Top 15 Porcupine Tree Songs Ranked
15. “Lazarus” (2005 – Deadwing)
A hauntingly beautiful ballad showcasing Steven Wilson’s gentle vocals and the band’s ability to balance vulnerability with elegance. “Lazarus” is minimalist, emotional, and cinematic.
Top 15 Porcupine Tree Songs Ranked
14. “Blackest Eyes” (2002 – In Absentia)
An intense opening track that smashes together heavy riffs with melodic verses. It introduces new fans to Porcupine Tree’s blend of metal and progressive rock in the 2000s.
13. “The Sky Moves Sideways (Phase One)” (1995 – The Sky Moves Sideways)
A Pink Floyd-inspired space rock journey stretching over 18 minutes. Psychedelic textures, ambient layers, and hypnotic rhythms make this one of their most epic tracks.
12. “The Sound of Muzak” (2002 – In Absentia)
A smart, biting critique of modern music industry standards. Musically complex and rhythmically clever, with Gavin Harrison’s drumming shining throughout.
Top 15 Porcupine Tree Songs Ranked
11. “Harridan” (2022 – CLOSURE / CONTINUATION)
A strong comeback track after more than a decade. Featuring aggressive bass, cryptic lyrics, and precise drumming, it proves the band lost none of their creative edge.
10. “Anesthetize” (2007 – Fear of a Blank Planet)
A 17-minute masterpiece that shifts between moods—melancholic, heavy, reflective—demonstrating the band’s emotional and technical range. Widely considered their magnum opus.
Top 15 Porcupine Tree Songs Ranked
9. “Arriving Somewhere but Not Here” (2005 – Deadwing)
An atmospheric journey through uncertainty and existentialism. Builds slowly, explodes mid-way with guitar solos and chaotic drums, then returns to serenity.
8. “Don’t Hate Me” (1999 – Stupid Dream)
A melancholic tune about obsession and isolation. The song evolves from a calm ballad to an explosive saxophone-driven climax—one of their most emotionally powerful works.
Top 15 Porcupine Tree Songs Ranked
7. “Way Out of Here” (2007 – Fear of a Blank Planet)
Co-produced with King Crimson’s Robert Fripp. Dark, dynamic, and emotionally devastating. Its textures and ambient layers make it a standout on a dark concept album.
6. “Even Less” (1999 – Stupid Dream)
Initially over 13 minutes in its complete form, this track is a perfect example of Porcupine Tree’s blend of alt-rock structure and progressive ambition. Lyrically sharp and musically rich.
5. “Time Flies” (2009 – The Incident)
A reflective and nostalgic piece about the passage of time. With its acoustic foundation and clear nods to Pink Floyd, this song is a standout from their later period.
4. “Trains” (2002 – In Absentia)
A fan favorite and live staple. The acoustic guitar riff, catchy chorus, and emotional narrative of longing and memory make it one of their most accessible and beloved songs.
3. “Fear of a Blank Planet” (2007 – Fear of a Blank Planet)
The title track of their concept album about modern youth, technology, and disconnection. Aggressive, dark, and intellectually engaging, it sets the tone for a powerful record.
2. “Russia on Ice” (2000 – Lightbulb Sun)
This slow-building track starts as a somber ballad and transitions into a massive, distorted wall of sound. Mysterious, hypnotic, and musically complex.
1. “Anesthetize” (2007 – Fear of a Blank Planet)
Yes, it’s worth listing again and placing at the top. It’s a monumental piece in Porcupine Tree’s discography and one of the greatest modern progressive rock compositions. It encapsulates everything the band excels at—dynamics, mood, complexity, and emotion.
🔊 Honorable Mentions
- “Shesmovedon”
- “Collapse the Light Into Earth”
- “The Start of Something Beautiful”
- “Buying New Soul”
- “Waiting (Phase One & Two)”
