Kayak Essentials

Making it big in the '70s, Kayak mixed their hard-driving guitars with analog synthesizers and an energetic rhythm section. Singing primarily in English, they delivered psychedelic prog rock, alongside elements of modern jazz and classical music, creating songs that surprised with their structural depth and complexity. It's a trait highlighted on tracks like “Starlight Dancer”, a beautiful piano ballad that's reminiscent of early Queen and Chicago—as well as on their biggest hit, the touchingly exquisite “Ruthless Queen”, which uses of lush strings and beautiful harmonies to intense effect.