Octopus (studio album) by Gentle Giant

Another fantastic prog record by Gentle Giant. There are so many amazing songs on here such as knots and think of me with kindness, which are my favourite two. GG have a real way with music that makes it so hard to not get completely lost in almost every record of theirs that you put on. This is the peak of their artistry. Stunning from beginning to end.

From teague 02/09/2021 22:06

One of my dad's coworkers recommended this album after hearing I'd been getting into Dream Theater. And I remember turning it on and thinking, "Huh? This isn't metal!" Funny that I prefer Octopus over many Dream Theater albums now.

It's the beginning of September and nearly the end of my psychedelic and eighties music listeneing period (summer). What better way to start the Prog season than with this excellent album. I may well be shot down in flames for saying it but I prefer this to King Crimson's In The Court Of The Crimson King! Musically brilliant with twists and turns like a sidewinder. A true classic prog album which can easily sit alongside top Yes and Genesis Prog albums.

From kcendsley1 07/13/2019 04:12

My personal favorite prog album. I realize this kind of music sounds odd and outdated to folks who did not live in its time. If you are adventurous give it a few tries. If it doesn't get stuck in your head, well...

From Grouse 02/03/2019 12:31

This may not be their best album but it still holds such quality!

This is an amazing record. Many of GG's best songs are in here:
The Advent Of Panurge
Knots (This one might be their best ever)
The Boys In The Band
Think Of Me With Kindness

I just listed half of the album, the other half is really good too, but those 4 really stand out. As a whole, I don't think this album has a particular feel or direction, however every song is great and has something special to offer. Gentle Giant is one of my favorite bands and Octupus is one of their best albums, so this is definitely a must-listen!

Gentle GIant is one of my favorite bands and this is their best album in my opinion. Strong from start to finish.

I have to start with I love Gentle Giant and this to me is their best album. It was not my first album by them and not second or third either. I was fortunate to be able to get a copy with the Roger Dean cover and not the Octopus in a jar version, strangely this was one of the reasons I didn't pick up the album sooner. With that said, this embodies all the great qualities of Gentle Giant - unusual time signatures, an assortment of different instruments, and the styles ranging from medieval madrigals to hard rock and everything in between. I can't recommend this album to everyone but for those familiar to Gentle Giant or those willing to reach out for something different then this is the album for you.

From souplipton 06/12/2016 04:43

Octopus is a forgot masterpiece of progressive rock. Featuring more folk influences than the titans of prog, it title accurately describes its contents, with 8 tracks worthy of the title as one of Gentle Giant's opuses. "The Advent of Panurge" and "The Boys in the Band" are the top tracks on this excellent LP.

From alexgagne 01/13/2016 14:39

Listen to the 4th song (Knots) and think about the early Queen stuff...