In order to be considered an epic, the song must be very close to or over 20 minutes in length. It must show definitive structure throughout, and is not simply an extended "jam." The overall structure is very important, and should progress in stages (a unique opening, story, instrumental sections that compliment the content of the song, and a significant ending).The song's content should either explore a certain concept or tell a story.
1. "A Change of Seasons" - Dream Theater (1995)
Length: 23:09
Album: A Change of Seasons
In my opinion, this is the epic to end all epics. Instrumentally, we get some of the best classic Dream Theater material, plus the best vocals from James LaBrie ever recorded. The song is quite emotional, and it shifts through a number of different themes and atmospheres. The concept of the song is lightly based on the changing of the seasons, and the lyrics were written by Mike Portnoy in dedication to his mother who had just passed away. This song is the complete package, and it embodies everything an artist would strive to achieve in an epic piece.
2. "2112" - Rush (1975)
Length: 20:33
Album: 2112
Another masterpiece, and in my opinion the band's crowning achievement. With this song, Rush mastered the art crafting lengthy epics, and also salvaged their struggling career. The band is in top form; all three guys get plenty of room to show off their chops, and Geddy Lee's vocals are perfect. Overall, there's a lot of emotion and a lot of energy. The song has a futuristic concept, involving a man living in a world in the year 2062 being ruled by "The Priests of The Temple of Syrinx." This song is truly on of my favorite of all time.
3. "Thick as a Brick" - Jethro Tull (1972)
Length: 43:30
Album: Thick as a Brick
Yes, believe it or not, this is one song. It is an album in itself, yet it is a single song. The album catches the band in one of the best line-ups of their whole career, and the song has wonderful flow. The song received extremely positive critical praise, but this proved to be quite ironic. This album, and song, was originally conceived by band-leader Ian Anderson as a way to mock the prog rock genre. He despised being labeled as a progressive band, so he decided to spit in the faces of the prog-heads by making this album. No one had ever made a song that was the length of an entire record, and there's no doubt that it will go down in history as one of the crowning achievements of progressive rock music.
4. "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" -Pink Floyd (1975)
Length: 25:54
Album: Wish You Were Here
Although this song is split into two pieces on the album, I believe it was only split because they couldn't fit the whole thing on one side of a record (I think the maximum length for one side was 25 minutes). So, in my mind I view it as a single piece. Everything about it is fantastic, from the wholesome bluesy guitar-playing from David Gillmore, to the silky, languid keyboard work from Rick Wright, to the legendarily powerful harmonized chorus. The song is magical, and I get goose-bumps every time I hear it. The song was written by the band in memory of their ex-bandmate Syd Barret, who was slowly mentally decaying.
5. "Karn Evil 9" - Emerson, Lake, & Palmer (1973)
Length: 29:38
Album: Brain Salad Surgery
Another crowning achievement for the progressive genre, this multi-suite epic was also forced to be split on two sides. The music ranges from prog rock with classic rock influence, to extremely jazzy instrumental sections, to absolute insanity. This is definitely one of the craziest songs ever, but it fills the listener with awe and wonder. The song is based on some futuristic concepts. Kieth Emerson's keyboard work is exceptional, and highly varied in sound. This could easily be the greatest keyboard performance ever, as it shows extreme difficulty.
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Soon I will be making an entire page dedicated to a complete list of the greatest epics of all time.
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