RELAYER

Yes

Symphonic Prog

4.38 | 3481 ratings

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infandous

I'm probably a fairly rare Yes fan in that this is my favorite Yes album. I know, sacralidge! No Bruford, no Wakeman. How could this be my favorite? Well, I'll tell you how.

Gates of Delerium is my favorite Yes song of all time, along with Heart of the Sunrise. This is their best epic in my mind, because it is very cohesive, flows well from beginning to end, has a very understandable concept that is consistent both musically and lyircally, and features outstanding performances by all band members. Anderson does his most rocking vocals here, singing lyrics that often seem more suited to a metal band than to Yes, yet work wonderfully in this song. Squire shows that he is a truely great prog bassist, while he and White seem to solidify their relatively new rhythm section into a force to be reckoned with. Speaking of White, this is without a doubt the best drumming of his career. Howe shines on this song like no other, and in fact this whole album features my favorite electric work by him ever. As to Moraz, he is no Wakeman, but he is equally great in his own fasion, and I don't think this album would have been possible without him. Fantastic synth work on this track by him, without a doubt. This song alone makes me want to give the album 5 stars, but thankfully the other two tracks on the album do not let it down by any stretch.

Soundchaser is a frantic song, and the most disjointed of the 3 tracks on the album. It goes even further in demonstrating the bands substantial technical musical prowess. A great song that really rocks out at times. Initially, I was put off by the "cha cha cha" vocalizing parts, but I have come to appreciate them (and they are understandable in the light of Andersons love of throwing in such vocalizations on various pieces throughout Yes' discography). A 4 star song.

To Be Over took a while for me to get a handle on. Probably because it is such a contrast to the intensity found on the rest of the album. But it is a perfect closer to this album, bringing the listener down slowly to a peaceful end to an outstanding album. A wonderful song in the tradition of And You And I. Another solid 4 star song.

A perfect album in my opinion. Every song strong. This is a masterpiece without any doubt in my mind. At very least, an album every prog fan should own.

| 5/5 | 2006-4-21

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