Animals tends to be commonly overshadowed by its fellow 70’s Floyd albums. Unfairly? Probably. The reason is that it doesn’t demand the attention of its viewer quite like TDSOTM, or The Wall. It has the ego of its brothers - a 17 minute track about dogs isn’t exactly easy listening - but it has a different voice. A more… ordinary voice. This is what makes it my favorite Floyd album.

When you take away the majesty of the better Pink Floyd records, what is left is Animals; it sounds mean, lean, and it just hits harder. It couldn’t possess its scathing nature if it were wearing the jeweled label of ‘best’ Floyd album on its head. Capitalism is the target, and Gilmour/Waters attack without relent, (with a little help from George Orwell).

There is nothing missing here; the solos dazzle, the lyrics sting, and the songs are so delicately poised they shine. And while it is still the ugly sister of the late 70’s Pink Floyd, for that reason I’d argue that Animals is the best record of all time.

5/5