The true mark of a classic album lies in its ability to stand the test of time. Some records burn bright for a season, only to fade into obscurity, while others gain new meaning with each listen. Pink Floyd’s discography often lands in the latter camp, but not every album resonated equally with every member of the band. For keyboardist Richard Wright, one of their most ambitious albums ended up being something he never wanted to revisit.
While Syd Barrett is often remembered as the tragic figure in Floyd’s history, Wright’s story carries its own share of quiet heartbreak. His contributions to the band were subtle but essential—whether crafting lush harmonies with David Gilmour on “Echoes” or adding texture to Roger Waters’ sprawling concepts. Yet, during the recording of Animals, Wright began to feel increasingly disconnected from the creative process.
Released in 1977, Animals followed an incredible run of albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here. But this time, the concept—Waters’ dark reinterpretation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm—came with a noticeable shift in dynamic. Waters was asserting more control than ever, and the tension behind the scenes was growing thick. Wright, battling both personal issues and creative stagnation, felt himself slipping further into the background.
“I didn’t like a lot of the writing on Animals, but unfortunately, I didn’t have anything to offer,” Wright later admitted. “I think I played well, but I remember feeling not very happy or creative, partly because of problems with my marriage. This was the beginning of my writer’s block.”
For fans, it might be hard to reconcile Wright’s disillusionment with what he actually delivered on the record. His parts on tracks like “Dogs” and “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” might not dominate the mix, but his atmospheric keys gave the songs their unnerving edge, helping to build the dystopian tone that defined the album. His playing was understated, but it was foundational.
Still, Wright didn’t hear it that way. To him, Animals marked the beginning of a personal and creative low point. Things only worsened with the making of The Wall, during which Waters pushed him out of the band entirely—though Wright would return as a hired musician for the tour.
Looking back, Animals is seen by many as one of Pink Floyd’s most pointed and provocative records. But for Wright, it stood as a reminder of isolation and creative frustration—a dark cloud on the horizon of an already stormy journey.
