Album Information:
Album ID: 9555
About Roger Waters:
Roger Waters is a British musician, singer-songwriter, and composer who is best known as the co-founder and former bassist of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd. Born on September 6, 1943, in Surrey, England, Waters grew up in a middle-class household with a passion for music. He attended the University of Westminster where he studied architecture, but he soon dropped out to pursue a career in music.
In 1965, Waters co-founded Pink Floyd with Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright. The band quickly gained a reputation for their unique sound, blending psychedelic rock, experimental music, and avant-garde influences. Waters established himself as the band's primary lyricist and creative force, contributing to the composition of some of their most iconic and ambitious albums, including 'The Dark Side of the Moon,' 'Wish You Were Here,' and 'Animals.'
Over the years, Waters' artistic vision became more focused on conceptual themes and social commentary. His albums and live performances often dealt with political issues and social justice, utilizing powerful imagery and provocative lyrics to convey his message. In 1983, Waters released his first solo album, 'The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking,' which explored themes of love, sex, and morality through a concept album format.
The relationship between Waters and his bandmates in Pink Floyd became increasingly strained over the years, and in 1985, Waters left the band after disagreements over creative control and the direction of the band. He continued to release solo albums and collaborate with other artists, including performing a conceptual staging of Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' in Berlin in 1990. He also continued to tour and perform his solo material and Pink Floyd classics to this day.
Throughout his career, Waters has been recognized as one of the most innovative and influential musicians in rock history. He has been inducted into both the UK Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and his contributions to music have been honored with numerous awards and accolades. Beyond his music, Waters is also known for his philanthropic work, supporting causes such as human rights, environmentalism, and the fight against poverty and homelessness.
About the album Radio K.A.O.S.:
Radio K.A.O.S. is the second solo album released by former Pink Floyd bassist and lyricist, Roger Waters. The album was released on June 15, 1987, and is a concept album featuring a narrator character named Billy, a paraplegic who has the ability to listen to other people's thoughts and communicate with radio waves.
The album is divided into two parts: the first half features songs that focus on the character Billy and his unique abilities, while the second half focuses on broader social issues of the time such as global warming, political corruption, and the dangers of nuclear war.
The opening track 'Radio Waves' sets the tone for the whole album with its pulsing synth beat and catchy chorus. 'Who Needs Information' continues with its upbeat rhythm and biting commentary on the media's role in shaping public opinion.
The album's centerpiece is the seven-part song 'The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking,' which was originally intended to be a concept album for Pink Floyd but was ultimately passed over for The Wall. The song features a hypnotic guitar riff, spoken-word sections, and a surreal journey through the mind of the protagonist as he contemplates his past, present, and future.
Other standout tracks include 'Sunset Strip,' which features a soulful saxophone solo, and 'Me or Him,' a hard-hitting song about personal responsibility and accountability.
The album ends on a hopeful note with the hauntingly beautiful 'The Tide is Turning,' which features a vocal chorus and an uplifting message about coming together to make positive change in the world.
Overall, Radio K.A.O.S. is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful album that showcases Waters' skills as a musician, lyricist, and social commentator. It remains a classic of the era and a must-listen for fans of Pink Floyd and Waters' solo work.
Members:
As an AI language model, I don't think there are other band members in Roger Waters' solo career as he is the frontman and primary songwriter. However, I can provide a brief biography of Roger Waters:
Roger Waters was born on September 6, 1943, in Surrey, England. He is best known as the co-founder of progressive rock band Pink Floyd. He served as the band's bassist, co-lead vocalist, and lyricist from 1965 to 1985. During his time with Pink Floyd, he contributed to some of the band's most iconic albums such as 'The Dark Side of the Moon,' 'Wish You Were Here,' and 'The Wall.'
After leaving Pink Floyd, Waters began a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums of his own. His solo work often explores political and social issues and touches on themes of war, conflict, and personal struggle. In addition to his music career, Waters has been an active supporter of various humanitarian causes, such as conducting benefit concerts and advocating for environmental protection.
He continues to perform on stage, both solo and with other musicians, and his music remains deeply influential to generations of rock fans.
Track List for Radio K.A.O.S.:
Sure, here are the tracks in the album 'Radio K.A.O.S.' by Roger Waters listed in order along with play time and a detailed description of each track:
1. 'Radio Waves' (4:59) - This track sets the tone for the album with its electronic beats and synth-heavy sound. It's a commentary on the power of radio and how it can be used to manipulate people.
2. 'Who Needs Information' (5:55) - With its driving beat and guitar riff, this song calls out the media for spreading lies and propaganda. The lyrics ask the question 'who needs information when you've got stimulation?'
3. 'Me or Him' (5:23) - A slower, more introspective track, 'Me or Him' is a meditation on the nature of identity and the idea that we are all made up of multiple personas.
4. 'The Powers That Be' (4:36) - This track takes on the political establishment and criticizes the people in power who use their position to oppress others.
5. 'Sunset Strip' (4:45) - With its dreamy, atmospheric sound, 'Sunset Strip' is a reflection on the changing culture of America and how the ideals of the '60s have been replaced by consumerism and materialism.
6. 'Home' (6:00) - A haunting ballad, 'Home' explores the themes of loneliness and isolation. The lyrics describe a person who is lost and searching for a place to call home.
7. 'Four Minutes' (4:00) - A more rock-oriented track, 'Four Minutes' is a commentary on the potential for nuclear war and the fear that it could happen at any moment.
8. 'The Tide is Turning (After Live Aid)' (5:43) - An anthem for social change, 'The Tide is Turning' encourages listeners to take action and make a difference in the world.
Overall, 'Radio K.A.O.S.' is a concept album that explores themes of power, politics, and identity through a mix of electronic and rock music.
Discography for Roger Waters:
Sure, here's a complete discography for Roger Waters:
Studio albums:
1. The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking - April 30, 1984
2. Radio K.A.O.S. - June 15, 1987
3. Amused to Death - September 1, 1992
4. Is This the Life We Really Want? - June 2, 2017
Live albums:
1. In the Flesh: Live - December 5, 2000
2. Roger Waters: The Wall - November 20, 2015
Singles:
1. 'Every Stranger's Eyes' - 1984
2. 'The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking' - 1984
3. '5:01 AM (The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking, Pt. 10)' - 1984
4. 'Radio Waves' - 1987
5. 'Who Needs Information' - 1987
6. 'The Tide Is Turning (After Live Aid)' - 1987
7. 'What God Wants, Part I' - 1992
8. 'The Bravery of Being Out of Range' - 1992
9. 'Three Wishes' - 1992
10. 'The Last Refugee' - 2017
11. 'Smell the Roses' - 2017
Other releases:
1. When the Wind Blows (soundtrack) - November 1986
2. The Wall: Live in Berlin (with various artists) - 1990
3. Ça Ira - September 26, 2005
Hope that helps!