The Alan Parsons Project – I Robot (2xLP, 45RPM, MoFi)

I Robot, released in 1977, is the second studio album by The Alan Parsons Project and one of the group’s most enduring works. Loosely inspired by Isaac Asimov’s sci-fi writings, the record explores themes of technology, control, and human identity through a sleek blend of progressive rock, orchestral arrangements, and electronic textures. From the sweeping, instrumental title track to the lush vocal centerpiece Don’t Let It Show and the driving rhythm of I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You, the album balances conceptual ambition with memorable hooks.

Parsons’ background as an engineer on Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon is evident in the pristine production: layers of synthesizers, choir arrangements, and meticulously crafted soundscapes give the album both scale and intimacy. I Robot became a commercial success and a showcase of Parsons’ studio mastery, solidifying the Project’s reputation for making intelligent, accessible progressive rock that bridged the experimental and the mainstream.

Reviews:

“I Robot is an impeccably produced record that captures both the ambition of progressive rock and the accessibility of pop.” – AllMusic

“The Alan Parsons Project created an album that feels futuristic even decades later, a sleek mix of rock, electronics, and orchestration.” – Rolling Stone

“Conceptual but never overblown, I Robot stands as one of the Project’s most cohesive and rewarding records.” – The Guardian

“Parsons’ attention to sonic detail makes I Robot not only a compelling listen thematically but also a showcase of audiophile production.” – Pitchfork