Yes - Relayer

"Artistically challenging, even for Yes."

Yes, one of the most successful progressive rock bands of the 1970s, continued their string of great albums with 1974's Relayer. As before, the classic Yes elements are present, including the overawing musicianship, the mystical and profound lyrics, and robust yet delicate vocals.

Despite the lukewarm critical reception of Relayer's predecessor, Tales from Topographic Oceans, Yes' continuing commercial success allowed them to retain their creativity and grandiosity. Tales was faulted with excessive indulgence, lack of concise song structures, and overall pretentiousness. In comparison, Relayer addresses a few of these complaints but never completely remedies them. Song progression tends to meander and lose focus, and some inordinately thick instrumental passages detract from the experience.

But on the whole, the album is very strong. "The Gates of Delirium", the 22-minute epic is one of Yes' best pieces. While it lacks the coherence of "Close to the Edge", and it takes awhile to completely appreciate, but it's purely dazzling and concludes with beautiful musical and lyrical passages that gives such a stirring coda to the preceding musical violence. This track also does a topnotch job showcasing the talents of new keyboardist Patrick Moraz. The fusion-esque "Sounds Chaser" is a crazy, daunting feat in musical virtuosity, with the drums and bass being especially laudable. The first few times you hear this song, it's almost annoying, but once you begin to appreciate the dynamic sonic textures you can't help but be hooked. The closing track, "To Be Over," is a mellow tune, showing some of the band's most tender moments. I also regard this track as one of Jon Anderson's best song's vocally. He really captures a lot of emotion in this one.

It's not my favorite Yes album, but it has its merits. It doesn't offer much the first few times you listen, but when you give it more time, all its colors shine through, and you can truly appreciate the artistic excellence possessed by this band.