RELAYER

Yes' last masterpiece and the only album with Patrick Moraz. A very special album, at least for me: my favourite Yes' song is in it. Contrary to what many people say, Yes is not 'lost' in this album, and surely is not without inspiration !

To Be Over: the calm and melodic song from this album. It has a different sound from everything that Yes did; maybe because of the electric sitar. Moraz gives us a soft and great solo. Alan's drumming is very technical. The guitar notes are gentle. It surely isn't one of my favourites, but it's a good song. 4,2 stars.

Sound Chaser: one of the heaviest Yes' songs, it is fantastic. Mainly because of the instruments, very well executed. Alan White shows us some of his abilities: at the beginning, some great syncopation. Through the song, we can hear a very technical and rhythmic drumming. It reminds me of Bill Bruford. I can't play this song on drums, it's impossible ! Only for great drummers !! Chris Squire shows us some of his great and very fast abilities with bass. What a bass line ! Steve Howe shows us a very fast solo, played perfectly ! And Patrick Moraz shows he is as good as Rick Wakeman: a great, fast and elaborated solo ! Near to the end, Howe plays a very melodic Pedal Steel Guitar, the same used in 'Gates'. The 'cha cha' parts are very cool, and in the end, when the song becomes faster and faster, it's very exciting ! Well, great song, 5 stars.

Gates Of Delirium: I must admit: my favourite Yes' song ! It is VERY complex, the lyrics are great, the musicians are perfect on this track, it is pure feeling. Alan's drumming is, once again, strong and fast. Howe's guitar techniques are innovative and amazing. Jon Anderson sings it with a special feeling/emotion. He said that this song has a message: 'the war is not necessary' (Symphonic Live, 2001). Genius. The part from 7:58 to 10:20 is really cool and exciting ! The drums and bass keep a great rhythm, whilst the guitar and the synthesizer present their own shows ! Then, the song changes immediately the rhythm. This part is full of effects and the time changes are nice. This is kept till 12:26, when the drums stop and begin to do fast fills whilst the other instruments lead us to a musical orgasm. Then, comes the super-solo by this great keyboardist. That's my favourite Yes' keyboard solo; simply fascinating. The synthesizer sound is amazing, and the drums and the bass keep a nice rhythm while it is played. Moraz's style here is very similar to Wakeman's, I don't see much difference (except for the Jazz influence the first has). Then, Howe shows us the magnific sound of the pedal steel guitar, leading us to a totally different melody. It is 'Soon', that beautiful piece included in Gates of Delirium. Amazing, touching. This song is entirely perfect. 1500 stars.

Yes, the last perfect work, but not the last GREAT one. 5 stars.