The Final (album)
The Final is the twelfth studio album by the British rock band, Pink Floyd, released in 1983. It is largely the work of Roger Waters, who wrote most of the lyrics and music.
The album is conceived as a concept album, anti-war in nature and critical of post-war British society and political figures, particularly Margaret Thatcher. The narrative focuses on the psychological trauma of war and its lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole.
The Final Cut is notable for several reasons:
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Waters' Dominance: Roger Waters exerted significant control over the album's creation, leading to increased tensions within the band. This contributed to the eventual departure of Richard Wright from the group during the recording process.
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Atmospheric and Orchestral: The album features a heavy reliance on orchestral arrangements and sound effects to create a bleak and unsettling atmosphere.
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Lyrical Content: The lyrics are often highly personal and introspective, dealing with themes of loss, alienation, and political disillusionment.
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Chart Performance: The Final Cut reached number 1 in the UK and number 6 in the US.
The Final Cut is generally considered a divisive album among Pink Floyd fans, some praising its lyrical depth and emotional impact, while others criticize its lack of musical collaboration and its generally somber tone. It was the last Pink Floyd album to feature Roger Waters until The Endless River in 2014, which included unreleased material recorded during The Final Cut sessions.