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Rock's Long Songs

 


Rock’s Longest Hidden Gems – A Playlist of Epic B-Sides & Deep Cuts

Intro: Why Do Long Songs Matter?

Many of rock’s longest songs were never destined for A-side fame. Whether due to radio constraints, complex structures, or experimental soundscapes, these tracks often found themselves as B-sides, deep cuts, or album closers. Yet, their influence on rock music is undeniable. These epic tracks gave artists the freedom to experiment, jam, and tell deeper musical stories.

Below is a playlist of rock’s longest hidden gems, along with the who, why, and impact behind each one.


1. “Echoes” – Pink Floyd (1971, 23:31)

Why It’s Here: Originally a deep cut from Meddle, this sprawling, atmospheric masterpiece laid the groundwork for The Dark Side of the Moon.

Impact: Defined progressive rock and became a live staple for Floyd fans.

Hidden Gem Status: While Floyd’s later albums gained more fame, “Echoes” remains a fan-favorite for true Floyd enthusiasts.


2. “2112” – Rush (1976, 20:33)

Why It’s Here: This sci-fi concept epic was the entire first side of the 2112 album, making it impossible as an A-side.

Impact: Saved Rush’s career after a failed previous album and solidified them as prog-rock giants.

Hidden Gem Status: While Rush became a legendary band, “2112” was never a mainstream hit, making it a deep-cut classic.


3. “Achilles Last Stand” – Led Zeppelin (1976, 10:26)

Why It’s Here: A B-side to “Candy Store Rock”, this song was one of Zeppelin’s heaviest, featuring intricate guitar layering.

Impact: Inspired future progressive metal bands like Iron Maiden and Dream Theater.

Hidden Gem Status: Often overshadowed by Zeppelin’s radio hits but cherished by die-hard fans.


4. “Maggot Brain” – Funkadelic (1971, 10:20)

Why It’s Here: This soulful, psychedelic guitar solo by Eddie Hazel was too long for radio but remains one of the most emotional instrumental performances in rock history.

Impact: Influenced guitar legends like Prince and Jimi Hendrix devotees.

Hidden Gem Status: A deep-cut masterpiece known mostly to funk, soul, and psych-rock fans.


5. “Close to the Edge” – Yes (1972, 18:43)

Why It’s Here: The ultimate prog-rock opus, divided into multiple movements like a symphony.

Impact: Pushed the limits of progressive rock songwriting and influenced bands like Genesis and King Crimson.

Hidden Gem Status: Not as recognizable as “Roundabout,” but a prog fan’s dream track.


6. “In My Time of Dying” – Led Zeppelin (1975, 11:05)

Why It’s Here: A blues-infused deep cut from Physical Graffiti, this track featured some of Jimmy Page’s best slide guitar work.

Impact: Showed Zeppelin’s ability to blend raw blues with epic, extended jams.

Hidden Gem Status: Often overlooked in favor of “Kashmir” from the same album.


7. “Telegraph Road” – Dire Straits (1982, 14:18)

Why It’s Here: Too long for radio, this song is a storytelling masterpiece by Mark Knopfler.

Impact: Cemented Dire Straits as one of the most sophisticated rock bands, blending rock with storytelling finesse.

Hidden Gem Status: Not as famous as “Sultans of Swing” but beloved by die-hard Dire Straits fans.


8. “Lizard” – King Crimson (1970, 23:15)

Why It’s Here: A dark, jazzy, avant-garde prog epic that took King Crimson into experimental territory.

Impact: Proved that rock and jazz fusion could work in a full-length song format.

Hidden Gem Status: Even among King Crimson fans, this is one of their lesser-known yet most ambitious tracks.


9. “Supper’s Ready” – Genesis (1972, 22:54)

Why It’s Here: A multi-part rock opera, blending fantasy, folk, and prog-rock elements.

Impact: Set the stage for Peter Gabriel’s theatrical style and influenced bands like Marillion.

Hidden Gem Status: While Genesis became famous, this song remained a cult favorite among prog lovers.


10. “Starless” – King Crimson (1974, 12:18)

Why It’s Here: A haunting, slow-building prog epic that starts soft and ends in a chaotic crescendo.

Impact: A blueprint for post-rock and atmospheric metal bands like Tool.

Hidden Gem Status: King Crimson fans consider this one of their finest works, but it never had mainstream success.

Spotify Playlist:

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Youtube Playlist:

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Closing Thoughts

Long songs often miss out on radio play, but they build deeper emotional connections with fans who stick around for the journey. This playlist is proof that some of rock’s greatest moments happened in songs that were too long to be A-sides but too legendary to be ignored.

Did we miss any epic, hidden long tracks? Drop them in the comments!

Love rock stories. Volume One of The Rock Atlas is available. Check out my home page for details. Get vol. 1. Today. Subscribe to the blog, and receive vol. 2. Free. Yes free, on its release on the 28-04-2025.

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Until Monday. Rock on 🤘 

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