Relayer From through to , ’ capacity to harness differing ideas and influences gives the impression that those albums are incremental – each one building upon the successes and lessons learnt from its predecessor. By contrast, 1974’s is perhaps the most radical departure in the group’s 1970s catalogue. Startlingly different to anything preceding it, the record incorporated adventurous time signatures and other harmonic elements more usually associated with jazz-rock acts such as Return To Forever or -era .
Never content to rest upon their laurels, Yes required their listeners to take a leap of faith as they enthusiastically dived into uncharted waters. Though significantly shorter than , is just as multifaceted and, in its own way, just as challenging. It possessed many recognisable features, including ’s striking cover artwork; but it also included some of their most angular and dissonant music up to that point.
Despite the ambitious and sometimes difficult musical terrain it mapped out, upon its release in the winter of 1974, it hit the Top 5 in the album charts on both sides of the Atlantic. In the ensuing years, ’s reputation and stature has continued to grow. Yet at the end of May 1974, following Rick Wakeman’s decision to quit the band, that outcome was by no means certain when the band settled in their rehearsal room to consider their next move.
Morale was low – obviously people were disappointed Rick had gone because he was an important part of the ban.