TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS

Sometimes I asked myself why I ever say: "Close to the Edge is the best Yes' album and one of the symbols of progressive-symphonic rock". When I am thinking about this, I conclude that's impossible for me to say WHY "Close to the Edge" is better than "Tales from Topographic Oceans".

I think "Tales from..." is a masterpiece of progressive rock. Surely, more overrated than "Close to the Edge", an album which a lot of people know. I have to recognize that I didn't want to listen "Tales from..." complete, because I considered it was a boring album. I never liked the double albums. But it's excellent. It mix experimentation, symphonic rock, psychedelic sound, is a conceptual album, with some folk aspects, a lot of keyboards, ambient sounds, Eastern influences... Even Alan White replace Bruford in a correct way. What more can I ask? Four long themes with a spiritual meaning... in the classic line of Yes. However, some prog fans criticize this album. I can't understand.

In conclusion, "Tales from Topographic Oceans" deserves SIX stars, but this rating doesn't exist. Then five: essential, a masterpiece of (progressive) music.