Exploring King Crimson: A Guide to Their Groundbreaking Music

Within the select group of artists who have shaped progressive rock, King Crimson stands out as a truly pioneering band. While their contemporaries, such as Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Rush, are often discussed, King Crimson's presence in the United States has been comparably understated.

Their work may resonate with fans of these other bands, but King Crimson's allure is not automatic. Their signature is a complex fusion of genres, with a penchant for odd time signatures and elaborate compositions that take the listener on a winding musical journey. King Crimson differentiates themselves with a sound that can sometimes be jarring yet charmingly whimsical at other moments.

Attempting to define King Crimson's music is challenging given the band's various transformations, much owed to guitarist Robert Fripp's constant presence since its inception in 1968. To grasp the expanse of their musical journey, we highlight five songs that encapsulate their wide-ranging sound and provide a gateway into their extensive discography.

1. 'The Court of the Crimson King'

The band’s inaugural album In the Court of the Crimson King showcases this song which spotlights Greg Lake’s powerful vocals. 'The Court of the Crimson King' brings an epic quality with Fripp's melodic guitar, and the mellotron used in the chorus introduces a sense of grandeur, played by Ian McDonald of later Foreigner fame. Interestingly, this track was King Crimson’s first single and is their only entry in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

2. '21st Century Schizoid Man'

Another track from In the Court of the Crimson King, '21st Century Schizoid Man' reveals the band's heavier aspect. The song’s blend of hard rock and jazz elements could classify it as an early prototype of heavy metal. It retains a melodic core and its anti-war lyrics remain potent, indicating why it seamlessly integrates into modern samples, such as Kanye West’s 'Power'.

3. 'Easy Money'

Transitioning through multiple lineup changes by their fifth album, Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, the band solidified around core members Fripp, John Wetton, and Bill Bruford. 'Easy Money' from this album displays yet another facet of the band's heavy sound, with Jamie Muir adding an unconventional touch with 'assorted found items and sundry instruments.'

4. 'Red'

The titular track of the 1974 album Red represents a pared-down King Crimson as a power trio of Fripp, Wetton, and Bruford. 'Red' stands out for its memorable guitar melody and intricate rhythmic elements, showcasing the band’s prowess in a more straightforward musical approach.

5. 'Sleepless'

Following a hiatus, King Crimson returned in the '80s with a revamped lineup and sound. 'Sleepless', from Three of a Perfect Pair, achieved notable success on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Tony Levin's innovative bass playing and Belew’s haunting lyrical themes on this track reflect the band’s evolution and their ability to adapt and remain relevant in an ever-changing music landscape.

progressive, rock, innovation