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The List of King Crimson Albums in Order of Release Date

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Exploring the King Crimson Albums in Order is a fascinating journey through one of progressive rock’s most innovative and influential bands.

Formed in London in 1968 by Robert Fripp, King Crimson constantly reinvented their sound across decades, blending progressive rock with jazz, classical, experimental, heavy metal, folk, electronic, and avant-garde influences. Their groundbreaking debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential progressive rock albums ever released, helping shape the entire genre alongside bands like Yes and Genesis. From the jazz-inspired complexity of Lizard and the powerful experimentation of Red to the modern rhythmic innovations of Discipline and the heavier sound of The Power to Believe, every era of the band introduced a unique musical identity.

This complete guide to King Crimson Albums in Order highlights the band’s evolving lineup changes, iconic releases, and lasting legacy that continue to inspire generations of rock and progressive music fans worldwide. So, if you are a die heart fan of King Crimson Albums then check out here we have list of King Crimson albums in order of release so far.

All King Crimson Albums Available on:  Apple Music 

Also See: Genesis Albums in Order

How many albums does King Crimson have?

The discography of King Crimson consists of thirteen (13) studio albums, 23 live albums, 23 compilation albums, 6 extended plays, 10 singles, 9 video albums, 2 music videos and 9 album/era-specific box sets.

The List of King Crimson Albums in Order of Release Date

Here is the list of King Crimson Album in Order of Release Date:

  1. In the Court of the Crimson King — 10 October 1969
  2. In the Wake of Poseidon — 15 May 1970
  3. Lizard — 11 December 1970
  4. Islands — 3 December 1971
  5. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic — 23 March 1973
  6. Starless and Bible Black — 29 March 1974
  7. Red — October 1974
  8. Discipline — 2 October 1981
  9. Beat — 18 June 1982
  10. Three of a Perfect Pair — 23 March 1984
  11. Thrak — 3 April 1995
  12. The Construkction of Light — 23 May 2000
  13. The Power to Believe — 24 February 2003

All King Crimson Albums List in Order

1. In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)

In the Court of the Crimson King Album Image

Tracks:

Side one

  1. 21st Century Schizoid Man
  2. I Talk to the Wind
  3. Epitaph

Side two

  1. Moonchild
  2. The Court of the Crimson King

King Crimson Albums showcase the band’s groundbreaking influence on progressive rock, beginning with the legendary 1969 debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King. Widely considered one of the greatest and most influential prog rock albums ever created, it blends psychedelic rock, jazz, classical, and symphonic elements with complex arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics about war, alienation, and societal collapse. Featuring iconic tracks like “21st Century Schizoid Man,” “Epitaph,” and the majestic title track, the album introduced King Crimson’s signature experimental sound led by Robert Fripp, Ian McDonald, and Greg Lake. Its haunting artwork, innovative Mellotron-driven production, and timeless musical creativity helped shape the future of progressive rock for generations.

2. In the Wake of Poseidon (1970)

In the Wake of Poseidon Album Image

Tracks:

Side one

  1. Peace – A Beginning
  2. Pictures of a City
  3. Cadence and Cascade
  4. In the Wake of Poseidon

Side two

  1. Peace – A Theme
  2. Cat Food
  3. The Devil’s Triangle” (instrumental)
    I. “Merday Morn” 
    II. “Hand of Sceiron”
    III. “Garden of Worm” 
  4.  4. “Peace – An End

King Crimson Albums in Order highlights the band’s groundbreaking second studio album, In the Wake of Poseidon, released in 1970 during a turbulent lineup transition. Led by Robert Fripp, the album expanded King Crimson’s progressive rock sound with jazz fusion influences, complex arrangements, and experimental compositions like “The Devil’s Triangle” and “Pictures of a City.” Featuring contributions from Greg Lake, Mel Collins, Keith Tippett, and Gordon Haskell, the record balanced melodic ballads with darker instrumental passages. The album reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart, becoming the band’s highest-charting UK release. Its artistic cover design, innovative production, and lasting influence continue making In the Wake of Poseidon an essential progressive rock masterpiece in King Crimson’s legendary discography.

3. Lizard (1970)

Lizard Album Image

Tracks:

Side one

  1. Cirkus
  2. Indoor Games
  3. Happy Family
  4. Lady of the Dancing Water
  5. Side two
  6. Lizard
    a. “Prince Rupert Awakes”
    b. “Bolero – The Peacock’s Tale” 
    c. “The Battle of Glass Tears”

    I. “Dawn Song”
    II. “Last Skirmish”
    III. “Prince Rupert’s Lament”
    d. “Big Top”

Lizard, the third release in the legendary King Crimson Albums journey, showcases the band’s ambitious fusion of progressive rock, jazz, and classical influences. Released in 1970, the album featured Robert Fripp, Gordon Haskell, Mel Collins, and drummer Andy McCulloch, alongside notable guest musicians including Yes vocalist Jon Anderson and jazz pianist Keith Tippett. Known for experimental tracks like “Cirkus” and the epic title suite “Lizard,” the album gained recognition for its complex arrangements and imaginative songwriting. Although initially divisive, Lizard later earned critical acclaim as one of King Crimson’s most daring and creative albums, further cementing the band’s reputation as pioneers of progressive rock music.

4. Islands (1971)

Islands Album IMage

Tracks:

Side one

  1. Formentera Lady
  2. Sailor’s Tale
  3. The Letters

Side two

  1. Ladies of the Road
  2. Prelude: Song of the Gulls
  3. Islands

King Crimson’s fourth studio release, Islands (1971), stands as a unique chapter in the legendary progressive rock band’s discography. Featuring the lineup of Robert Fripp, Peter Sinfield, Mel Collins, Boz Burrell, and Ian Wallace, the album blends jazz improvisation, atmospheric melodies, and experimental progressive rock elements. Songs like “Formentera Lady,” “Sailor’s Tale,” and the emotional title track highlight the band’s evolving musical direction during the early 1970s. Although Islands received mixed reviews upon release, it later gained appreciation for its sophisticated arrangements and adventurous sound. The album also marked the end of Peter Sinfield’s era with the band, making it an important and influential release in King Crimson Albums in Order.

5. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (1973)

Larks' Tongues in Aspic Album Image

Tracks:

Side one

  1. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One
  2. Book of Saturday
  3. Exiles

Side two

  1. Easy Money
  2. The Talking Drum
  3. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two

Larks’ Tongues in Aspic stands among the most groundbreaking releases in King Crimson Albums history, showcasing the band’s bold transition into experimental progressive rock. Released in 1973, the album introduced a powerful new lineup featuring Robert Fripp, John Wetton, Bill Bruford, David Cross, and Jamie Muir. Blending heavy improvisation, jazz fusion, classical influences, and aggressive progressive rock, the record redefined King Crimson’s sound. Iconic tracks like “Exiles,” “Easy Money,” and “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One” highlighted the band’s technical brilliance and creative ambition. Widely praised by critics and progressive rock fans, the album remains an essential masterpiece in the legendary King Crimson Albums catalog and progressive music history.

6. Starless and Bible Black (1974)

Starless and Bible Black Album Image

Tracks:

Side one

  1. The Great Deceiver
  2. Lament
  3. We’ll Let You Know
  4. The Night Watch
  5. Trio
  6. The Mincer

Side two

  1. Starless and Bible Black
  2. Fracture

Starless and Bible Black is the sixth studio album by progressive rock pioneers King Crimson, released in March 1974. Positioned in the essential “King Crimson Albums in Order,” it represents a bold fusion of live improvisation and studio refinement. Featuring Robert Fripp, John Wetton, Bill Bruford, and David Cross, the album showcases a transitional lineup and experimental direction. Most tracks were recorded live and edited with studio overdubs, including iconic pieces like “Fracture” and “Trio.” The record blends jazz-influenced improvisation, complex structures, and darker progressive rock tones. Lyrically, it explores themes of fame, deception, and art. Widely praised for its intensity and innovation, Starless and Bible Black remains a crucial entry in King Crimson’s evolving discography and progressive rock history.

7. Red (1974)

Red Album Image

Tracks:

Side one

  1. Red
  2. Fallen Angel
  3. One More Red Nightmare

Side two

  1. Providence
  2. Starless

King Crimson Red is a landmark 1974 progressive rock album by English band King Crimson, known for its heavy, powerful and dark sound. Recorded at Olympic Studios in London, it features only Robert Fripp, John Wetton and Bill Bruford as core members, creating a dense and aggressive style. Tracks like Red, One More Red Nightmare, Providence and Starless blend improvisation, jazz rock and early metal influences. The album is widely regarded as one of the heaviest progressive rock releases ever made. Despite modest chart success, it gained strong critical acclaim and lasting influence on modern and experimental rock music and continues to inspire musicians worldwide today across generations of artists.

8. Discipline (1981)

Discipline Album Image

Tracks:

Side one

  1. Elephant Talk
  2. Frame by Frame
  3. Matte Kudasai
  4. Indiscipline

Side two

  1. Thela Hun Ginjeet
  2. The Sheltering Sky
  3. Discipline

King Crimson’s Discipline (1981) is the band’s eighth studio album and marked a powerful comeback after a seven-year hiatus, redefining their progressive rock identity. Featuring Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford, Adrian Belew, and Tony Levin, the album introduced a fresh sound blending new wave, post-punk, minimalism, and Indonesian gamelan influences. Standout tracks like “Elephant Talk,” “Frame by Frame,” and “Thela Hun Ginjeet” showcase intricate guitar interlocking, complex rhythms, and experimental storytelling. Released by E.G. Records and Warner Bros., Discipline reached the UK Top 50 and gained critical acclaim for its precision and innovation. Widely regarded as a landmark post-progressive album, it influenced math rock and modern experimental music while reaffirming King Crimson’s reputation as avant-garde pioneers in rock history.

9. Beat (1982)

Beat Album Image

Tracks:

Side one

  1. Neal and Jack and Me
  2. Heartbeat
  3. Sartori in Tangier
  4. Waiting Man

Side two

  1. Neurotica
  2. Two Hands
  3. The Howler
  4. Requiem

King Crimson’s 1982 album Beat, the band’s ninth studio release, stands as a key entry in King Crimson Albums in Order. Inspired by the Beat Generation writers like Jack Kerouac, the album blends progressive rock, art rock, and complex rhythmic structures. Featuring Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Bill Bruford, it continues the innovative Discipline-era sound with interlocking guitar patterns and experimental textures. Notable tracks include “Neal and Jack and Me,” “Heartbeat,” and “The Howler.” Despite recording tensions, Beat showcases King Crimson’s evolving creativity and fusion of literary influence with advanced musicianship, solidifying its place in progressive rock history as one of their most influential 1980s works ever released.

10. Three of a Perfect Pair (1984)

Three of a Perfect Pair Album Image

Tracks:

Side one (The Left Side)

  1. Three of a Perfect Pair
  2. Model Man
  3. Sleepless
  4. Man with an Open Heart
  5. Nuages (That Which Passes, Passes Like Clouds)

Side two (The Right Side)

  1. Industry
  2. Dig Me
  3. No Warning
  4. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (Part III)

King Crimson Albums in Order includes Three of a Perfect Pair, the tenth studio album by progressive rock band King Crimson, released in 1984. It features contrasting “Left Side” and “Right Side” musical styles blending accessible songs with experimental instrumental tracks led by Robert Fripp’s lineup with Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Bill Bruford. Released in March 1984, it peaked at number 30 in the UK Albums Chart and remains a key release in King Crimson’s evolving discography and progressive rock legacy. Three of a Perfect Pair highlights the band’s innovative duality concept, influencing later experimental rock and continuing to attract global listeners and collectors worldwide today decades after release.

11. Thrak (1995)

Thrak Album Image

Tracks:

  1. VROOOM
  2. Coda: Marine 475
  3. Dinosaur
  4. Walking on Air
  5. B’Boom
  6. THRAK
  7. Inner Garden I
  8. People
  9. Radio I
  10. One Time
  11. Radio II
  12. Inner Garden II
  13. Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream
  14. VROOOM VROOOM
  15. VROOOM VROOOM: Coda

King Crimson Albums in Order showcases the band’s evolving legacy, with Thrak (1995) standing as a powerful eleventh studio album and major comeback after an 11-year gap. Released on 3 April 1995 via Virgin Records, it introduced the groundbreaking “double trio” lineup featuring Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Trey Gunn, Tony Levin, Bill Bruford, and Pat Mastelotto. Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, Thrak blends complex progressive rock, heavy textures, and experimental soundscapes. The album features standout tracks like “Dinosaur,” “People,” and the title piece “THRAK,” reflecting intense musicianship and innovation. Reaching UK Albums Chart No. 58, it remains a vital entry in King Crimson’s discography and progressive rock history.

12. The Construkction of Light (2000)

The Construkction of Light Album Image

Tracks:

  1. ProzaKc Blues
  2. The ConstruKction of Light
  3. The ConstruKction of Light
  4. Into the Frying Pan
  5. FraKctured
  6. The World’s My Oyster Soup Kitchen Floor Wax Museum
  7. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic – Part IV
  8. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic – Part IV
  9. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic – Part IV
  10. Coda: I Have a Dream
  11. Heaven and Earth

King Crimson Albums in Order highlights The ConstruKction of Light, the twelfth studio album by King Crimson, released in May 2000 via Virgin Records. This progressive rock record features the “double duo” lineup of Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Trey Gunn, and Pat Mastelotto. Known for intricate interlocking guitar work, electronic percussion, and experimental structures, the album continues the band’s complex musical evolution. It includes standout tracks like “FraKctured” and “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic Part IV.” Though it received mixed reviews and did not chart in the US, it remains a significant entry in King Crimson’s discography, showcasing their avant-garde progressive rock innovation and studio experimentation in progressive rock music history.

13. The Power to Believe (2003)

The Power to Believe Album Image

Tracks:

  1. The Power to Believe I: A Cappella
  2. Level Five
  3. Eyes Wide Open
  4. Elektrik
  5. Facts of Life: Intro
  6. Facts of Life
  7. The Power to Believe II
  8. Dangerous Curves
  9. Happy with What You Have to Be Happy With
  10. The Power to Believe III
  11. The Power to Believe IV: Coda

King Crimson Albums in Order highlights The Power to Believe, the thirteenth studio album by progressive rock pioneers King Crimson, released in 2003 via Sanctuary Records in the UK and US. Known for its aggressive, industrial-tinged sound, the album continued the band’s experimental evolution after The Construkction of Light. Featuring standout tracks like “Level Five” and the multi-part suite “The Power to Believe,” it blends heavy guitar work, complex rhythms, and modern progressive metal influences. Preceded by EPs Level Five and Happy with What You Have to Be Happy With, it reflects the band’s refined four-piece lineup and earned generally favorable reviews for its intensity and innovation.

Conclusion:

Exploring the rich and influential journey of King Crimson Albums in Order reveals the evolution of one of progressive rock’s most groundbreaking bands. From the iconic debut In the Court of the Crimson King to later experimental masterpieces like Red, Discipline, and The Power to Believe, King Crimson continually redefined their sound across decades. Their ever-changing lineups, led by visionary guitarist Robert Fripp, blended progressive rock, jazz, classical, metal, and experimental music into a unique artistic legacy. Understanding King Crimson Albums in Order offers fans a deeper appreciation of the band’s innovation, influence, and enduring impact on progressive music history.

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