RELAYER

This album is a true classic. Of course, there are standards when it comes to Yes, and everyone should already know half of "fragile" just by listening to the radio. That doesnt mean they aren't as good as that album has many highpoints for these guys. The very first two albums contained very nice song's, not as progressive or experimental, but very good song- writing and firm musicianship for such a young band. The Yes album and fragile made them big in america and its not just because of the memorable sounds of 'runaround' or 'roundabout' that you cant get out of your head, but because they showed versatality compared to what they were doing the first two albums. With andersons vocals, I found that people either usualy love them or hate them, as he does have a pretty distinct sound, but some say he sounds way too feminine. Not the case with me, i feel the stuff after these albums like 'topographic' and 'relayer' his fantasy-like sound fit perfect with the more fantasy- like music. These guys eventually developed this talent to create such moods in music, going from the extreme low to extreme high during the course of one song, and many of them started becoming very long in length, ex: gates of delirium. I'd love to see other bands cover this tune, it has been one of my personal favorites. I am a huge wakeman fan, but Yes after Rick did not let down in the slightest for at least 5 years. His work with them was great, and a lot of his stuff after he left was good too, as was Yes' work. To make a point, if you're new to Yes, realize they, like, most bands in the world, went trough stages and sounded a little different in each time period. But, to get a good idea of what the band is you can pick any album from the 70's. Just like genesis, I feel these guys came out with good music, progressed so much and really made excellent music in the 72'-77' period, made some decent stuf afterwards a couple years(but of course, proved somewhat disapointing in the 80's) what the heck is it with the 80's that killed bands of this caliber? I mean, owner of a lonely heart? give me a break, one of the corniest songs ever recorded dont even try to argue. Sound chaser is great, odd timing, chants, good key work by patrick....and to be over is beautiful. With an album that has only 3 songs, it is one of their best in my opinion. Gates of delirium really is one of the best progressive rock epics written. 4 1/2 stars