Pink Floyd - A Momentary Lapse of Reason - Released Year 1987
Tracklist front / back album covers
Side one
1. "Signs of Life" (Instrumental, with spoken vocals by Nick Mason) 4:24
2. "Learning to Fly" 4:53
3. "The Dogs of War" 6:05
4. "One Slip" 5:10
5. "On the Turning Away" 5:42
Total length: 26:14
Side two
1. "Yet Another Movie" 6:28
2. "Round and Around" (instrumental) 1:02
3. "A New Machine (Part 1)" 1:46
4. "Terminal Frost" (instrumental) 6:17
5. "A New Machine (Part 2)" 0:38
6. "Sorrow" 8:46
Total length: 24:55
A Momentary Lapse of Reason marks Pink Floyd’s return after a five-year hiatus and the first album without founding member Roger Waters. Released in 1987, this album sees David Gilmour taking creative control, steering the band towards a more polished, atmospheric sound infused with progressive rock and synth-driven textures.
The album explores themes of memory, loss, and recovery, wrapped in expansive instrumentals and emotive vocals.
Fun Facts about A Momentary Lapse of Reason
🎸 David Gilmour played most of the guitar and bass parts, also co-producing the album with Bob Ezrin.
🎤 The album’s title track features sweeping, cinematic soundscapes and haunting vocals.
🎧 “Learning to Fly” became a hit single, inspired by Gilmour’s experiences with piloting airplanes.
🎹 The album’s production makes heavy use of synthesizers and digital effects, reflecting the late ‘80s musical trends.
🥁 Nick Mason returned on drums after minimal involvement in the previous album’s recording sessions.
🎤 This album marked a new era for Pink Floyd, with Gilmour leading the band into the post-Waters period.
Why A Momentary Lapse of Reason Matters
Showcases Pink Floyd’s resilience and ability to evolve despite major lineup changes.
Combines classic Floyd atmosphere with ‘80s production polish and modern sound design.
Features memorable tracks that have become staples in the band’s live performances.
Marks the beginning of a new chapter in Pink Floyd’s storied career, blending old and new.
A Momentary Lapse of Reason is essential listening for fans wanting to explore Pink Floyd’s later era and witness how the band reinvented itself with a fresh sonic approach.
A Momentary Lapse of Reason was the first Pink Floyd album recorded without founding member Roger Waters, who departed in 1985. The production was marred by legal fights over the rights to the Pink Floyd name, which was not resolved until several months after release. It also saw the return of keyboardist and founding member Richard Wright, who had resigned from the band under pressure from Waters during the recording of The Wall (1979).
Unlike earlier Pink Floyd records, A Momentary Lapse of Reason is not a concept album. It includes writing contributions from outside songwriters, following Gilmour's decision to include material once intended for his third solo album. The album was promoted with a successful world tour and with three singles: the double A-side "Learning to Fly" / "Terminal Frost", "On the Turning Away", and "One Slip".
A Momentary Lapse of Reason received mixed reviews; critics praised the production and instrumentation but criticised Gilmour's writing, and it was derided by Waters. It reached number three in the UK and US, and outsold Pink Floyd's previous album The Final Cut (1983).
