Focus were the great outliers of 1970s prog — a Dutch band who conquered the world with almost entirely instrumental music, powered by the yodeling, flute-playing, keyboard-wielding Thijs van Leer and the astonishing guitar of Jan Akkerman. Formed in Amsterdam in 1969, they fused classical grandeur, rock energy and a mischievous sense of humour into a sound all their own. Here we rank their studio albums, from worst to best.

The short version

At the top sits Moving Waves (1971), the breakthrough that made them stars, with the double album Focus 3 and the majestic Hamburger Concerto close behind. At the other end, the misjudged Focus con Proby tends to divide even the faithful. The full ranking is below.

How we rank them

This is one fan’s honest take, weighing musicianship, melody, ambition and lasting impact. Focus were largely instrumental, so composition and the interplay of van Leer and Akkerman count for everything. The facts are accurate; the order is where the arguments begin.

Love Focus and classic progressive rock? The books go deeper →

The lower reaches

10. Focus con Proby (1978)

The ill-fated collaboration with singer P.J. Proby, a disjointed and misguided record that marked the sad end of the original band. A curio best left for devoted completists.

9. Focus 11 (2018)

A pleasant, professional late-period album from the van Leer-led lineup. Well-played and tuneful, but far from the fire of their classic years. A dependable, minor entry.

8. Focus 9 / New Skin (2006)

The second reunion-era album, more varied and confident than the first. Enjoyable instrumental rock throughout, if lacking the old spark of their peak. A solid comeback record.

The middle of the pack

7. Focus 8 (2002)

The comeback album that reunited van Leer with drummer Pierre van der Linden, warm and welcome after decades away. Uneven in places, but a heartfelt and enjoyable return. A likeable revival.

6. Focus X (2012)

A strong, energetic latter-day album, and arguably the best of the reunion era. Tight, melodic and genuinely fun, it recaptures a good deal of the old spirit. An underrated modern effort.

5. Mother Focus (1975)

The last album of the classic Akkerman lineup, leaner and funkier than before. Divisive among fans for its lighter, jazzier touch, but full of charm and fine playing. An underrated late-classic record.

The upper tier

4. In and Out of Focus (1970)

The debut, uneven but full of promise, and home to the beautiful “House of the King”. A raw, charming first statement that hinted at the greatness to come. A fine, underrated beginning.

3. Hamburger Concerto (1974)

Their most consistent and cohesive album, opening with a Renaissance lute piece and closing with the sprawling 20-minute title suite. Mature, classical and beautifully realised, it is van Leer’s own favourite. A near-masterpiece.

The masterpieces

2. Focus 3 (1972)

The sprawling double album that gave them the gorgeous hit “Sylvia”, plus the classic “House of the King” and the epic “Answers? Questions!”. Ambitious, melodic and hugely enjoyable across its length. A classic.

1. Moving Waves (1971)

The masterpiece: the breakthrough that made Focus international stars, powered by the yodeling rock explosion “Hocus Pocus” and the sprawling 15-part suite “Eruption”. Bold, beautiful and utterly original. The definitive Focus album, and the place to begin.

Every Focus album, ranked

The full ranking at a glance, best to worst.

Where to start

New to Focus? Begin with Moving Waves (1971) and Focus 3 (1972), the twin peaks of their catalogue, then explore the majestic Hamburger Concerto. For a guided path, see our where to start with Focus guide, or follow the story in sequence with Focus albums in order.

The verdict

For a few glorious years in the early 1970s, Focus were one of the most thrilling bands on the planet — virtuosos who proved that instrumental prog could top the charts and fill arenas, and who put Dutch rock on the map for good. The magic of the van Leer–Akkerman partnership has never quite been equalled. If you only know ‘Hocus Pocus’, the deeper cuts reward exploration; our pick of the most underrated Focus albums is a good place to dig.

Go deeper

Keep exploring: count down their finest tracks with the best Focus songs, browse our pick of their best Focus albums, or head back to the full directory of every prog band’s discography, ranked.

Find your next read on the bookshelf below →