Magenta are one of the finest bands of the modern neo-progressive era. Formed in Wales by composer and multi-instrumentalist Rob Reed, they craft lush, melodic, symphonic prog — ambitious and song-rich, rooted in the classic 1970s tradition — all crowned by the soaring vocals of Christina Booth. Here is our fellow fan’s ranking of their albums.

The short version

For the heart of Magenta, start with Seven, Revolutions, Home and Chameleon. Between them they hold the band’s most beloved and most ambitious work. The full ranking is below.

Symphonic neo-prog, Welsh-made

Unmistakably indebted to Yes, Genesis and Renaissance, Magenta build sweeping, melodic symphonic prog that wears its classic influences with pride. Some listeners find that reverence a touch too faithful; others treasure exactly its warmth and melodic generosity. Either way, the partnership of Reed’s richly orchestrated songwriting and Booth’s expressive voice made them a leading light of 21st-century neo-prog. A note on the catalogue: the eight albums here span 2001 to 2020, with a little more besides.

How we ranked them

This is one fan’s order, weighing melody, ambition and songcraft across two decades. The facts are accurate; the order is a starting point for the debate — and with a band this consistent, the lower placements are no slight.

The essential four

At the top sits Seven (2004), for many their masterpiece — a magnificent suite of long-form pieces themed around the seven deadly sins. Revolutions (2001) is the sprawling double-album debut that announced them fully formed, a loving homage to classic prog. Home (2006) is warmer and more song-focused without losing their ambition, and Chameleon (2011) is among the strongest of their later albums, melodic and assured.

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Reliably great

The next tier rewards exploration. We Are Legend (2017) is a rich, confident set that ranks with their best later work, and The Twenty Seven Club (2013) is an intriguing concept album inspired by the musicians lost at twenty-seven, full of feeling.

For completists

Two albums sit a touch lower. Masters of Illusion (2020), their most recent here, is a fine, polished addition that the faithful will enjoy, and Metamorphosis (2008) is a solid but slightly more transitional record. Both reward devotees more than newcomers.

A selection, in order

A selection of their albums, 2001–2020, in chronological order. Click through to the full write-up on any record.

Where to start

Begin with Seven — their most acclaimed album, and a perfect showcase of their symphonic ambition and Booth’s soaring voice. From there, Revolutions is the grand debut statement, and Home their warmest set of songs.

The players

Magenta are the vision of Rob Reed, the band’s founder, composer and multi-instrumentalist — a craftsman steeped in classic prog, also known for his Mike Oldfield-inspired solo work. At the front is Christina Booth, whose soaring, expressive voice is the soul of their sound, with longtime guitarist Chris Fry adding both fire and finesse. It is the partnership of Reed’s symphonic songwriting and Booth’s voice that has defined Magenta across two decades.

Why they still matter

Magenta carry the torch of classic, melodic progressive rock into the present day — proof that the symphonic tradition still has new, heartfelt music to offer. Alongside neo-prog leaders like Marillion and IQ, and echoing the female-fronted grandeur of Renaissance, they have built one of modern prog’s most consistent and rewarding catalogues.

Go deeper

Keep exploring: read about the best Magenta songs. You can also place them in the bigger picture with our list of the best progressive rock albums of all time.

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