Emerson, Lake & Palmer Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Nut RockerEmerson Lake&Palmer6rank/position

Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Nut Rocker – Live in Switzerland, 1970

A rock-arranged track based on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.

It’s included as an encore at the end of the live album Pictures at an Exhibition.

The image of ELP’s “face,” Keith Emerson, striking the keyboards onstage is unforgettable.

Tchaikovsky’s works originally have melodies that connect to popular music and are easy to listen to, so perhaps it appealed even to people who say, “Progressive rock isn’t really my thing.” Still, their sheer arranging prowess is nothing short of astonishing.

Keith Emerson’s genius can also be seen in pieces from his pre-ELP days with The Nice, such as America (from West Side Story).

Lucky ManEmerson Lake&Palmer7rank/position

Emerson, Lake & Palmer – Lucky Man (Official Lyric Video)

Included on the 1970 album Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

A London-based rock trio formed in 1970, the band is known for its strong affinity for classical music, its unique arrangements of Mussorgsky’s works, and its pioneering use of synthesizers.

Composed of members with proven track records in other bands, they are also considered a supergroup.

In this track, aside from the latter half, synthesizers are scarcely used, resulting in a sound where the acoustic guitar’s timbre leaves a strong impression.

TarkusEmerson Lake&Palmer8rank/position

Tarkus (i. Eruption / ii. Stones of Years / iii. Iconoclast / iv. Mass / v. Manticore / vi….

Centered around the globally renowned keyboard virtuoso Keith Emerson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer are known for their inventive sound featuring synthesizers and the Hammond organ.

The track was used in the IMPREZA G4 commercial “Searchlight – Deployment” and appears as the title track on their second album, Tarkus.

With its ear-catching synth sounds, use of irregular time signatures, and a structure that blends these elements into a suite exceeding 20 minutes, it manages to keep listeners engaged—truly one of a kind.

It’s a number that lets you experience the intrigue and depth of progressive rock in a single piece.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Jeremy BenderEmerson Lake&Palmer9rank/position

Jeremy Bender (2012 Remaster)

A short piece from Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s second album, Tarkus.

Keith Emerson’s honky-tonk–style, light-touch piano playing has a somewhat comical flavor that makes it enjoyable.

Both Emerson and Lake passed away in 2016.