TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS

Yes

Symphonic Prog

3.92 | 2825 ratings

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the philosopher

This album is written with magic and this magic will be experienced by listening!

The Tales of Topographic Oceans is the record of Yes which fits best with the mystical landscapes on some of the Yes album covers. This music is spoiled by magic and mystical itself. It's written from a spiritual point of view and I think it really succeeded in bringing some spirit in this record. It's Yes' most restful record with lot's of harmonic melodies. It's also an interesting record because of it's uniqueness in bringing forth four side filling tracks in symphonic prog.

"Revealing Science of God" is the only song on the record that seems essential. The opening is really impressive with the vocals and keys bringing some tension which ends with some beautiful key parts. Yes' description of the song is like a flower opening; well, this opening of this track gives the right emotions for justifying such a description. This track may be the best side-filling track Yes ever made. The other tracks all have their great moments, but become a bit directionless sometimes.

The atmospheres are mystical except the folky parts on "The ancient giants under the sun". There is a good balance between avant-garde or chaotic passages and restful and harmonic passages. In this aspect this The Tales is quiet the opposite of the following Relayer, which is chaotic throughout. It's the magic in this record what makes it special; the mystical soundscapes and the restful nature.

It's hard to advise this record. I think all Yes fans should try this one. The ones with a affinity for atmospheres will like it and the ones with an affinity for the up-tempo Yes tracks will dislike it.

the philosopher | 4/5 | 2012-4-16

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