Rick Wakeman Albums Ranked

Richard Christopher Wakeman (born 18 May 1949) is an English keyboardist, songwriter, producer, television and radio presenter, and author. He is best known for being in the progressive rock band Yes across five tenures between 1971 and 2004 and for his solo albums released in the 1970s. He is a current member of Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman.
Born and raised in West London, Wakeman intended to be a concert pianist but quit his studies at the Royal College of Music in 1969 to become a full-time session musician. His early sessions included playing on “Space Oddity”, among others, for David Bowie, and songs by Junior’s Eyes, T. Rex, Elton John, and Cat Stevens. Wakeman became a member of The Strawbs in 1970 before joining Yes a year later, playing on some of their most successful albums across two stints until 1980. Wakeman began his solo career in 1973; his most successful albums are his first three: The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974), and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975), all concept albums. He formed his rock band, The English Rock Ensemble, in 1974, with which he continues to perform, and scored his first film, Lisztomania (1975).
Wakeman’s discography includes over 90 solo albums that range from several musical styles. He has made many television and radio appearances; in recent years he became known for his contributions to the BBC comedy series Grumpy Old Men, Watchdog, and his radio show on Planet Rock that aired from 2005 to 2010. Wakeman has written three books; an autobiography and two memoirs. In 2017, Wakeman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes. Here are all of Rick Wakeman’s albums ranked.

Don’t miss out on the memorable music of Rick Wakeman below! Click to enjoy the songs from his solo career!

10. Silent Nights (1985)

“Much of this album sounds very typical of the 1980s. This is mostly down to the production and the fact that Rick was clearly aiming for a more commercial sound then his 70s efforts. Most of the songs are pretty catchy and Rick still performs well on keyboards but it’s not up to his usual standards and 2 of the tracks – Ghost of a Rock and Roll Star and The Dancer could have done with being removed from the album completely. The standout track – Elgin Mansions is a very beautiful and soothing piano piece with uplifting melodies that are successfully supported by intricate arrangements”

9. Return To The Centre Of The Earth (1999)

“The Return to the Centre of the Earth journey appears to me though a somewhat lofty but still a lovely effort. I love to hear Justin Hayward sing, and “Still Waters Run Deep” is a liquescent delight! It is the best highlight of the album for me. I appreciate being able to hear Rick play keyboards as well, and I like “The End of the Return” although it reminds me somehow somewhat of an old ELP tune, probably some classical melody. There’s also “Buried Alive” sung by Ozzie Osbourne, another high point of the album.”

8. White Rock (1977)

“‘This album is ok, but nothing really stands out.  You get the usual flurry of keyboards from Wakeman, but the imagination is missing.  The music seems to be all pizzazz, and little substance.  I also can’t stand boys choirs on Rock albums, and here you get two doses.  Wakeman is at his best when he doesn’t try so hard. In other words, you can’t deny the excellence of the musicianship, but after a while, it’s hard to figure out where on dazzle ends and another begins.”

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7. Out There (2003)

“Well, musically speaking this is awesome at the best album, the opening title track clocking around 13 min Out There is a killer one, going almost in prog metal direction but without being a prog metal tune in the end, impression mainly because of great deep and forceful top-notch vocal delivery from Mr. Wilson, what a voice, really great tune and all. Another highlight is Universe Of Sound, an uptempo piece with great vocals and interesting arrangements, Wakeman proves once again he is the master. So, I really enjoy this a lot, among my fave from him and one of his most interesting releases since the glorious 70’s. Solid, easy 4 stars and definitely a keeper.”

6. No Earthly Connection (1976)

“This is a VERY underrated album from Rick Wakeman, the Yes’ keyboardist. Wakeman here is supported by the excellent English Rock Ensemble, made of Tony Fernandez on drums, Ashley Holt on lead vocals, and some brass instruments musicians, among others. There are many excellent mellotrons, piano, clarinet, and harpsichord parts, and the bass even sounds like a clarinet!!! The tracks are VERY rhythmic and loaded. The omnipresent brass arrangements are very special and EXCELLENT, and it gives the music a very original sound! “

5. 1984 (1981)

“A minor classic, in my opinion, but not in the opinion of many others, including Rick Wakeman himself. However, there are some great themes here. Chaka Khan shows her versatility as a vocalist, with a huge contrast between the styles on War Games and Julia. Like his style of singing or not, Steve Harley’s voice really complements the song as he emotes his way through “No Name” and The Prole’s Song has Tim Rice belting it out for all he’s worth. Yes it’s a very late example of its kind: post-punk orchestral prog rock concept album, but in my opinion holds together well and it’s a really good listen.”

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4. Criminal Record (1977)

“It may not have the noterity of The Six Wives Of Henry Eighth, Journey To The Centre Of The Earth or King Arthur etc, however this is my favourite of Rick’s albums. The keyboard playing is as ever suberb without lapsing into bombastic eccentricity. Except for The Breathalyser, which is not in keeping with the highest standards of the remainder, it’s very difficult to choose the best tracks, although Statue Of Justice and Birdman Of Alcatraz are wonderful and finally Judas Iscariot is a masterfully evocative statement about the disciple who betrayed his Lord. If you like Rick, try to hear this one.”

3. The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table (1975)

“If my memory serves right, this album was the major reason why Rick Wakeman went back to Yes (because he couldn’t make money from it due to the high cost of its performance). I myself consider the voices of the singers to be quite mediocre, and the ice show to be quite a joke. However, from the music point of view, it really shows how talented Rick Wakeman has been. The music styles vary from songs to songs, and they are skillfully organized into a whole piece which surround the same theme of old Britain medieval atmosphere. The keyboard solos within songs are just terrific! I specially love one in solo in Merlin, which perfectly merge the Eastern/Arabic elements in an ancient Britain Myth.  “

2. Journey To The Centre Of The Earth (1974)

“I have always believed that the best progressive rock albums have orchestral arrangements: it is clearly the case here. The album is very structured: the London Symphony Orchestra provide the classical moods (horns & strings arrangements), while the English Chamber Choir give a solemn touch to the heroic & mythical textures, directly inspired from a fantastic and legendary storytelling. The subtle and delicate mellotron – percussion combinations give a memorable magic & enchanted atmosphere.”

1. The Six Wives Of Henry VIII (1973)

“This album is by far my 2nd favorite Rick Wakeman album. The songs are based on the songwriter’s own interpretation of the personalities and characters of the six wives of Henry III. Rick Wakeman has been widely appraised for his pioneering in the innovation and experiment in electronic keyboard, and this album is a fine example how to combine the inventive ideas with classical traits into a masterpiece. This album also illustrates why Rick Wakeman is indeed a keyboard wizard. Every song is well organized, and my own most favorite song is the Ann Boleyn.The story telling methods in this album is just so attractive that I read many articles and watch several video on the history of the Tudors. That’s how music can be educative and inspiring LOL Check why others make this their top choice..”