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Emerson, Lake & Palmer Popular Song Ranking [2025]
Emerson, Lake & Palmer is a band formed in England in 1970.
They are known for their grand soundscapes, often described as progressive rock and art rock.
This time, we’ll introduce some of the band’s popular songs.
If you’re not familiar with them, please use this as a beginner’s playlist.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer Popular Song Ranking [2025]
TARKUS for pianoEmerson Lake&Palmer1rank/position
This gem of a masterpiece elegantly expresses, on piano, a pinnacle of progressive rock with a grand narrative.
The album Tarkus reached number one on the UK charts in 1971.
At the recital, you’ll experience both the advanced, classical-level performance techniques and the thrill of painting a vast musical world on the piano.
The philosophical lyrics, carrying critical messages about war and authority, also resonate deeply with listeners.
While it stands as one of ELP’s signature works, this piano arrangement draws out new charm, making it a piece I can wholeheartedly recommend not only to classical music fans but also to those familiar with rock.
In performance, it enables richly expressive playing that captivates the audience.
“Aquatarkus” from “Tarkus”Emerson Lake&Palmer2rank/position
The progressive rock masterpiece “Tarkus,” renowned for its intricate arrangements and grand sense of scale, is truly captivating.
Among its highlights is a breathtaking section of the epic suite that fuses classical and rock elements.
The complex rhythmic shifts, unpredictable developments, and Emerson’s superb keyboard work weave a sonic world that overwhelms the listener.
Though instrumental, its ability to spin a narrative through music alone is remarkable.
In the final section, “Aquatarkus,” the persistent repetition of the same melody and rhythm builds to a fiery climax—so much so that calling it a progressive rock version of “Boléro” is no exaggeration.
I also recommend Takashi Yoshimatsu’s orchestral arrangement.
Performed by an orchestra, it transforms into an even more powerful prog-rock “Boléro.”
Karn Evil 9Emerson Lake&Palmer3rank/position
Introducing a monumental track that shines brilliantly in the history of progressive rock.
Featured on the 1973 album Brain Salad Surgery, this approximately 30-minute epic is distinguished by its three-part structure, complex musical architecture, and profound message.
It offers sharp insights into the dangers of technology and the nature of humanity, with the third part in particular depicting a battle between humans and a computer.
Showcasing the full extent of Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s exceptional musicianship and creativity, the piece was selected by Music Week in 2005 as one of the “Top 10 Progressive Tracks.” It’s a must-listen not only for prog fans but for anyone eager to explore the possibilities of music.
Lucky Man – 2012 Remastered VersionEmerson Lake&Palmer4rank/position
A live version by the progressive band Emerson, Lake & Palmer, active since the 1970s.
They were at the forefront of the prog boom of the time, yet they also had tasteful pieces like this one that begin with a guitar timbre.
That said, the synthesizer tones are fascinating as expected, and the synthesizer performance in the latter half is a real highlight.
The Endless Enigma (Part One)/Fugue/The Endless Enigma (Part Two)Emerson Lake&Palmer5rank/position
One of the bands that represent progressive rock, formed by Keith Emerson, is Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
They produced a great many works that fused classical music and rock, and among them, this piece boasts particularly superb structural finesse.
Nut RockerEmerson Lake&Palmer6rank/position
A rock-arranged track based on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
It’s included as an encore at the end of the live album Pictures at an Exhibition.
The image of ELP’s “face,” Keith Emerson, striking the keyboards onstage is unforgettable.
Tchaikovsky’s works originally have melodies that connect to popular music and are easy to listen to, so perhaps it appealed even to people who say, “Progressive rock isn’t really my thing.” Still, their sheer arranging prowess is nothing short of astonishing.
Keith Emerson’s genius can also be seen in pieces from his pre-ELP days with The Nice, such as America (from West Side Story).
TarkusEmerson Lake&Palmer7rank/position
Centered around the globally renowned keyboard virtuoso Keith Emerson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer are known for their inventive sound featuring synthesizers and the Hammond organ.
The track was used in the IMPREZA G4 commercial “Searchlight – Deployment” and appears as the title track on their second album, Tarkus.
With its ear-catching synth sounds, use of irregular time signatures, and a structure that blends these elements into a suite exceeding 20 minutes, it manages to keep listeners engaged—truly one of a kind.
It’s a number that lets you experience the intrigue and depth of progressive rock in a single piece.