OLIAS OF SUNHILLOW

While Jon Anderson is labeled Prog Related and I am not familiar with his other works so that may be justified, this is certainly an amazing Progressive Rock album. The cover alone is enough to send his message that this will be a spiritual, ritual, pataphsyical, whatever you want to call it journey. This album is the very essence of Jon Anderson and well represents what he brought to Yes. The music itself will drive away any bad feelings you may have (especially the intro Ocean Song) as Anderson traverses through a fantastical galaxy of musical wonder and emotion. It is every bit as pure as it is memorable. Not one moment of this album should be considered dull. There are certainly more prominent segments no doubt, but the rise and fall of moods and melodies are well balanced. Fans of Yes, even more specifically the way Anderson develops wordless vocal tunes or chants should definitely give this a listen. It is staggering to think that all these beautiful songs were written by a man who could not even read or write music. While I am not 100% sure on this fact, I like to believe it is true; it enhances the genuineness of the album.

If you have the chance, own this on vinyl because the artwork and story within the sleeve only multiplies the whole appreciation of Anderson's creative intellect.