Pink Floyd The Wall | Teen Ink

Pink Floyd The Wall MAG

March 2, 2010
By StevenG SILVER, Wexford, Pennsylvania
StevenG SILVER, Wexford, Pennsylvania
9 articles 0 photos 0 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success..." - Bruce Feirstein


When I finally pulled out my headphones after listening to all one hour and 21 minutes of Pink Floyd's “The Wall,” I stood comfortably numb in jaded confusion. I honestly didn't know – should I file this review under Music or Movies?

From its captivating opener, “In the Flesh?”, “The Wall” grabs you in the clammy clutches of a mind gone mad and immerses you in the eerie world that Pink Floyd has created within the realm of audio.

“The Wall” is not just an album; that would be an unfortunate misnomer. It documents in thick detail the metamorphosis of fictional rock star Pink, from his days as an innocent child in “Mother,” through the steady degradation of his sanity, each song chipping a piece out of his mental well-being and using it to build the wall that isolates him from society. When the final brick is laid, we see the complete transformation. Drug-abusing and disillusioned, Pink is the center of a megaphonic ferment in “Waiting for the Worms.”

The riot resulting from his final mental collapse in “In the Flesh! (reprise)” forces his mind on trial, with his own conscience as the judge, jury, and executioner. When the wall finally comes crashing down in the penultimate climax, we hear the smashing of brick as everything crumbles around the defenseless Pink.

But the story ends on a sinister note, for as the quiet denouement, “Outside the Wall,” concludes, we hear the voice of lead singer Roger Waters say, “Isn't this where …” before being cut off by the end of the album. At the start of the album, the same voice says “… we came in?” in a quiet prelude. Playing the album on a loop, you understand that “Isn't this where we came in?” is a clever tribute to the cyclic nature of insanity.

All in all, if you're looking for some music to pass the time, this album is not for you. The only way to fully appreciate “The Wall” is to listen to it from start to finish. Those who do will be captivated not only by the musical genius of Pink Floyd, but by their startling ability to tell an amazing story, something that has truly never been matched in music.


The author's comments:
Listeners should look at musicmaking in a whole new light after listening to this-- a brilliant combination of storytelling and song. Truly unique

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This article has 3 comments.


on Feb. 10 2012 at 8:44 pm
BeautifulStream PLATINUM, Richmond, Virginia
29 articles 0 photos 10 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Today I don't need a replacement. I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant."- Peter Gabriel, Solsbury Hill

I have to say, you made me giggle when I read that reply :D I really do like it, it's just not my first choice of music to hear when I pull out my iPod, y'know.

on Jan. 8 2012 at 9:38 pm
DanielleZ DIAMOND, Rochester Hills, Michigan
83 articles 16 photos 12 comments

Favorite Quote:
Do what you like and like what you do.

ARE YOU KIDDING? The Wall is a great album. Even though the songs aren't all beautiful in the typical definition, the album is on of the greatest pieces of art I have ever experienced. All the emotion, the conflicts, the symbolism, I can't even put into words how amazing it is. I-...it's....I am so speechless in reference to it.

on Jan. 8 2012 at 7:48 pm
BeautifulStream PLATINUM, Richmond, Virginia
29 articles 0 photos 10 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Today I don't need a replacement. I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant."- Peter Gabriel, Solsbury Hill

Thank goodness I finally found your review! I've been looking all over. This review is, singlehandedly, what it took for me to get hooked on Teen Ink, AND it got me interested in Pink Floyd as well. Now I'm totally obsessed with The Wall (even though I don't think it's a very good album, but the story is so incredibly intriguing.). Thank you for writing this!