Black Moon*. The song showcases the band’s typical blend of progressive rock elements with powerful, dynamic instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrics. “Paper Blood” features energetic keyboard solos from Keith Emerson, driving bass lines and vocals from Greg Lake, and intricate drumming from Carl Palmer. The track reflects the band’s skill at combining complex musical structures with accessible melodies, making it a standout piece in their later discography. *Black Moon* as a whole marked ELP’s return to the studio after a long hiatus and re-established their presence on the rock scene.

3. Take a pebble

“Take a Pebble” is a song by progressive rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), featured on their 1970 debut album of the same name. Written by Greg Lake, the song is known for its complex and dynamic structure, blending folk, jazz and classical elements. Lake’s soulful vocals and acoustic guitar are complemented by Keith Emerson’s artful piano passages and Carl Palmer’s sophisticated drumming. The song’s lyrical theme revolves around the passage of time and the ripple effects of memories. “Take a Pebble” showcases ELP’s musical virtuosity and innovative approach to rock music.

4. Tarcus

*Tarkus* is the second studio album by Emerson, Lake & Palmer and was released in 1971. The album is known for its sophisticated and complex title track, a 20-minute epic suite that takes up the entire first side of the record. “Tarkus” is a multi-part composition that blends influences from progressive rock, classical and jazz, showcasing the band’s technical skill and creative ingenuity. The suite tells a surreal story through its movements, with complex time signatures, Keith Emerson’s virtuoso keyboard work, Greg Lake’s powerful vocals and bass playing, and Carl Palmer’s dynamic drumming.

The second side of the album contains shorter pieces such as “Bitches Crystal”, “The Only Way (Hymn)”, “Infinite Space (Conclusion)”, “A Time and a Place” and “Are You Ready, Eddy?”. These pieces highlight the band’s versatility and ability to experiment with different musical styles. *Tarkus* cemented ELP’s reputation as one of the leading bands in the progressive rock genre and remains a milestone in their discography.

5. Karn Evil 9

Karn Evil 9 is a multi-part epic by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), featured on their 1973 album Brain Salad Surgery. Comprising three “impressions,” the piece clocks in at nearly 30 minutes and is a prime example of progressive rock. Often recognized by its iconic line, “Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends,” the first impression features a blend of rock and classical influences with dynamic keyboard and guitar solos. The second impression ventures into experimental territory with an instrumental jazz fusion style. The third impression is a dystopian narrative that tackles themes of technology and human suffering, showcasing the band’s musical prowess and conceptual ambition.

6. Happy man

“Lucky Man” is one of Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s best known songs and appeared on their 1970 debut album of the same name. Written by Greg Lake as a teenager, the song is a ballad that tells the story of a man who seemingly has everything but ultimately finds that wealth and power cannot save him from fate.

Greg Lake plays acoustic guitar and sings. Towards the end, Keith Emerson plays a distinctive Moog synthesizer solo that became one of the first popular uses of the instrument in rock music. Carl Palmer’s subtle percussion complements the melancholy yet powerful atmosphere of the piece.

“Lucky Man” was a commercial success, reaching the charts and becoming one of ELP’s best known songs. Its simple yet poignant lyrics, combined with the innovative use of the Moog synthesizer, have made it a timeless classic in the progressive rock genre.

7. From the beginning

“From the Beginning” is a song by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), featured on their 1972 album Trilogy. Written by Greg Lake, this acoustic-led ballad is striking for its melodic beauty and introspective lyrics. Lake’s gentle acoustic guitar work and soothing vocals are complemented by subtle synthesizer textures from Keith Emerson and delicate percussion from Carl Palmer. The song’s thoughtful tone and stripped-down arrangement highlight ELP’s versatility and deviate from their usual complex and bombastic style. “From the Beginning” became one of ELP’s most popular songs, appreciated for its simplicity and emotional depth.

8. The Wise Man

“The Sage” is an acoustic ballad by Greg Lake, featured on Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s 1971 live album Pictures at an Exhibition. The album is a live recording of the band’s performance at Newcastle City Hall, where they performed a rock adaptation of Modest Mussorgsky’s classic suite.

“The Sage” stands out as a gentle, introspective piece amidst the otherwise dynamic and complex compositions of the album. Lake’s performance of “The Sage” showcases his acoustic guitar skills and impressive vocal style. The song features poetic lyrics that convey a sense of reflection and wisdom, fitting seamlessly into the overall concept of the album.

This track offers a contrast to the grandiose and intense arrangements of the rest of Pictures at an Exhibition and underlines the versatility of the band and Lake’s ability to create deeply moving lyrical moments in the larger context of their progressive rock oeuvre.

9. Tank

“Tank” is an instrumental piece by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), found on their 1970 debut album of the same name. Composed by Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer, the piece is a testament to the band’s technical skill and dynamic range. It begins with a driving bass line and energetic drumming, and leads into Emerson’s virtuoso keyboard work, which includes a striking Moog synthesizer solo. The piece features a powerful drum solo by Palmer, highlighting his skill and creativity. Known for its complex structure that blends rock, jazz and classical elements, “Tank” is a testament to ELP’s innovative approach to progressive rock.

10. You still turn me on

“Still… You Turn Me On” is a song by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), featured on their 1973 album, Brain Salad Surgery. Written and sung by Greg Lake, the track is a gentle, acoustic ballad that contrasts with the album’s more elaborate and experimental compositions. Lake’s soft acoustic guitar and intimate vocals create a delicate, romantic atmosphere, while subtle synthesizer interludes from Keith Emerson add a layer of sophistication. The song’s lyrical theme revolves around love and longing, making it one of the band’s more personal and emotional pieces. “Still… You Turn Me On” is celebrated for its melodic beauty and heartfelt simplicity.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.