TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS

Yes

Symphonic Prog

3.92 | 2773 ratings

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Tales is an album which has very split opinions, with either lovers or haters. I find that this is common with how I feel about the album; half of it I love, half of it I don't.

The first half is brilliant and I would give both songs 5 stars without hesitation. It begins with The Revealing, which is the most commercial track and arguably the best. It is the most orthodox Yes song on the album and also the most dynamic. The Remembering, however, is my personal favourite and I especially love its reoccurring soft instrumental breaks. It's among my favourite Yes songs. I must say that these songs take time to appreciate and one or two listens won't drag you in immediately. But it's worth it.

Now the second half. I've given The Ancient/Giants Under The Sun many chances but I cannot bring myself to enjoy it. The first half is very weird stuff, and I can't really explain what it sounds like. It is at this point where I usually give up and go to the next track. The second half of the song turns into an acoustic ballad thing with Steve and Jon and it doesn't redeem the track at all. Maybe I haven't given this track enough time to grow on me, but considering my current impressions I don't see that happening. A disappointing effort. But there's still hope! Ritual is a good song with many good moments, even though it doesn't reach the heights of the first two songs.

This album is very ambitious and dares to explore foreign musical territory, more than most Yes albums. I think this enhanced the music and I'm glad that Jon took the risk of creating this concept. And I don't care if Rick hated this. I think he played his parts very well and he helped to make it better. Anyway, in conclusion Tales is half amazing, one quarter bad, and one quarter average. 4 stars.

This is my theory: You're not a true Yes fan if you disliked this whole album.

Quirky Turkey | 4/5 | 2011-8-30

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