TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS

Some people love this album, while some people hate it. I fall somewhere between these two extremes. I think there is no denying that all the four songs, or movements, are a bit too long for their own good. This especially applies to the second and third movements. But there is also no denying that there are some truly excellent moments on this album.

My personal favourite is The Revealing Science Of God, what a truly unique sound and feeling this song has! While listening to it, it often feels as if it was recorded at the bottom of the ocean! Rick Wakeman's keyboard solo towards the end is one of his best ever, and it has a totally unique sound. The way he can make his keyboards sound like waves is totally amazing.

Steve Howe' guitar sound is, again, totally unique and Jon throws in some of his best vocal moments ever. Chris is great as always and Alan White does his studio debut with the band on this album and he fitted the band like a glove. Some drum parts are amazing and sound, again, as if they were recorded under water! (I mean that in a good way, if that makes sense!). I don't really miss Bruford at all here.

This is not Yes' best album, but it is clearly an essential one for all Yes fans and it is totally (here's that word again) unique - I have never heard anything like this before or since. Are these guys really from the same planet I'm from?

If you haven't heard this album yet, you are in for quite a ride (but with some less than great moments)

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