TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS

A very controversial album. To some people, it's a classic. To some people it's a crap. To me, a classic. I don't see the arrogance and exaggeration that some say it has. I just see magic, beauty, great instrumentation and lyrics. Just 4 songs, let's see:

The Revealing Science of God (Dance of the Dawn): Great song, it has some riffs from 'Ritual', but more beautiful. Good lyrics, great guitar/bass/keyboards. The synthesizer has a great sound. Good time changes, good rhythm, good melodies. 4,8 stars (I aaalmost gave 5, but something tells me to give 4,8)

The Remembering (High the Memory): beautiful and soft melodies through all the song. This song has something special, contagious. Its rhythms are very nice. The harmonies are touching. Geniuses. 5 stars.

The Ancient (Giants Under the Sun): people say this is the worst song on the album. I disagree. The beginning part is very similar to 'Sound Chaser', with crazy keyboards, fast drums and some notes on guitar. I like the way the bass and drums plays at the same time, keeping that strange rhythm. Then comes some keyboard chords and notes. Then again the crazy rhythm of bass, drums and guitar but this time with some cool vocals. The part from 7:02 to 7:30 is PURELY GENTLE GIANT, I'm sure they were inspired by them ! The song keeps all these rhythms and melodies 'till 12:30, when starts one of the most beautiful melodies Yes ever created. Oh, that marvelous acoustic guitar ! That powerful lyrics and vocals by Anderson ! Indescribable ! 5 stars !

Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil): clearly the best song on the album. It is strong, powerful, aggressive, beautiful, inspiring, wonderful. Alan's drumming is very fast and rhythmic (I'm a drummer, I know what I'm saying), Squire's bass lines are melodic and fits very well the rhythm (I'm also a bassist, I know what I'm saying), Steve's guitar riffs and solos are very well planned and beautiful (Yes, I'm also play guitar, I know it). The song was very well executed both by vocalist and musicians. I really love this song, it was one of the first Yes' songs I heard. 21:50 of pure pleasure. The part from 11:06 to 14:20 is cool and exciting. From 14:21 to 16:56 is powerful and impressive. And finally, from 16:67 to 19:50 is melancholic and gives emotion to the listener. A Classic to finish this wonderful and underestimated album. 100 stars.

So, although it's not a masterpiece as Close to the Edge and others, it surely IS a Masterpiece of progressive music. 5 stars.