"Animals" is the tenth studio album by English progressive rock group Pink Floyd, and was released in January 1977. A concept album, it provides a scathing critique of the social-political conditions of 1970s Britain, and presents a marked change in musical style from their earlier work. It uses animals as metaphors to critique the social and political climate of 1970s Britain. The album's three main songs, "Dogs," "Pigs (Three Different Ones)," and "Sheep," represent different classes and their struggles within the system.
Animals was recorded at the band's studio, Britannia Row, in London, but its production was punctuated by the early signs of discord that several years later would culminate in keyboardist Richard Wright leaving the band. The album's cover image, a pig floating between two chimneys on Battersea Power Station, was designed by bassist and writer Roger Waters, and produced by long-time collaborator Hipgnosis. The gatefold sleeve also includes additional artwork and lyrics.
The album was released to generally positive reviews in the United Kingdom (UK), where it reached number two. It was also a success in the United States (US), reaching number three on the Billboard album charts, and although it scored on the American charts for only six months, steady sales have resulted in its certification by the RIAA at four times platinum. The size of the venues on the band's In the Flesh tour, and an incident in which he spat at a fan, prompted Roger Waters to conceive the band's subsequent album, The Wall
Here are the five tracks from the Animals album:
"Pigs on the Wing (Part 1)" - (Duration: 1:25)
This short, acoustic piece opens the album. It serves as a gentle introduction and later as a bookend to the darker, more aggressive tracks that follow.
"Dogs" - (Duration: 17:04)
"Dogs" is the album's longest track, occupying most of the first side of the vinyl. It is a complex, multi-part composition that critiques the ruthless and cutthroat nature of business and ambition. The track showcases intricate guitar work and David Gilmour's emotive vocals, making it one of the album's highlights.
"Pigs (Three Different Ones)" - (Duration: 11:26)
This track targets figures of authority and power, metaphorically represented as pigs. With Roger Waters' sardonic lyrics and the use of a talk box guitar effect, "Pigs" stands out as one of the album's most memorable pieces.
"Sheep" - (Duration: 10:21)
"Sheep" criticises the blindly obedient masses, likened to livestock. The song features aggressive rhythms and dynamic shifts, building towards a climactic ending that emphasises its theme of rebellion against oppressive forces.
"Pigs on the Wing (Part 2)" - (Duration: 1:25)
The album closes with this reprise of the opening track "Pigs on Wings 2", providing a sense of closure and perhaps a glimmer of hope amid the album's bleak themes.
