Amused to Death is a solid album both conceptually and musically, showcasing Waters as an artist who, like his work with Pink Floyd, conveys his thoughts and ideals with pinpoint accuracy so that they are engraved within his audience's mind. With this album, Waters touches heavily on the dangers of capitalism, the insensitivity of the human race, the ridiculousness of war, and the onslaught of mindless entertainment that encroaches on mankind on a day-to-day basis. Fitting all these aspects into 14 songs is a task in itself, but accomplishing this task alongside music that is forceful and appealing is extremely difficult, and still Waters succeeds in doing this throughout the duration of the album. "The Ballad of Bill Hubbard" is a moving spoken intro from Alf Razzell, a former member of Britain's Royal Fusiliers. A stab at the false sense of security that lies within religion is dealt with on the powerful "What God Wants, Pt. 1," and the cowardice of the world's leaders is addressed in "The Bravery of Being Out of Range," one of the albums most blatant tracks. Guest guitarist Jeff Beck rises to the occasion on a number of songs here, and both Rita Coolidge and Don Henley fill in behind and beside Waters on a couple of the longer tunes. Ending with the title track, a song that sums up the whole of the album with it's subtle yet hard-hitting demeanor, Waters proves that he can still reveal his conceptual ideas with pristine clarity, only on Amused to Death, the music is as equally entertaining and effective. ~ Mike DeGagne, All Music Guide
The amazing thing about this album is that over 17 years after it's release, it sounds as relevant as it did when it was initially released. It may even be appropriate to call it Water's greatest piece of work to date - even including his work with Pink Floyd. That is quite a statement.
I still cannot fathom the depth of this album, by far the best offering by Roger and definitely a masterpiece. "What God wants, God gets, God help us all."
The Album of my life. This album is the standard for conceptual music and sound quality. Lyrically, I don't know of anything that has topped it. A truly inspired and divine offering. Perhaps my favorite album of all time.
This is one amazing album. The 1st time I heard it I was actually tripping. i couldnt get the music out of my head for days! I have been listening to it ever since. Some 16 years now and it's as good now as it was then.