CHANGE WE MUST (SINGLE)

In 1994 Jon Anderson recorded Change We Must which counts among his very finest albums. it features extremely well done orchestral arrangements that avoid being too pompous, sugary or cheesy. Jon's vocals also are on top form here. Alongside newly written songs the album contains some fresh reincarnations of older songs, such as 'Hearts' from Yes's pop album 90125, and 'State of Independence' from the second Jon & Vangelis album The Friends of Mr. Cairo (1981). This tune, covered by Donna Summer in 1982, appears on this promotional CD single as well. I have never liked the disco-ish original very much, and it came as no surprise this version neither was among my personal highlights on Change We Must album. That said, it works very well. Naturally the disco approach is gone, and the choir joining Jon is a nice addition.

The title track is a definitive highlight of the album, here represented in both single and album edits. The peaceful song is charmingly moving, uplifting and spiritual, indeed one could say purifying. Regarding the artist we're talking of, I guess you know exactly what I mean. The universal love radiating from every note. This is one and only Jon Anderson at his most loveable.

The single features also a 5-minute edition of an interview in which Jon talks about the album and the title song in particular. The single edit and the interview were included as bonuses in Esoteric Recordings' reissue of the album four years ago.