In the Wake of Poseidon is the second studio album by English progressive rock group King Crimson, released in May 1970 by Island Records in Europe, Atlantic Records in the United States. The album was recorded during a period of instability within the band owing to a fluctuating lineup. It follows a musical style and track sequence very similar to their first album, In the Court of the Crimson King. The album was well-received by contemporary critics, who commended the overall execution and production quality as an improvement over that of the band’s debut, although later assessments have faulted its heavy reliance on the template established by its predecessor.
Prog Archives review: “Whilst King Crimson’s 2nd release “In The Wake Of Poseidon” will always be surpassed by the phenomenal, ground-breaking “In The Court Of The Crimson King”, it is still worthy of a 5 star rating for me. (…) “In The Wake Of Poseidon” is much more symphonic and mellotron-central than anything else on the album, but I’m not completely astounded by the grandiose journey it takes you on. Perhaps a step too far, but I’m not sure in which direction. By all standards, I should love it because of those lavish chord progressions and melodies along with extravagant lyrics and insturmental outbursts. Perhaps it’s a little too outstretched because I do still very much enjoy it but I’m not as gripped as other tracks anymore. Nevertheless, with my personal attachments aside, this track is more than listenable and essential to the album. A sort of combination of “Epitaph” and “The Court Of The Crimson King” with some fresh flecks of music tossed into the mix. Once again, Fripp’s haunting acoustic guitar (beside Greg’s oozing emotions in both vocal performance and strains to reach the summit of his touching melodies) adds something indescribable and almost otherworldly to the song, taking it up to a 5-star song.”
