I Robot (1977)
The Alan Parsons Project has achieved back to back No Skip Albums! ‘I Robot’ is widely regarded as a landmark in the history of progressive rock. The record is inspired by the writings of science fiction author Isaac Asimov and it explores the themes of technology, artificial intelligence, and humanity's relationship with machines. At its core, ‘I Robot’ is a concept record that tells a specific narrative through its songs. It will be unlike anything you have ever listened to.
The album follows the journey of a sentient robot named "The Machine" as it gains consciousness and becomes aware of its own existence. The songs on the album reflect the different stages of The Machine's journey, from its creation and programming to its rebellion against its human creators.
Musically, ‘I Robot’ is a masterful display of progressive rock that combines intricate instrumentation, layered vocals, and experimental sound effects. The album features a range of musical styles, from the upbeat pop-rock of "I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You" to the haunting balladry of "Some Other Time." The first of which speaks to technologies potential to overwhelm humanity and the later speaks to The Machine’s desire to understand the human race.
“I Robot’ also features various sound effects that add to the sci-fi atmosphere, such as the beeping and whirring of machines in “The Voice”, and the distorted computerized voice in “Breakdown”, exploring The Machine’s thoughts and feelings as it gains consciousness.
‘I Robot’ is a remarkable record that combines exceptional musicianship with a captivating sci-fi narrative. If you look up the track for track lyrical breakdown of this album, you will find that the story is wildly compelling. The album's themes of AI and humanity's relationship with machines are as relevant today as they were in the late 1970s, and the album's musical and lyrical achievements continue to inspire and influence musicians and fans alike. If you're a fan of progressive rock, sci-fi, or just great music in general, ‘I Robot’ is definitely an album worth your time.
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Highlight Songs:
I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You
Some Other Time
Breakdown
Day After Day
Genesis Ch. 1 V.32
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Absolutely own it. This album works best played all the way through. This concept record is a complete story and you shouldn’t skip bits and pieces of it. If you’re the weirdo that skips through good movies just to watch the scenes that you like without all of the build up and fall out then sure be weird and do that. But if you are a righteous and cool individual, you will buy this and play it front to back over and over again.
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Overall Rating
4.5 Stars
