Rick Wakeman-The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973)

Rick Wakeman's first solo album (excluding the little-known "Piano Vibrations" from 1971) was an ambitious six-track concept project, each track inspired by one of King Henry VIII's wives. Wakeman himself stated that the tracks weren't intended to depict their subjects as such, but rather to reflect his own interpretation of the figures. His role as keyboardist for the renowned band Yes meant the album was a huge success, with a public eager to acquire any work connected to the band. For this recording, Wakeman collaborated with all the members of Yes (Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White, and Bill Bruford), as well as David Cousins ​​of the Strawbs, percussionist Ray Cooper, and other prominent musicians from the British progressive scene. As is typical of this entirely instrumental album, keyboards predominate, employing a wide variety of sounds, from classical piano to synthesizers. There are melodic and refined moments as well as vigorous and powerful sections, including references to classical pieces and pompous anthems. Among them, "Anne Boleyn", a beautiful piano-driven track, and "Jane Seymour", with its memorable Moog section, stand out.