RELAYER

I will preface this review by saying that I love this album, and its certainly been a grower. There are 3 songs and it follows a similar format to Close to the Edge which is, pretty much THE prog album if there ever was one.

It starts with Gates of Delerium, and this song is really perfection from start to finish. The song goes through several different styles and is filled with excellent intensity throughout. We start with something that wouldn't sound out of place on tales (another album I absolutely adore) We then are treated to several chaotic battles that all come together in the end for the absolutely transcendental section called "Soon" Where Jon Anderson takes full control and delivers his greatest vocal performance ever. Tear jerker. I have no complaints here. 10/10

Side two opens with sound chaser, another intense chaotic song. I think if Gates can compete with Close to the Edge, Close to the Edge pulls ahead with its B sides. This song is very good but I feel that it's just a bit too disordered at times. I say that lightly though cause if i'm in the right mood, this song hits well. 8/10

We end with To Be Over, a very beautiful song that takes advantage of the steel pedal guitar like you see on gates. It's a very decent song, again it doesn't reach the levels of Close to the Edges B sides, but it's still enjoyable. 7/10

Gonna give this a solid 4 star rating, I cant imagine a prog collection without this, but Yes has done better a couple times.

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