"Obscured by Clouds" is the 7th studio album by British psychedelic rock band, Pink Floyd. It was released in 1972 on Harvest Records and produced by the band. The line-up for the album was David Gilmour (vocals/guitar), Roger Waters (bass/vocals), Nick Mason (drums) and Richard Wright (keyboards/vocals).

The album is based on the soundtrack Pink Floyd performed for the French film "La Vallée". The film stars Bulle Ogier, a woman who ends up on a journey of self discovery through New Guinea.

Title track, "Obscured by Clouds", is an instrumental that begins with keyboards , then is joined by drums before David Gilmour comes in on guitar until the end of the song. The song segues straight into "When You're In", which is also an instrumental with a repetitive guitar riff.

Beginning with the rock and roll count in of 'One, two, FREE FOUR!', "Free Four" was written and sung by Roger Waters, and centers on themes of the corruption or 'evils' of the music industry and his father's death. With a heavy guitar solo, the tone is rather mellow during the vocal portions of the song.

"Absolutely Curtains" is mostly instrumental but ends with a chant performed by the Mapuga tribe from New Guinea. The chant was recorded for the film and used in this song. The music is keyboards of Farfisa and Hammond organ, synthesiser, electric piano, cymbals and percussion.

Featuring three instrumentals and one mostly instrumental song, this album showcases the musical talent of the group, giving people a chance to focus on the music for part of the album. The songs that feature vocals are just as dazzling, musically, but enhanced with lyrics that give the songs a true Pink Floyd feel. Definitely an album worth listening to over and over, "Obscured by Clouds" is pure brilliance.

1. Obscured by Clouds
2. When You're In
3. Burning Bridges
4. The Gold It's in the...
5. Wot's... Uh the Deal?
6. Mudmen
7. Childhood's End
8. Free Four
9. Stay
10. Absolutely Curtains

My rating: 9/10