Legendary YES keyboardist and composer Rick Wakeman CBE has today shared “Melancholia,” the first single and title track from his forthcoming new album “Melancholia.” The single arrives alongside a beautiful new video which is out now.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, Wakeman said:
The album, and indeed the music, was heavily inspired by my wife Rachel, who heard me playing a piece on the piano (which eventually became the track ‘Garo’) and asked me about it. I explained that when I was feeling depressed or sad, I would always sit at the piano and play, as I found it healing – such is the power of music. She immediately said it was something I should share musically, as all the pieces could have a personal meaning to anyone listening… and so ‘Melancholia’ was born.
Watch the official video for “Melancholia” via the YouTube player below:
Set for release on October 17, 2025 via Madfish, “Melancholia” stands as the crowning jewel in a remarkable piano trilogy that began with 2017’s “Piano Portraits” and continued in 2018 with “Piano Odyssey” — both landmark albums that saw Rick Wakeman reach new heights of popularity and critical acclaim as a solo artist.
While those records looked outward, reinterpreting beloved melodies and exploring sweeping themes, “Melancholia” turns inward, inviting us into the most personal, introspective, and perhaps profound music of Wakeman’s storied career.
Purchase and Stream the single “Melancholia” here: https://orcd.co/rw_melancholia_listen
Pre-Order “Melancholia” here: https://rickwakemanmadfish.lnk.to/Melancholia
Tracklist:
01. Sitting at the Window [03:24]
02. Reflection [03:41]
03. Pathos [04:13]
04. Dance of the Ghosts [03:57]
05. Alone [04:46]
06. The Morning Light [03:28]
07. Garo [03:50]
08. All in the Mind [05:01]
09. Sea of Tranquility [02:59]
10. Missing [03:39]
11. Watching Life [03:50]
12. Melancholia [03:39]
“Melancholia” will be released on the following formats:
• CD
• Special Edition 2- disc CD+DVD set – inc. hi-res stereo + ‘Inside Melancholia’ short film
• Silver vinyl LP
• Black vinyl LP
• Digital
“Long live the King of the Keyboards” – Sunday Express
Wakeman, of course, needs little introduction. A virtuoso keyboardist, composer, and arranger, he rose to fame with YES, helping to define the sound of Progressive Rock and earning his place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His solo output spans over a hundred albums, from grand concept works to soundtracks and acoustic meditations. In 2021, he was awarded a CBE for services to music and broadcasting. Rick continues to be prolific on the live scene with a UK tour scheduled in October 2025.