Formed in 1965 in London, Pink Floyd soared to iconic status with the addition of singer/guitarist David Gilmour in 1968. Achieving commercial heights with masterpieces like “Dark Side of The Moon” (1973) and “The Wall” (1979), Pink Floyd secured its place as one of the best-selling bands globally, with over 250 million records sold. After the departure of Roger Waters in 1985, the band continued to produce notable albums such as “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” (1987), “The Division Bell,” and “The Endless River” (2014).
While these later albums may not share the same fame as their predecessors, they hold a special place in the heart of David Gilmour, who identified four Pink Floyd songs as new classics.
1. “On The Turning Away”
Featured on “A Momentary Lapse of Reason,” the first album without Roger Waters, “On The Turning Away” stands out as one of the most renowned tracks. In a 2006 interview promoting Pink Floyd’s DVD “Pulse,” Gilmour expressed his sentiment, identifying four songs from the more recent albums as new classics. “On The Turning Away” was among these, co-written by Gilmour and British experimental music composer Anthony Moore.
2. “Sorrow”
Closing the chapter on “A Momentary Lapse of Reason,” “Sorrow” is another track Gilmour highlighted in a 2008 Mojo Magazine interview. Reflecting on the ’80s influence on the album, Gilmour acknowledged moments of brilliance, citing “Sorrow” along with “On The Turning Away” and “Learning To Fly.”
3. “High Hopes”
Seven years later, “The Division Bell” (1994) emerged with two tracks that Gilmour regarded as new classics, one of them being “High Hopes.” Co-written by Gilmour and his wife Polly Samson, the song received accolades, and Gilmour affirmed its status as a Pink Floyd classic.
4. “Keep Talking”
Also hailing from “The Division Bell,” “Keep Talking” is credited to Gilmour, Polly Samson, and Richard Wright. Despite mixed reviews upon release, the album topped the charts in over 10 countries, including the U.S. and the U.K. The success continued with millions of tickets sold during the tour.
As Gilmour reminisces about these songs, it’s evident that Pink Floyd’s later works, though perhaps less celebrated, have left an enduring mark on the band’s legacy. These songs, according to Gilmour, have earned their place among the timeless classics of Pink Floyd.
