Pink Floyd

Release Overview

"The Division Bell" is Pink Floyd's fourteenth studio album, released by EMI Records in the UK on March 28, 1994. The album made its way to the US market through Columbia Records on April 4, 1994. The recording sessions took place throughout 1993 in various locations around London, including Britannia Row, Abbey Road, and David Gilmour’s houseboat studio, Astoria.

Musical Composition

The music on "The Division Bell" primarily features contributions from David Gilmour and keyboardist Richard Wright. This album marked Wright's first songwriting credits since "Wish You Were Here," released in 1975. The lyrical content, which explores themes of communication and connection, was largely co-written by Gilmour and his partner, novelist Polly Samson. The track "Wearing The Inside Out" is credited to Wright for the music and to Anthony Moore for the lyrics.

Production Details

The album was produced by Bob Ezrin and David Gilmour. Additional musicians featured on the album include drummer Nick Mason and bassist Guy Pratt, along with guitarist Tim Renwick. Arrangements were made by Michael Kamen and Edward Shearmur, contributing to the album's orchestral sound. The album was mixed by Chris Thomas and David Gilmour and engineered by Andrew Jackson, with mastering done by Doug Sax and James Guthrie.

Artwork and Design

The cover design for "The Division Bell" was crafted by Storm Thorgerson, a long-time collaborator with Pink Floyd. The artwork features two large, sculpted heads in a field near Ely, Cambridgeshire, with Ely Cathedral visible in the background. The sculptures were created by Keith Breeden and constructed by John Robertson. When viewed in profile, the two heads appear to form a third face between them, inviting viewers to consider the themes of duality and communication.

Track Highlights

The album consists of several notable tracks, including "What Do You Want From Me," "Marooned," and "High Hopes." Each song contributes to the overarching themes of the album. "Marooned," for instance, is an instrumental piece that showcases Gilmour's guitar work, while "Keep Talking" emphasizes the importance of communication in relationships.

"The Division Bell" was recorded at multiple studios including Britannia Row and Abbey Road, and it features a mix of rock and progressive rock elements.