RELAYER

Yes' Relayer is truly a masterpiece. Not only is it an essential Yes album, but also an essential in the progressive rock genre. The album opens with the epic "Gates of Delirium". Weighing in at a 20 minutes +, "Gates" is certainly no radio single, yet with Patrick Moraz's brilliant synthesizer work, and Steve Howe's unique phrasing, this one is worth the listen. After the energetic intro, and the rather rambunctious middle section, the ending, somber piece of the musical puzzle is completed. "Soon." shows the end of the battle portrayed in "Gates" and peacetime arrives. Track two is "Sound Chaser". This one is so beautifully unorganized, that if it doesn't provoke any emotion, it would at least keep you curious and listening. Steve Howe and Patrick Moraz have a party on this one while Squire and White "drive the tune", and Jon Anderson makes it perfect with his "Cha." chanting. After this rather intense ballad, we have "To Be Over". The occasional slide guitar work and volume pedal use by Howe in this one alone would be great, but his overdubbed synths by Moraz make it even better. Alan White also shines on "To Be Over" as his constant crash cymbals and snare drum are always refreshing. The happy part of Relayer is here, and for good reason. Relayer marked the end of an era for Yes, as after this (which lacks virtuoso keyboardist Rick Wakeman.), Yes would take a break period for solo work and then with the "classic" lineup release Going For The One. However, Going For The One would not even come close to Relayer musically, as not much out of the Yes catalog does, with the exception of Close To The Edge. While I don't think many albums deserve a 5/5 rating with the exception of very, very few, Yes "brought it to the table" with Relayer, and overcame the crushing blow of the departure of Rick Wakeman, and produced an amazing progressive effort. Relayer is a must have.