"A Saucerful of Secrets" is the second studio album by Pink Floyd, released on June 28, 1968, by EMI Columbia in the UK and Tower Records in the US. The album marks a transitional period for the band, as the mental health decline of singer and guitarist Syd Barrett led to the recruitment of guitarist David Gilmour. Barrett eventually left the band before the album's completion.
Unlike their debut album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn," where Barrett was the primary songwriter, "A Saucerful of Secrets" saw contributions from all band members in both songwriting and lead vocals. David Gilmour featured prominently on all but two tracks, while Barrett contributed to three songs. The track "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" is notable for featuring all five band members.
Upon its release, "A Saucerful of Secrets" reached number nine on the UK charts. In the US, it initially did not chart significantly until April 2019, peaking at number 158. The album received generally positive reviews, although it has often been considered less innovative than its predecessor, "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn," by many critics. Nonetheless, it remains a pivotal album in Pink Floyd's discography, showcasing their evolving sound and lineup dynamics during a crucial phase in their early career.
