The best rock operas in history according to Fuzz Music magazine: selection, performers, interesting facts
Содержание
Over half a century ago. The Who released "Tommy."and introduced fans to the new uniforms: rock opera. Of course, they weren't the first to create a narrative on record, but they popularised the very idea, using the bombast and intensity of the music to tell an ambitious story. As they later said Pete Townsend:
"So much depends on the music, so much. The lyrics will be fine, we were sure of that from the beginning. But every trap of what we're trying to say lies in the music, lies in how we play the music, how we interpret our opera..."
The success of "Tommy" established a format that has spanned sub-genres and the minds of new generations of rockers for decades. Unlike the rock musical, rock opera in and of itself. First and foremost, it acts as an album, telling a story solely through music. Although many have subsequently been adapted for stage or screen, these are merely consequences of the record's global success. Today we've compiled some of the most legendary rock 'n' roll operas in the history of the genre, and we want to point out right away that these are just the small part of a great abundance of pearls.
The Who - "Tommy" (1969)
"Tommy." tells the story of a deaf, dumb and blind boy who suffers the neglect and cruelty of the world, and struggles to come to his senses. This is a stretched double LP with a complex, and extremely dark, psychologically heavy narrative.
https://youtu.be/cQ3Tul2F7vg
The record was such a smashing success that in 1975 the opera was made into a film. film of the same namestarring Roger Daltrey. By the way: there are some differences in the plot between the opera and the film, but the main thing is that the essence remains the same. And yes: the film stars Elton John and Tina Turner!
Pink Floyd - "The Wall" (1979)
Released exactly ten years after "Tommy," the iconic "The Wall" by Pink Floyd is also an exploration of childhood trauma. Over the years, these traumas accumulate and, in the form of bricks, are added to the symbolic wall that closes in and isolates the protagonist Kick from society. The death of his father, cruel teachers, the infidelity of his beloved, and his substance use all overlap in his mind, forcing the hero to retreat behind his wall before he eventually realises that he needs to tear it down and reconnect with the outside world. It's an important concept that also led to some of the band's most beloved songs, including "Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2" and "Comfortably Numb".
As with "Tommy," a film was subsequently made on "The Wall" with a Bob Geldof starring. In the early 80s, the band also went on an elaborate album tour with a 40-foot wall, animated projections and the now iconic giant inflatable pig. It definitely went down in history as the most spectacular rock show of its time.
Frank Zappa - "Joe's Garage" (1979)
The sunset of the '70s proved to be rich in quality storytelling. In the opera. Frank Zappa's "Joe's Garage." tells of protagonist Joe, who forms a garage band, experiments with religion and sexuality, and goes to prison before being released back into a dystopian society...
In his characteristic manner, in this opera, Zappa makes fun of almost everything - from religion and faith to love and modern society's desire to "touch new sensations".
Green Day - "American Idiot" (2004)
"American Idiot." - is one of the best rock operas of the 21st century, created by the band Green Day during the reign of George W. Bush Jr.. It proved to be so relevant and in demand in the US that it completely revitalised their career, providing a brilliant comeback after the disappointing release of "Warning". The album is quite political: on some tracks Green Day actively criticise Bush Junior and the "conflict" in Iraq, using these issues as a backdrop to tell the story of growing up.
The album was a raving success, and in 2010. on Broadway was a stage musical based on American Idiot.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Jesus Christ Superstar (1970).
And to round out today's selection, we thought we'd round out an all-time classic - truly the greatest rock opera of all time. "Jesus Christ Superstar."! Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice are men who deserve applause... By the way: it is claimed that the role of the leading character here is given to Judas, who, according to Rice, was "the most thinking of the apostles".
There's no doubt that "Jesus Christ Superstar" - greatest rock opera! In the opinion of many, the quality of the music here surpasses both Who and Pink Floyd, and the lyrics are far more complex... This opera asks fundamental questions about the meaning of one of the greatest stories in history.
