"Islands" is the fourth studio album by English band King Crimson, released in December 1971. The album marked a departure from the aggressive dynamics of King Crimson's previous album, "Lizard." Instead, "Islands" features a more tranquil, serene, and pastoral sound through its six tracks.
The material on the album was conceived as a series of contrasts, expressed between and within the songs themselves. King Crimson's usual intensity was paired with a more delicate approach, giving the songs a broader emotional range. Lyrically, Peter Sinfield, the band's lyricist, was influenced by his personal problems and the turmoil within the band, drawing on themes of isolation, melancholia, and personal and artistic see-sawing renderings.
The band line-up for this album consisted of founding member Robert Fripp on guitar, mellotron, and harmonium, along with Mel Collins on sax and flute, Boz Burrell on bass and vocals, Ian Wallace on drums, and Sinfield providing lyrics. This was the last King Crimson studio album to feature Sinfield's lyrics or any major contributions from him.
It had a divided critical response upon its initial release but has subsequently been reassessed positively, with several critics praising the album's romanticism and Sinfield's lyrics. Over the years, the album has emerged as a fan favorite and remains a highlight in King Crimson's discography.
