What is the best album by Pink Floyd?

From trippy psychedelic beginnings to genre-defining prog-rock masterpieces, Pink Floyd's studio discography covers five decades of sonic innovation — including some of the most iconic album art ever created. Which one stands above the rest?

1

The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

Pink Floyd's 1967 debut album, primarily written by Syd Barrett, blending psychedelic rock with whimsical, surreal lyrics.

2

A Saucerful of Secrets

Pink Floyd's 1968 second album, featuring a transitional sound as the band shifted away from Syd Barrett's influence toward more experimental territory.

3

More

Pink Floyd's 1969 soundtrack album for Barbet Schroeder's film, notable for its acoustic and heavy rock elements.

4

Ummagumma

Pink Floyd's 1969 double album featuring a live disc and an experimental studio disc with each member contributing solo compositions.

5

Atom Heart Mother

Pink Floyd's 1970 album featuring an ambitious suite and diverse compositions, best known for its iconic cow on the cover.

6

Meddle

Pink Floyd's 1971 album featuring the epic 23-minute Echoes suite and the abstract close-up ear underwater as its cover.

7

Obscured by Clouds

Pink Floyd's 1972 soundtrack album for La Vallee, featuring a blend of folk-influenced rock and experimental sounds.

8

The Dark Side of the Moon

Pink Floyd's landmark 1973 album exploring themes of conflict, greed, and mental illness, featuring the iconic prism design.

9

Wish You Were Here

Pink Floyd's 1975 album paying tribute to former member Syd Barrett, featuring the iconic burning handshake cover.

10

Animals

Pink Floyd's 1977 concept album inspired by Orwell's Animal Farm, with the Battersea Power Station and inflatable pig on the cover.

11

The Wall

Pink Floyd's 1979 double album rock opera exploring themes of isolation and personal barriers, one of the best-selling albums ever.

12

The Final Cut

Pink Floyd's 1983 album, essentially a Roger Waters solo work, functioning as a requiem for post-WWII hopes.

13

A Momentary Lapse of Reason

Pink Floyd's 1987 comeback album without Roger Waters, featuring the surreal beach of empty hospital beds on the cover.

14

The Division Bell

Pink Floyd's 1994 album featuring two massive steel head sculptures facing each other, exploring themes of communication.

15

The Endless River

Pink Floyd's 2014 final album, an ambient instrumental work dedicated to late keyboardist Richard Wright.