CHANGE WE MUST

To many listeners this album is a highlight in the rather uneven solo discography of our beloved YES-vocalist. I agree. The songs were skilfully arranged for a chamber orchestra, and the result is very balanced, elegant and nowhere near the usual cheesiness so often present in pop meets art music kind of crossover albums. The richly nuanced arrangements never get too pompous and they work extremely well together with Jon's voice which is as good as ever on this album.

Some of the songs are recycled from older albums, although I was originally - when reviewing this for a prog magazine in 2014 - only familiar with 'Hearts' from the Yes album 90125 (1983) and the Jon & Vangelis hit 'State of Independence'. The latter opens this album and features some use of a children's choir. There are also three piano- centred instrumentals, credited to Jon Anderson and David Tolley. Pretty nice, surprising move in a vocalist's album.

The greatest highlights are the romantically beautiful and yet not syrupy 'Chagall Duet' with French soprano Sandrine Piau, the intimately delicate 'Candle Song', originating from the final Jon & Vangelis album Page of Life (1991), and, most of all, the lovely, lovely title song 'Change We Must'. Its uplifting deep emotion indeed makes me feel some of the universal love that Jon is known for, and the same kids' choir is the cherry on top.

For those Jon Anderson fans who appreciate art music and delicacy, this album is a must, but undoubtedly some prog listeners may find it a bit too soft. The Esoteric Recordings' re-release features a 5-minute interview with Jon on this album and the title track's shortened single version.