8 Prog Songs that Became Radio Hits

Supposedly doomed to remain obscurities, from time to time a Prog song managed to push through that shuffle of R&B grooves, Bubblegum Pop, Hard Rock, and Singer Songwriter fare to make a dent on the billboard charts. Event today these songs will come up on Classic Rock stations right before Bruce Springsteen and after Billy Joel. Here are the standard bearers that got converts to Prog in 1974 just like they're still doing in 2010. This list uses the United State's Billboard 100 for its chart positions.

Pink Floyd, "Money"
Although the entirety of "Dark Side of the Moon" gets airplay in the modern day, Money remains the most popular song. From the opening bass riff through the kick as guitar solo, this song oozes with fun and is the first exposure to Progressive Rock for many. Top Chart Position: 13

Pink Floyd, "Another Brick in The Wall"
While it might not be as progressive as "Money", it certainly has the accessibility. It's perhaps the only Prog single to sell one million copies in the U.S., with over 500,000 in most European nations. Top Chart Position: 1 (in 10 Countries)

Yes, "Roundabout"
Yes had quite a few songs that made a chart impact, but they were criminally edited down. Top Chart Position: 12

Emerson, Lake and Palmer, "Lucky Man"
Although it wasn't actually a bit hit at the time, this song gets played all the time on classic rock radio. Smooth and simple, it has widespread appeal. Top Chart Position: 48

Jethro Tull, "Aqualung"
There's a reason that this song's guitar riff is the most famous in Prog. It was one of the few that the average Joe heard. Top Chart Position: 7

Focus, "Hocus Pocus"
Although initially thought of as a novelty by the band, this song's sheer lunacy was enough to make it a hit. Despite the yodeling. Top Chart Position: 7

Kansas, "Carry on Wayward Son"
This is another one of those times a band did a pseudo Prog song and got a big hit out of it. While Kansas defiantly was a little less complicated then the standard Prog fare, this song is good nonetheless. "Dust in the Wind", however, is not remotely Prog enough to get a mention on this list. Top Chart Position: 11

Genesis, "Follow You, Follow Me"
The point where Genesis began to become a pop band. It was included on a mostly Progressive album, though, so I'll count it. Top Chart Position: 23