Epic Music: Songs Over 20 Minutes That Will Leave You Astounded
Music has the power to transport us to new worlds, evoke emotions, and even dictate the pace of our days. While many songs conform to the standard three to five-minute format, some musicians push the boundaries with epic compositions that last over 20 minutes. These songs can offer a rich, immersive experience that is unlike any other. In this article, we explore some of the most impressive and influential long songs that have left a mark on the music industry and history.
Deep Purple - ldquo;Space Truckinrdquo; (Made in Japan Version)
Deep Purplersquo;s ldquo;Space Truckinrdquo; (Made in Japan Version) is an incredible 20 minutes long, starting with a mere 18 seconds and then expanding into an expansive, spacey journey. This version is particularly notable for its extended duration and the band's ability to maintain listener engagement throughout. It showcases the band's skills in blending various rock styles, making it a landmark song for fans of long, epic pieces of music.
Rush - 2112
Rush's ldquo;2112rdquo; is a seminal piece of music that spans 34 minutes. This epic composition is not just a song but an entire narrative, with itsTable of contents and dual drummers alternating leads, providing a dynamic and empowering listening experience. While jokingly alluded to as being like ldquo;Eat a Peachrdquo; songs, it's actually a leftover from the Fillmore concerts. The song is so long that it couldnrsquo;t fit on the original double album, symbolizing the groundbreaking nature of Rush's work. Today, with a remastered delux edition, you can enjoy the complete Fillmore concert experience, a fantastic CD set that every music lover should own.
Pink Floyd - ldquo;Echoesrdquo; and ldquo;Shine On You Crazy Diamondrdquo;
Pink Floydrsquo;s ldquo;Echoesrdquo; is a masterful 23-minute journey through different moods and tempos, while ldquo;Shine On You Crazy Diamond,rdquo; at over 26 minutes, is a deeply emotional and epic piece. Some consider Pink Floyd's ldquo;Dark Side of the Moonrdquo; as a single piece, clocking in at about 43 minutes. Listening to the entire album is an immersive experience thatrsquo;s well worth the time.
Sandy Bull - ldquo;Blendrdquo;
ldquo;Blendrdquo; by guitarist Sandy Bull is a unique and interesting piece from the mid-sixties. It may not be the best of his work, but itrsquo;s certainly a curious and experimental piece that reflects the spirit of the time.
Sleep - ldquo;Dopesmokerrdquo;
Sleeprsquo;s ldquo;Dopesmokerrdquo; is an hour and three minutes long, making it a stoner-doom epic that combines the heavier, more psychedelic elements of Black Sabbath with a psychedelic twist. Itrsquo;s a true gem for fans of the genre, offering a massive, immersive experience.
Led Zeppelin - ldquo;Dazed and Confusedrdquo;
The live version of ldquo;Dazed and Confusedrdquo; from Led Zeppelinrsquo;s album ldquo;The Song Remains the Samerdquo; is a mesmerizing 20-minute journey that showcases the band's raw power and experimental spirit. This live version is particularly noteworthy for its extended improvisation and the energy it brings to the audience.
The Melvins / Lustmord Collaboration - ldquo;Pigs of the Roman Empirerdquo;
The collaboration between The Melvins and Lustmord on ldquo;Pigs of the Roman Empirerdquo; is a unique fusion of genres, creating a haunting and atmospheric piece that explores dark, experimental sounds. This song is a perfect example of how long, immersive music can captivate and influence listeners.
The Star Spangled Banner
The Iron Butterfly live version of the ldquo;The Star Spangled Bannerrdquo; can last up to 25 minutes, making it a powerful and significant performance in music history. This version exemplifies the band's ability to take a classic and transform it into an extended, impressive piece of music.
Yes - ldquo;Gates of Deliriumrdquo; and ldquo;Close to the Edgerdquo;
Yesrsquo;s ldquo;Gates of Deliriumrdquo; and ldquo;Close to the Edgerdquo; are both significant compositions, with ldquo;Close to the Edgerdquo; clocks in at 30 minutes. These songs showcase the band's progressive rock style and the ability to create lengthy, intricate compositions.
Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield
Tubular Bellsby Mike Oldfield is another long piece, and the single part 1 is about 42 minutes long. This piece is well-regarded for its intricate composition and the use of tubular bells, making it a standout in the progressive rock genre.