King Crimson is a British rock band formed in November 1968. Its founder and only permanent member is virtuoso guitarist Robert Fripp. The nature of the musical sound of the group belongs to such stylistic directions as progressive rock, jazz rock and the new wave. The project has been repeatedly recognized as the best representative of the genre. The official King Crimson discography is available in the article below.
In the Court of the Crimson King
The first line in King Crimson's discography is occupied by the debut album of the band In the Court of the Crimson King ("At the Raspberry King's Court"). The album, released in 1969, had a strong influence on the development of rock music in such areas as psychedelic and progressive rock. According to Robert Fripp, the album was supposed to open a genre such as "intelligent heavy metal." The opinions of many critics have confirmed that the disc coped with this.
In the Wake of Poseidon
The second studio album In the Wake of Poseidon ("In the wake of Poseidon") was released in May 1970. The British charts allowed the record to reach the 4th line. Despite the fact that today the collection is considered a classic of progressive music, in the year of release it was met with ambiguity by the public, although it was sold better than the debut album.
Lizard
The group recorded the third album Lizard ("Lizard") for August and September 1970 with the same composition and in the same studio where work was done on previous collections. The disc appeared on the shelves in December of that year. Many critics call Lizard the most "jazz" of all the work of King Crimson.
Islands
Fourth place in King Crimson's discography is taken by the studio album Islands ("Islands"), released in December 1971. Many critics call this disc a kind of bridge from the old sound to the new. This is the last collection, the texts for the compositions of which were written by Peter Sinfield, co-founder and author of the lyrics of the previous work of the group.
Larks' Tongues in Aspic
King Crimson’s fifth album is Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Lark of the Larks), which ended in March 1973. The usual sound of the group was enriched by the melodies of the violin and some exotic instruments. Instrumental parts often flow from jazz fusion to something close to heavy metal.
Starless and Bible Black
The sixth album Starless and Bible Black was released in March 1974. Some compositions of the collection were recorded during the concert, and applause was cut out during processing. As in the previous disc, verses for the compositions were written by the poet Richard Palmer-James.
Red
King Crimson's seventh creation is Red. The album is always mentioned in the lists of the best works of progressive rock. The collection was published in November 1974 and became the last disc of the collective, released in the 70s. After completing the recording in September 74th, Robert Fripp dismissed the band.
Discipline
Discipline (Discipline) is the band’s eighth studio album and the first after a seven-year hiatus, released in 1981. Robert Fripp invited guitarist Adrian Bellew and bass player Tony Levin to the updated lineup. The disc had an updated sound of the "new wave", but it had the usual rock basis. The audience met the reunion and release of the album with delighted responses. The poetic component was added to the updated King Crimson discography by the band's lead singer Adrian Bellew.
Beat
The group’s ninth studio compilation was released in 1982. The content of the disc is based on the work of the hipster generation. For example, the composition Neal and Jack and Me is inspired by the works of the American writer Jack Kerouac, and The Howler belongs to Allen Ginsberg. Fans note the success of the guitar duo Fripp and Bellew, which is the main difference between the "new" King Crimson from the "early" ones.
Three of a Perfect Pair
King Crimson's discography is supplemented by the tenth anniversary album Three of a Perfect Pair ("Three of a Great Pair"). The album, released in March 1984, stands out by the unusual division of the compositions into two parts, one of which is a series of experimental works.
Thrak
The eleventh THRAK album was released in 1995. The main composition of VROOOM goes through the whole album, making it a whole. The disc has been awarded many awards and positive reviews. Now you can hear this album not only on vinyl. According to fans, the only correct digital format for the compilation in King Crimson's discography is flac.
The ConstruKction of Light
The ConstruKction of Light's twelfth album was released in 2000. The collection was ambiguously accepted by the public, but also became an integral part of King Crimson and progressive rock in general.
The power to believe
The last album in King Crimson's discography is The Power to Believe's 13th record. The collection was warmly received by the public, many compare it to the "heavy" Larks' Tongues in Aspic. The typical sound of the band is complemented by electronic and oriental sounds, supported by powerful guitar riffs and drums.