RELAYER

I still don't understand the excitement for this album. In my opinion, Yes had long forgotten how to create true songs. The three songs in this album seem to be laking of real conviction towards style, mood and feelings. I have the impression that they wanted to make some Epic tracks no matter what. And the result is nothing but a mixture of random ideas, styles and moods. "Gates of delirium" is supposed to be a piece of art but I find it rather inconsistent. In the first place, the instrumental part gets to be not only very repetitive, but also cacophonic and even anoying. It is supposed to represent a battle or something but all you hear is a thick noise created by layers of either random guitars, bass, drums and a lot of sound effects. I mean, to show a battle they could as well have presented a very inspired, colourful scene rich of moods and textures. But no, they had this never ending passage of literally NOISES. About complexity and musicianship, well, I just can't hear it !!. Whatsmore, I find it rather clumsy, like in those parts where they suddenly change the "melody" (in the instrumental) to show a different passage. They do it so carelessly and with such a lack of imagination that it sound like they had cut the tape and pasted another right after, with not any interesting idea in mind. The first part is somewhat entertaining but nowhere near the true inspired "Astrall traveller" (An overlooked gem in Time and a word. When they really knew how to write songs with true emotions). The second part of the song is a very beautiful tune, very repetitive though. Mixed with the firt part just to make a long track in an attempt to create an instant Epic.

Sound chaser has to be one of the most horrible songs by Yes. If you are looking for some inspiration, don't bother trying to aquire a taste for the horrid "CHACHAS" in the middle. Not only that. This song is very repetitive as well. Most people may not notice it because the rythm of the song is so fast. However, pay attention and you'll listen to the same sections over and over throughout. The playing is interesting in a technical level, however, creativity, true passion, style, songwriting and imagination are luxuries Yes were no longer able to aford in 1974.

"To be over" is one of many Prog-pop song (Well, this would be a regular pop song if it wasn't overlong) by Yes. Including Close to the edge, And you and I, Roundabout, I've seen all good people among a lot more. This "to be over" song however, doesn't have one half of the spark of some many pop songs by Yes in the past. ....I wonder, where and when Yes lost its capability to write true inspired songs like the ones in their first 3 albums?. This album is largely overrated and I have no guilt in giving it a solid 2 stars rating.