10 Best Emerson Lake And Palmer Songs of All Time

Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), one of the most innovative and influential progressive rock bands of the 1970s, were known for their virtuosic musicianship, grandiose compositions, and genre-defying creativity. The trio of Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, and Carl Palmer pushed the boundaries of rock music by blending classical, jazz, and electronic influences. Here are the 10 best Emerson, Lake & Palmer songs that showcase the band’s brilliance.

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### 1. **”Karn Evil 9″** (*Brain Salad Surgery*, 1973)
The 30-minute epic “Karn Evil 9” is ELP’s magnum opus, featuring three “impressions” that blend dystopian themes, dazzling keyboard solos, and intricate rhythms. The iconic line *”Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends!”* has become synonymous with the band and progressive rock itself.

### 2. **”Lucky Man”** (*Emerson, Lake & Palmer*, 1970)
Greg Lake’s poignant ballad, written when he was a teenager, became one of ELP’s most beloved tracks. The simplicity of Lake’s acoustic guitar and lyrics contrasts beautifully with Keith Emerson’s groundbreaking Moog synthesizer solo, which adds a dramatic finale.

### 3. **”Tarkus”** (*Tarkus*, 1971)
This 20-minute suite is a cornerstone of progressive rock. “Tarkus” combines mythological storytelling with complex time signatures, virtuosic keyboard work, and Carl Palmer’s dynamic drumming. Its adventurous structure demonstrates ELP’s fearlessness in creating extended, genre-defying compositions.

### 4. **”From the Beginning”** (*Trilogy*, 1972)
A stunning acoustic ballad, “From the Beginning” showcases Greg Lake’s soulful vocals and delicate guitar work. The song builds into a serene yet sophisticated piece, with Emerson’s subtle Moog embellishments adding depth to its gentle melody.

### 5. **”Fanfare for the Common Man”** (*Works Vol. 1*, 1977)
ELP’s rock adaptation of Aaron Copland’s classical composition turned into an anthem of bombastic energy. Keith Emerson’s synth mastery and Carl Palmer’s thunderous drumming transformed the piece into an electrifying progressive rock staple.

### 6. **”The Barbarian”** (*Emerson, Lake & Palmer*, 1970)
This opening track from their debut album is a bold reinterpretation of Béla Bartók’s *Allegro Barbaro*. Its aggressive basslines, thundering drums, and Emerson’s commanding Hammond organ set the tone for ELP’s groundbreaking approach to blending rock and classical music.

### 7. **”Jerusalem”** (*Brain Salad Surgery*, 1973)
ELP’s interpretation of the English hymn “Jerusalem” by William Blake is a powerful fusion of Emerson’s symphonic keyboards and Lake’s majestic vocals. It remains a testament to their ability to modernize classical and traditional compositions.

### 8. **”Knife-Edge”** (*Emerson, Lake & Palmer*, 1970)
This brooding track, inspired by Leos Janacek’s classical works, features a menacing organ riff and Lake’s commanding vocals. Its dark atmosphere and complex arrangement highlight the band’s early experimentation.

### 9. **”Still…You Turn Me On”** (*Brain Salad Surgery*, 1973)
Greg Lake’s romantic ballad balances the band’s more theatrical tendencies with heartfelt simplicity. Its lush acoustic melodies and Lake’s expressive voice make it one of their most accessible and enduring songs.

### 10. **”Trilogy”** (*Trilogy*, 1972)
The title track from their third album is a tour de