Octopus, released in 1972, marked Gentle Giant's fourth album and the final with Phil Shulman. It introduced drummer John Weathers and is widely regarded as a progressive rock classic. The title originated as a pun on "octo opus," referencing its eight tracks. The album features literature-inspired lyrics, such as Knots, based on R.D. Laing's book, The Advent of Panurge, inspired by François Rabelais, and A Cry for Everyone, influenced by Albert Camus. The UK edition featured Roger Dean’s cover art, while the US and Canadian versions used Charles White’s jar-shaped die-cut design. In 2015, Steven Wilson remixed five tracks to 5.1 surround sound, while three songs with missing multi-track reels were upmixed using software.
Octopus represents the beginning of Gentle Giant's peak era, blending complex styles with literary and philosophical influences. The intricate vocal piece Knots showcases the band's signature approach, while The Advent of Panurge and A Cry for Everyone reflect their intellectual depth. The album is a milestone in progressive rock, featuring innovative arrangements and themes. Its visual presentation, differing between the UK and US releases, added to its uniqueness, with Roger Dean's iconic art and Charles White's creative die-cut jar cover. The Steven Wilson remix in 2015 further highlighted the album's timeless quality, enhancing its legacy in the genre.
