The Dark Side of the Moon
The Dark Side of the Moon is the eighth studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released in 1973.
The Dark Side of the Moon is Pink Floyd's eighth studio album, released in 1973. It is a concept album exploring themes of conflict, time, and mental illness, and remains one of the best-selling and most influential rock albums ever.
What it is
The Dark Side of the Moon was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London from 1972 to 1973. It is a progressive rock concept album with recurring musical themes. The iconic cover art features a prism and spectrum design by Storm Thorgerson and Hipgnosis.
Why it matters
The album became a massive commercial success, selling over 45 million copies worldwide. It spent an extraordinary 937 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart. In Canada, it has been a staple of classic rock radio and continues to influence listeners.
Key details
The album's themes include conflict, greed, time, death, and mental illness. It was developed from live performances before studio recording. The band members are Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright.
In short
- Released in 1973, Pink Floyd's eighth studio album.
- Concept album about everyday pressures and mental health.
- Over 45 million copies sold, record chart run.
- Iconic prism cover art.
The album has had major influence on Canadian rock listeners and radio audiences, and it remains a staple reference point in classic rock culture in Canada.
Quick questions
Who recorded The Dark Side of the Moon?
When was it released?
What are its main themes?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Side_of_the_MoonSupports: Release dates, album identity, themes, and general album details.
- Rolling Stone — https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/pink-floyds-dark-side-of-the-moon-10-things-you-didnt-know-201743/Supports: Sales figures, chart performance, recording period, and thematic discussion.
- Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/dark-side-of-the-moon.pdfSupports: Cultural significance, chart longevity, sales estimate, and engineering recognition.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Dark-Side-of-the-MoonSupports: Album identification as a Pink Floyd release.
- Pink Floyd — https://www.pinkfloyd.com/albums/the-dark-side-of-the-moon/Supports: Recording history, release context, and thematic framing from the band’s official site.
- Pink Floyd (official video) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSLJHJSNTAMSupports: Album cover description, release dates, studio, and worldwide sales claim.