TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS

I think Close to edge started a trilogy of what I call best Yes albums. Tales from the topographic oceans was released between Close to the edge and Relayer. While not as good as Close to edge this still a brilliant album. Vocal harmonies are excellent. There is also some of the Steve Howe's best guitar work especially on Ritual, which is my second favourite Yes song of all time right after The gates of Delirium. Originally this album had four songs which all took one side of a vinyl and this is still a double album today. This was a very ambitious project with constantly beautiful melodies, some experimantal sounds, thoughtful arrangements and superb songwriting. This a more relaxed sounding album than Close to edge and Relayer but that doesn't mean boring. Ancient giants is the only epic composition on the album which isn't great. But even it isn't bad at all. In fact it has some inventive drum work. It would take a book to write complete analysis of Tales from topographic oceans and I don't want to go in detail.

This album has even more adventurous spirit than many other progressive rock releases. Some people may say this album went too far but this album at least tries damn hard and is a fine artistic expression and statement by the band. I disagree about this album being just a bigger and failed version of Close to edge. It really has its own kind of magic, colours and depth. In fact I think as an double album this even better than Pink Floyd's The wall.