On just their second album released in 1968, Pink Floyd already had to shake up the band. With Syd Barrett’s mental state further deteriorating, they brought in guitarist David Gilmour. Barrett’s last track with the band appears as the last song on the album, “Jugband Blues”. Pink Floyd retained some of the whimsy from their first album on tracks like “Remember a Day” written/sung by keyboardist Richard Wright with solid drumming from producer Norman Smith.
“Let There Be More Light” starts off the album with a heavy guitar riff and psychedelia floating around on a song about UFOs. Hushed vocals almost sound secretive. Similarly, “Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun” has Waters basing the lyrics on Chinese poetry, delivered in a serious deadpan manner. The mysteriously atmospheric track is the heart of the record and features all five members of Pink Floyd. At 11 minutes, the title track’s collage of sound misses the mark. With a handful of very good songs, the sophomore release of A Saucerful of Secrets is more than just a curiosity in the Pink Floyd collection.
7.5/10
The Light Appears 