The Voice of Yes, the high pitched perfect melodies, the distinct tones. When Anderson first left Yes , he recorded a number of solo albums, including this set in 1982, and not only is it a masterful blend of prog rock and uptempo pop, but it also features an all star cast.

Alongside Anderson you have bassist Stafano Cerri, guitarist Clem Clempson, drummer Simon Phillips and pianist David Sancious. Then there's the guests including Ronnie Leahy (Stone The Crows, Nazareth etc), Ian Wallace (King Crimson), Jack Bruce and more.

Opener 'Olympia' is a magical pop/rock, uptempo, a touch of new wave. The nine minute title track is a touch more progressive (in Yes fashion), and 'Surrender' is a little more offbeat.

There's vocal harmonies you'll enjoy too. Quite a poppy approach to, but this was just before Anderson rejoined Yes for 90125 so that should be a good indication too.

Surprisingly good, refreshing too.

The booklet and bonus tracks will please the Yes fan and more.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

www.getreadytorock.com 

“Surrender” made it in the Dutch charts back in 1982. This song written by Jon Anderson was always for me the living proof that a good song can make it into the charts. The song was taken from his solo album “Animation”. An album which was recorded and released just before he rejoined Yes for their “90125” album. Again a record which that made it into the Dutch charts. A lot of Jon Anderson fans felt sorry that the “Animation” album never got a proper CD release. It’s true that this album is one of his finest solo efforts. He had at the time the chance to make it with a couple of the best musicians on the planet. Simon Phillips, Clem Clempson, David Sancious, Jack Bruce and Ian Wallace are certainly no average musicians. You can hear it on the entire album. Right from the start you hear the high level of the musicians. Also the songs are very strong. Most of all the title track is brilliant and contains some bright keyboard sounds performed by David Sancious. On top of it Jon’s voices sounds as if it’s on helium. The break in between could have been taken from a Vangelis album. Very beautiful indeed. The drums played by Simon Phillips almost moves into a jazz rock rhythm and makes you jump up and down. The song is probably one of Jon’s best songs ever written. A lot of people bought in those days “Surrender” for it’s B-side. “Spider” was a fine piece of music only 3 minutes long. It’s almost instrumental and it contained so much fantastic music that it was a good choice to included it on this CD version. The other bonus track is almost 12 minutes long  and taken from the same recording sessions. “The spell” was recorded on an old cassette tape. Thank God did Jon find it good enough for us to hear. This song with many moods had been the basis for the actual “Animation” album and was based on a story which had the title “Twins” at the time. But the record company refused to put it on the album. Both bonus tracks made it possible that we can enjoy almost one hour of Jon’s music. Music that still sounds fabulous today. **** (Henri Strik)