Yes- The Gates of Delirium (First Listen)

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Song Link: • Yes - The Gates of Del...

[@davecleggett9371]

If you are not emotionally entranced and moved by this musical masterpiece - you don't have a soul.

[@markrae1317]

The "Soon" ending was played at my best mate's funeral a few years ago. It was his favourite song. I was in absolute pieces.

[@Cescus82]

I prefer Close to the Edge, but I really have to admit that Gates Of Delirium is one of the most incredible musical adventures of the 20th century...... It's total madness...

[@danno5662]

I tend to agree but WOW what music

[@David-iv6je]

I have the same rankings. But kudos to Gates of Delirium: they exercise the compositional discipline in this song that was lacking in Tales from Topographic Oceans. I like Tales, but in every track I could stop you and say, "There. They needed to cut that. It just rambles on too long." Not true here. It all belongs.

[@martinhayward4466]

@@David-iv6je Well said

[@scambammer6102]

GODs lyrics are way better and the concept is more consistent and coherent

[@julianalima7364]

Close to the Edge, the most overestimated album of ALL times!!!

[@photonutz09]

Steve Howe won best overall guitarist 5 years in as row by the readers of Guitar Player magazine. They had to remove him from the ballot! He is definitely one of the greats. If you ever listen to the 3rd movement of Tales From Topographic Oceans Steve really shines

[@yesshows100]

Yup! Steve Howe said his best guitar work is in The Ancient.

[@joelliebler5690]

A Life In Words And Pictures He does unfortunately that album does not being too drawn out much of which had little guidance direction nor crescendo.

[@genestippell1833]

I believe Squire won best bass player 3 or 4 times during the same period as Howe

[@lotswifemusic9965]

Steve Howe cannot be compared to anyone. He is a total badass. An amazing artist.

[@Theodore764]

Took me awhile to like that album and even more that song but once it clicked I loved it

[@scottmcgregor562]

As much as I love Rick Wakeman, with Moraz the sky was no longer the limit. The galaxy was.

[@pabzum]

Well, technically, the galaxy is IN the sky. But I agree with what you mean. I’ve always felt they should’ve worked more together.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

Rick said he was glad he wasn't with the group when they did "Relayer." Well, so am I.

[@ChromeDestiny]

@@porflepopnecker4376 Sometimes I wish Bill Bruford was there for Relayer but that being said I think Alan White's playing on Sound Chaser was a career highlight for him.

[@tomfabozzi5353]

I really love Jon Anderson’s idea for all of the surviving “ YesMen” to come together and tour, playing for 3-4 hours in different configurations, representing most or all versions of the band. That would include Moraz, obviously, and they could play all of Relayer, plus some of the Squire, Moraz and Howe solo albums from that time; which included most of t he then-present and former members in some form or other anyway! But they need to do it as soon as COVID permits, as Jon is 76 and most of the others are over 70

[@uapuat]

Somehow Patrick Moraz was the right choice for this album. His style fit perfectly with Steve Howe. This is Yes at their finest, in my view.

[@synen]

Finally our esteemed host graces us with a masterpiece for the ages. This is not a song this one is a journey of emotions. The ending tests yours sentiments as a human being, caresses your soul in a way few people can.

[@manualboyca]

“...and the magic music makes your morning mood”

[@johngranda3556]

I get goosebumps listening to this song.

[@lawrencemurray839]

We had a saying in the 70"s, you know your stoned when you start to understand Jon Anderson's lyrics

[@andkat]

I've listened to this song thousands of times, but today, I heard it for the first time again. You are doing such a great job!

[@matsk57]

Thank you again far a high quality anslysis of this complex music. I didnt like ”relayer” at all the first time i heard it 46 years ago, it was just too much of everything and topografic i just hated. I think one reason was poor speakers and equipment. 36 years ago these albums was my favorite albums.. I am envious of your ability to understand this complex music at just one listening!

[@katyland1015]

What a wonderful thing to say...

[@paulatB2B]

These reaction videos are all fake! I like the track but the first 4 or 5 times you hear it, it's just noise. Takes a lot of getting into but here you are 'digging it from the word go. Fake, I say!

[@neighborbruce]

@@paulatB2B idk man, JP really gets it. You are certainly right, 80% of reaction videos are just them bobbing their head to the tempo. JP is not one of those guys, and I'd swear to that. Watch his reactions in this video and how he discusses this song afterword, he gets it.

[@operating]

Neighbor Bruce he gives actual analyses. It’s what I would want to do. And he’s doing it. Other reaction videos are too concerned with people watching them. JustJP has got something really cool going on.

[@AzimuthTao]

The "Soon" segment may be one of the most beautiful pieces of Rock music ever.

[@Galahad-hk4bb]

Roundabout hooked me… CTTE … AMAZING !!! GoD takes me to another realm !!!

[@garri5108]

"Soon" part is one of the most beautiful pieces ever. I love it so much. Without this ending I would gave this song 8/10, but with this ending 10/10, easily. Thank you for good content

[@douglindsey1216]

Exactly...but what gives "Soon" so much impact is all that craziness that came before. Each part makes the other part even better

[@steeleye2112]

Could not agree with everyone more about Soon. it has to be one of the most moving, peaceful, hopeful and beautiful pieces of music ever created. Every time it starts the hairs on the back of my neck react and I almost cannot believe how deeply it touches you. I will be forever grateful to Yes for creating all their music but this is just beyond words.

[@crepesoftime]

@@douglindsey1216 "Soon" represents the calm after the battle.

[@nickavenoso7851]

@@steeleye2112 What’s funny to me is that Jon thought that it didn’t translate and sound well on the album and I totally disagree with him. It’s just so beautiful and moving.

[@robertcarr1799]

18 months ago my best friend of 44 years died of, of course, fucking cancer. He was the boy and then the man that introduced me to prog in general and YES in particular. He was devotee, a disciple, a huge fucking fan. His older brother took him to the QPR concert, which is the best version of this wonderful song I've ever heard. The grit and venom in his voice, and let's be honest, two words not usually associated with Jan Onderson are grit and venom, is wondrous(pun intended) to behold. The rest of the band, sorry to reduce them to the rest of the band, but they are in the first half of this song, are magnificent. He loved it all. Before he passed we spoke about the surreality of organising one's own funeral, of the contradiction of wanting to live and still being kind of glad the pain is about to end, of the point and pointlessness of life...All of which this song encompasses for me. This was his favourite song by his favourite band and hearing it has me in tears and yet thinking about him with the smile that this song always brought out of him. Thank you for appreciating it, thank you for making me cry listening to it and thinking about him. Just ,Thank you.

[@JustJP]

Thank you so much for sharing that Robert, and I'm sorry to hear about your best friends passing. Especially someone with whom you have such a strong connection, especially in music. At least the music and the memories you've shared will always be there to look back on with fondness. Hope you have a sunny weekend my friend

[@RayRay-ot5xd]

This song is always a gut punch for me. It came out during a rough time for me, personally and every time I hear it it brings me RIGHT back. Man, it's a devastating song. The anger I hear in it comes through in spades. It hit all my buttons back then, because that's what I was feeling: hate, confusion and rage. Yet that ending. The ending you need when there's a life you need to continue living after a terrible battle. I understand the meaning of the song, but for me, it'll always conjure up deep emotions. It got me through a tough time in my life and I will always hold it close to my heart.

[@Lightmane]

Glad you got through it. I went through hell too. Still moving through it. Wim Hof and meditation have helped a lot.

[@kainajones9393]

@kainajones9393 6 seconds ago Soon oh soon the light...pass within and soothe this endless night.

[@MP-TheNewGuy]

I first heard "Soon" on 9012Live. It was just a 2 minute excerpt. It was nice as I love Jon's voice, but I didn't get the meaning or power of it because I hadn't heard the full song. Several years later, when I was old enough to shop at the used record stores in Tampa, I found Relayer and bought it. I remember being blown away by the chaos of "Gates of Delirium" on the first listen. Then when "Soon" comes in at the end of the song, there was the revelation of familiarity, but the song made sense now as it is a spiritual lifting after going through chaotic hell of the battle in "Gates"

[@keithbk]

The Gates of Delirium is like riding out into a battle, and with each listen, you need to choose which regiment you are going to ride to war with... do you follow along with Chris Squire's bass, or Alan White's drumming? Do you go with Steve Howe's guitars, or Moraz's keyboards? This is one of those songs that offers a near-infinite experience every time you listen to it as there is so much texturing and layering, you have to pick a course upon listening... I still feel Going for the One is a better album, but not by much. I definitely prefer this to Close to the Edge.

[@TheKosmickoz]

The album I would take with me to an island if i could only have one. Relayer

[@glenndespres5317]

Absolutely cannot be comprehended in all its elements on just one listen. So much going on.

[@RayVRoberts]

Alan White doesn't get enough credit for his amazing performance in this song..

[@martinhayward4466]

With respect Going For the One is not in the same league as Relayer

[@MrDuneedon]

This is probably THE best description of this song (and the approach one should take when listening to this song!) that I've ever read.

[@epbeagle4242]

"Slay them burn their children's laughter On to Hell" What a line eh? Time for Tales !!!!!!!!! 4 sides of this majesty +++ IMHO . Agreed on Howe.

[@JustJP]

It really is lol

[@IYAMNI]

"The pen won't stay the demons wings as the hour approaches, pounding out the devils sermon." - love that line.

[@joelliebler5690]

Ed B No Top hit near bottom for me as far as YES’S early works before 1980!

[@halcyon289]

THE live version from Yesshows is the ultimate version of this amazing piece of music The audience go nuts. The Soon section could make the toughest guy emotional. Tears will be shed when you you listen to this version.

[@JustJP]

Looking forward to it😁

[@JamesHowe]

I was at that show. It was awesome. They used lasers fanning out from the stage to great effect at key points in the song, particularly the end.

[@TmRnBn]

The bootleg radio show from Roosevelt Stadium (June 1976) is also great, and un-reprocessed, plus you get Moraz playing on Ritual from Topographic Oceans! Of course, the radio sound guys never knew what was hitting them.

[@Galahad-hk4bb]

Detroit’s Cobo Hall...12,000+ fans reacting just like Justin !!! Great review Justin !!!

[@jpirard]

@@TmRnBn I was there

[@psbarrow]

At last! The best song you've heard from YES? Agreed, and I've been listening to them since 1972. Plus my favourite prog. rock song. Kudos and love.

[@JustJP]

Ty Barrow!

[@johnauston480]

Same here. Saw Yes in concert 3 times, including the Gates tour.

[@johngranda3556]

Yes's most underrated album! I think it's their finest album! Thanks for getting to it JustJP.

[@direnova6284]

Agreed, also my favourite cover. Jon called it a grey cover, I disagree. Jon! it's a silver cover with dashes of white gold.

[@JustJP]

Thank YOU for being here with me

[@markrae1317]

Utter garbage! This album isn't underrated in the slightest! Who do you know who thinks this album is rubbish?

[@magicalmystery1964]

@@markrae1317 actually, I know quite a few ‘Yes’ fans who don’t like this. Most of them are Wakeman disciples, which, frankly, I am not. I have never understood their undying devotion to him. He was never really dedicated to Yes. He came and went at his whim and didn’t really care about the other members or the music. Just another gig to him. They see this as an insult. Sort of like what a lot of people feel about Drama, which is tied with Fragile, and the Yes Album as my favorite Yes album to date. 90125 was also hated by what I have termed the ‘Yes snobs’.

[@nickavenoso7851]

@@magicalmystery1964 Yeah. It seems like many Yes don’t want to accept anything that doesn’t feature Wakeman. Wakeman is a master keyboardist, but it’s just show that he’s not always needed to make great music and it seems like that’s what those snobs don’t want to believe. Drama and Relayer are both some of my favorite Yes albums. Relayer actually being my favorite Yes album ever. People put down the Rabin mainly due to Howe being gone, but also due to Wakeman being gone and to me I find the music great even without Howe and Wakeman and I think Rabin added some new energy to the band. Just my opinion of course. I agree on your point about those people being “Yes snobs”. I have had many interactions with people on the Yes Facebook Group, who say that I’m not a real Yes fan because I like the Rabin era. What I don’t understand is that that is Yes music and if I like it…I like it. That’s my taste. It’s funny how they say that. It also funny how I say my favorite Yes album is Relayer and they go off on a whole tangent on how it’s a heap of garbage because Wakeman isn’t on it and all of this other stuff. Just makes me annoyed. It seems like I’m more of a real Yes fan than they are. I love Wakeman, but they made some incredible music without him. Yes (1969), Time and A Word, The Yes Album, Relayer, Drama, Magnification, The Ladder, Fly From Here. All great. And guess what? None of them feature Wakeman on keys.

[@pinkraven4402]

I love how this song untill the break is just rising chaos. Like, it's dense at the start but then it just adds and adds to itself creating a battlefield of sound which relates to the lyrics so well. And the ending is like suite of angels and souls of the fallen soldiers calmly walking through the battle ashes in the shafts of the sunrise. Would you agree? Haha

[@JustJP]

I would 100% agree

[@theAsterisk]

Actually, I get that sense of calm and serenity from the Symphonic Live arrangement with the orchestra, but the album recording of "Soon" is so stark by comparison, that it comes across to me as (emotionally) strained, as if someone who has just gone through that battle is desperately trying to reassure themselves that it's over, and it'll be better soon, just so they can get up and walk away from the carnage and the sty.

[@glenndespres5317]

Yes

[@Whiteshirtloosetie]

Because we know what is happening, it's so great sharing the experience as like watching someone opening a present looking at the beaming reaction on your face that leaves a big smile.

[@159awi]

The ending would not have the same impact without the beginning. It's the reward for suffering the delirium.

[@JustJP]

And how wonderful it is

[@kevinburke5463]

The high priests of prog rock at their best.

[@Magnetron33]

There has never been a song like this. It is completely unique!

[@stevecraig6651]

I'm 60 years old and live in Scotland. In 1975 aged 15 I bought the LP Relayer and it changed my life. It opened my mind to what music could be. Gates of Delirium took me to musical places I didn't know existed. Yes, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Black Sabbath etc formed my musical tastes for the rest of my life. It makes me happy and inspires me when I see young people such as yourself discover this amazing music. it confirms to me that these musicians were truly great artists and that I'm not simply being nostalgic. Well done. Keep up the good work.

[@JustJP]

Thanks so much for watching and enjoying Steve!

[@direnova6284]

Apart from the Scotland bit(Essex) I could have written this :)

[@felipegalindo1313]

My last memory of my Dad and Mom together smiling at each other perhaps remembering some distant concert in the past (they were kind of hippies) just before they divorced...was when Soon came up on the radio. Long ago when radios used to play this.

[@johng.8517]

YES is my favorite group and this is my favorite song. I totally agree with your reaction. I've listened to this a thousand times since the 70's and never get tired of it. I put it on while I'm doing the elliptical in the gym and it gives me energy and just blows my mind every time. Also makes the workout go by faster. You've already listened to Close to the Edge (which is my second favorite) as well as Awaken, Turn of the Century, and I assume Roundabout. You can try "The Revealing Science of God" if you haven't hear it yet. That's another good one. I've got most of their albums and there's not one song I don't like. There will never be another band like YES. I've seen them at least a dozen times starting in the mid 70's when they played on a round rotating stage (In the Round) in Philadelphia. I hope more people discover their music.

[@pinkraven4402]

Watching your faces at the "Soon" section was proceless haha 😂 I love you man

[@markjohnson4217]

It is surprising how Close to the Edge was accepted and immediately granted masterpiece status, but because with Tales from Topographic Oceans, they lost some momentum, THIS piece was appreciated, but not given the same adulation. I always had a hard time deciding which was their ultimate epic. If you want MORE OF THIS, then you can handle Tales from Topographic Oceans. This is a double album of FOUR epics!! The Revealing Science of God The Remembering The Ancient Ritual The two strongest are "The Revealing Science of God and Especially " RITUAL.. This is the one that I feel ranks with Close to the Edge and "Gates..

[@griffinconaway732]

Tales is a very conflicting album for me. I regard the first two epics as masterpieces, but the second two as hot garbage.

[@shyshift]

I agree Mark Johnson. Tales From Topographic Oceans went over the edge before Relayer. To me it’s also a masterpiece and Justin if you decide to take the plunge please play all 4 epics in succession without placing other artists in between. It is like Genesis-The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway it must be heard from start to finish or you’ll be lost.

[@jonnykhatru]

I gather that a lot of fans at the time were very dismissive of the band continuing without Wakeman, which is very strange in hindsight since he'd only played on 3/6 of the previous Yes albums!

[@sjsrse]

I truly believe Close to the Edge was a masterpiece because of Rick Wakeman's contribution and more likely the superb drumming of Bill Bruford. He's on a planet of his own with respect to prog drumming.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

The "Roundabout" single is what got me into Yes, but "Tales From Topographic Oceans" is what made me love them.

[@johnbarrett4846]

I went to see Rainbow in 1983 age 16, in the tour program some members mentioned Yes as an influence, first concert etc as a Blackmore fanatic i figured if guys in Rainbow thought they were good i should check them out. I'd already heard Jon and Vangelis and Owner of a lonely heart on the radio but...new years day 1984 i asked my big sisters boyfriend if he'd heard of Yes? He went out to his car and gave me a cassette of Going for the one. Been a fan ever since.

[@wideawakeinotown]

what's always amazed me about Yes is not only were they able to write and play something like this, they performed it even better live. the best live band ever!

[@aliturralde1961]

When I was a teenager, I had a band that we used to write heavy rock with (around 1978) and I remember one of the guys bought Relayer... We listened to it in the dark, lying on the floor, and when the Soon part (The Gates of Delirium), we opened the window and the light illuminated our faces...we were crying... Keep in mind, this was in Uruguay, where rock news hardly reached, except for a single rock radio program that it was called "Youth Meridian", one hour a day. Months after this, the arrival in our country of the album "Going for the one" was announced. I bought it without having heard anything about it, and we repeated the operation: listening to it in the dark in my room with the guys from the band. When we finished listening to "Awaken", all shocked by what we heard, we came to the conclusion that this was the pinnacle of symphonic rock progression. We weren't wrong, because the 80's arrived and everything was already below this level reached both in composition and execution of the instruments. Steve Howe is one of the most underrated guitarrists in rock history, ranking above many who are supposedly famous. THANK YOU Y E S, for having allowed me to make contact with my inner self when I was very young... Sometimes I feel sorry for all these teenagers who believe that rock began with them...

[@JeromeDukes]

Wow, that was truly amazing. I felt like is watched a motion picture on the big screen with my ears. Not knowing the theme of the song was based on war, I was left with a blank canvas to create my own motion picture. My mind was conjuring images of car chases, fighter jets, I even thought of Indiana Jones during the faster movement in the song. I thought of oceans, space, flight/soaring during the slower movement in the song. I would tend to agree, this has to be the best song by Yes, I've heard. Given the opportunity for multiple listens, I feel this song just might be one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. Great reaction, I felt the same way trying to contain my enthusiasm for the song. I never considered Howe as one of my favorite guitarist, but his guitar on this song touched me.

[@jaybird4093]

DukesRocks Steve Howe was one of my guitar heroes. I spent many hours trying to learn his licks.

[@JustJP]

It's quite amazing isnt it?! Really glad you enjoyed it Dukes, love the visuals!

[@JeromeDukes]

@@jaybird4093 He's definitely one of the greats but will the recent reactions to Yes, I've been appreciating him more. Wait, you play guitar as well?

[@JeromeDukes]

@@JustJP My God, crazy good.

[@timothybessemer7316]

What you say about Steve Howe on guitar is an opinion that may be shared by no less than "Guitar Player Magazine". He is elite, having been given guitarist of the year 5 times in a row. Squire on bass yes he is amazing. White on percussion and Moraz on keyboards adds yet more. The musical artistry in this song and with this combination of players is amazing. The players are all instrumentally amazing. With that, the transition from cacophany to a more melodious feel is easier with all the talent assembled. Personally i do not understand how the players individually are so overlooked. Howe? Squire? White? Moraz? Anderson his usual amazing self. . . . incredible compilation! By the way, great review also. Thanks for taking the time and being so open to this piece.

[@michaelyork4554]

EPIC MASTERPIECE

[@redlioness6627]

The Gates of Delerium is like the most harrowingly painful accident and incident ever possible happening "to you" all in about a fifteen minute period of time, it is excruciatingly difficult to handle and you are so injured and in total agony, and then.... "Soon" begins to take a hold of you like the most eagerly anticipated and begged for anaesthetic that leaves you floating painlessly free of all torment and that makes THE WHOLE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE" well worth the sufferance.

[@steveobrien9937]

Figured you'd love this one Justin.It's beautiful. This, Awaken and Close usually trade off on Yes fan's lists as the best Yes epic...or all around epic. Close is still my all time...due mostly to the powerful cascade of vocals at the end, but this has a more slow , flowing ,soul crushing ending. The "Soon" section is my idea of sonic paradise. I know they're a lot of work, but if you get in the "Yes Epic" mood again..."The Revealing Science of God" still awaits you ( which has also topped a few lists). A great album to feature is The Yes Album...not a bad track to be found there. Great reaction and don't forget Jethro Tulls Thick as a Brick!...Cheers from Canada!

[@jnbraga67]

First Yes "song" I've ever heard when I was 13. I've never landed since. Still in the outer limits of the universe. Best prog rock journey ever created!!

[@jonnykhatru]

"Soon" used to be my favourite part of this song but as time went on I became more and more enamoured with the first part and in the end the instrumental middle section is my favourite! It's just so wild and full of ideas.

[@relayerdave]

The musicianship here is astounding all around. But Chris Squire was other-worldly on this song. Listen again, and focus on Chris...it's amazing.

[@markmaxwell1013]

"Yes over the edge." Great line. I was one of those people occasionally bugging you about this song to complete the album. Nice to hear new ears listening to music like this. All I can think about though is how satisfying it feels to easily pop open a can of pickles the wife can't🙂

[@JustJP]

Haha, thank you so much Mark

[@edcorn4351]

Your comment at 24:36 is spot on. Even if the buildup to the "Soon" portion were not great (which it is), it would be worth "enduring" just to get to that last part. Almost always I am in tears before Anderson's voice comes in. Cheers!

[@yesshows100]

21 minutes and 52 seconds that feels like 10 seconds! Have listened to this 10,000 times.

[@WarrenCromartie2]

This is a crazy piece of music, that took me some time to get my head round. I never really took to Relayer until relatively recent years. It has moments of great beauty and of course all the usual dazzling musicianship you'd expect , and on some levels it could be seen as the album where the Yes formula really came together, despite the lack of Rick Wakemen. It's great, but I really have to be in the mood for all that noise, Lol It's also Alan White's best album IMO.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

I think one big reason "Relayer" is so innovative and brilliantly creative is BECAUSE of the lack of Rick Wakeman. I loved Rick and still do, but he did not want to go where the others in the band were going at the time.

[@robertjewell9727]

Your analysis improved my initial reaction to a great degree. My first time hearing it as well. Initially passages of this work had me elevated with amazing chordal combinations, complex chord passages like Em7sus9 to a Gmaj7 with D dorian bridges both in the upper and lower registers and then I felt like Patrick Moraz and Chris Squire and Alan White and that Steve Howe pushed me off a high rocky cliff and said climb back up when you hit the bottom. Then Jon Anderson gets all meaningful and angelic. But like I said your insights really made me appreciate it more even though my first impression was that it was a crazy mess. You have made me want to get this album and take a drive with it. Maybe up to Montreal when the border opens. That's a great drive for listening to unfamiliar works.

[@JustJP]

Thank you so much for enjoying that along with me Robert, glad you enjoyed it

[@richdisilvio4591]

Robert Jewell -- I'll admit, that when I first heard this piece, when it was first released in 1974, I was in shock. I didn't know what to make of it. But I knew it was like stepping into a 4th dimension. It was like nothing else on Earth. It was that radical. Back then it broke thru the ceiling, and many didn't understand it, just as you don't. If you only listened to it once, I strongly suggest you try again, take a long drive and let it seep in... it's a sublime masterpiece that I've had the good fortune of living with for several decades. And I had the ultimate honor of designing a Yes album cover some years ago for (Re)Union. Enjoy!

[@erikmeulenbeld6637]

Relayer - 1974 - me 15 years old, Yes (and Genesis) fan since 1971. I remember me listening this album then. Parents were worried. Me listening at my attick room hours and hours to this music. I listened "the Gates of Delirium" 5 times after each other. One for the song as a whole. Then each time listening really focussed on one of the instruments. That is how Yes works: it seems like every instrument is playing it's own part, but it blends so well. Me 60 now and me enjoying you enjoying Yes :)

[@JustJP]

Thats the way to listen!😄 glad you enjoyed it

[@jmorra]

Oh dear. I too am 60 and I listened to this album the same way. And I saw the tour with Peter Frampton, Gary Wright and Gentle Giant. What a strange combo! By the time Yes came to the stage, everyone was a bit exhausted because of Frampton, who was on third, and " Frampton Comes Alive" was the biggest record in the world at the time. Then Yes came out, and all of the Frampton fans were unhappy. Not I!

[@Rowenband]

Aha. At last. I'm curious to see your comments and reaction. My favorite album and maybe favorite Yes song (well that changes according to my mood and period). When the melody of Soon appears I have tears in my eyes. I remember, I was in college when I listened to that and wanted to understand what the song was about. I asked my english teacher, but she was confused and couldn't or wouldn't translate the lyrics for me. Now listening to your comments and analyze. I agree Soon is maybe the most beautiful song in rock music. And concerning Moraz. I agree, that's their best line-up. Yes 45 years later, I still discover details in that song. When that came out, it was a shock for me. I already knew Close to the edge but this was something else.

[@adamborth1973]

You have to hear Lonestar! I'm not talking about the country style Band, but the prog,Welsh band from the 70$ ,an album called Firing on all Six,.. please try to find it,and if you do, and listen, you would be more of the legend you already are, such a great unknown album/band !!

[@groovytemple]

When I was at that age and I played this over and over I was reading the Hobbit books. This song gave life to the battles and I always had it going as background music when I would read those parts and now the story and this album are intertwined in my brain and I can't hear one without thinking of the other...still🤯

[@Seb_Sebastian]

Gates of Delirium is in the top 3 of Prog Rock History and one of the best songs in modern music. 👍👍👍

[@jeffmartin1026]

The only other LP that comes close to this (IMHO) is Thick As A Brick by Jethro Tull. I saw Yes on this tour, absolutely the loudest, best balanced concert I have ever been to. Seeing them do this song/LP live was amazing. There was a full stage screen behind them and during the 'battle" sequence it was just a wall of flames.

[@benjaminsisko387]

What a masterpiece. I painted my house with an iPod playing this over and over. It went by like butter.

[@JustJP]

A great way to pass the time :D

[@derekmeade6350]

Delighted that you like this superb song. Agree with everything that you said: now listen to the whole album in sequence and you’ll start to love Sound Chaser too! Hope you have a go at Tales from Topographic Oceans: it contains my personal favourite from Yes, The Revealing Science of God Great video by the way 👍

[@JamesHowe]

My first major concert experience was seeing Yes at Cobo Arena in 1976. I did not own the Relayer album at the time and this was the first time I had heard 'Gates of Delirium'. The live performance of this piece was amazing. During the concert, Yes used lasers that would shoot out into the crowd. They aimed high, but we were sitting in the upper level of Cobo, so the lasers came up to us and when combined with the smoke (back then, smoking was allowed inside) it created the appearance of a solid ramp of color all the way down to the stage. They told us at the time that they were recording the show, but it wasn't until many years later that the recording appeared on the Yesshows album. It was a great concert. We liked it so much, we purchased tickets for the second show in Detroit and got to enjoy it all again. Listening to this piece today really brings back fond memories. Hard to believe it was so long ago.

[@JustJP]

That's the kind of experience I love to read, ty for that

[@olabergvall3154]

I first heard this when I was 16, in 1985. I've always wondered about how you even think to write music like this, let alone arrange and perform it. Also, about Yes in general: How can music this complicated still be so totally accessible? That to me is the genius of the band...

[@JustJP]

Exactly!

[@mcouzijn]

"How can music this complicated still be so totally accessible? That to me is the genius of the band..." Nicely said. I've been wondering about that since 1977, when YES got into me, a thirteen year old. YES music sounded so unusual, so off-beat, so complicated and weird to my young ears - yet I could not explain why I liked it so much - then came to totally love it. Still do. Call me stupid, but I only discovered many years later that the heart of the matter is that they were always able to play their music live. YES isn't a studio band. YES isn't built on carefully synthesized sounds, audio landscapes, special effects, tons of multitracks. YES is a true band, made of awfully gifted musicians, and their music has always passed the "sure, but can we pull this off live?" filter. Surely, their music has a thousand faces, and it can lift you up, get you down, bring you to tears or to moments of bliss, and it can rock your socks off - but the makers will remain the essence of rock music: they're a band on a stage. Five guys doing their very best, individually and together. Very compact. I think that is why their complicated music remains so accessible. It is a few guys getting together. It is human. It is real.

[@32anna2538]

These were the right 5 musicians for these songs. Don't want to hear about anyone else.

[@marcgus25]

Well I don't know what to say! I have to admit that the first time I heard this song I was stunned how different it was from their previous albums. That being said it did take a couple of listens to fully fall in love with it. Now 45 years later it still gives me goosebumps and tears at the same time! I'm so glad that I turned you on to Turn of the Century and turn you into the Yes fan you have become. Now if you are game enough to do "Tales". One thing you must do is songs from The Yes Album. On that album you start to see how their music starts to go towards there epic pieces. Justin thanks for doing this! I will be requesting some more songs in the future! Thanks again buddy!

[@TacomaPaul]

Thank you, and Thank You, and THANK YOU for never interrupting this song !!! So many other KZbinrs interrupt...... Again... thanks so much.

[@JustJP]

Absolutely Paul! Ty for watching!

[@bdcosmo]

You got it! Not very many did on first listen. Relayer is my favorite Yes album. Along with all the others, but... :)

[@richdisilvio4591]

RELAYER was when Yes was "Galvanized in Molten Titanium" as I say. It was their hardest and hottest album and the pinnacle of Prog rock. -- So glad to see younger people learning about Yes and especially this masterpiece. I'll never forget my first listen when the album was released in 1974. Mind blowing! Adrenaline pumped. Outstanding in every way. And "Soon" is simply transcending, ethereal, sublime. Perfection.

[@JustJP]

100% agreed!

[@richdisilvio4591]

@@JustJP FYI Here's my review of RELAYER made some time ago... dvbooks.net/yesrelayer Great Album!

[@operating]

There is nothing like this anywhere. It sits on its own. I can mention other bands of course, but the escalation and turmoil and power and energy in this song is original. Nothing like it anywhere. It is alone in its own special place among many other amazing Yes songs.

[@johnnyquest6115]

The live version of this song on the Yesshows album is absolutely astounding. This is also the song that gave YES the ultimate street cred in the progressive rock movement, to come out with an album like Relayer after all they did it's almost God-like. They created everything from the YES Album on and because of that they're and have always been my all-time favourite band!

[@jaybird4093]

This song is a clinic on Howe to play the guitar. There are so many epic guitar lines that I’ll just say my favorite runs from 1:24 to 23:11. The song is also a clinic for bass... keys... voice... drums... effects... composition... etc. GoD was my favorite Yes song for years but I listened to it so much that it eventually dropped to #2. It's back on top after today! Thanks, JP! PS - I had man-tears in my eyes throughout your reaction

[@johncase2408]

Yes! Howe Unleashed!

[@JeromeDukes]

@Jaybird - Loved the man-tears comment. Hell yeah Howe. and Squire killed on this track

[@thegreypigeon]

Today you showed why you are the best reviewer on youtube. Your musical knowledge is tremendous, always honest ,always willing to try new genres. This track did split fans because it's so in your face.. That's why I love it even after all these years and the ending is sublime..but treat yourself to the live version from Yesshows..then onto Ritual

[@spongo]

Jon Anderson is a spiritual guide. Go ahead and cry.

[@KurtRichterCISSP]

You're allowed to weep when consulting a priest

[@cadencooper1828]

I love how he expresses his spirituality without being preachy

[@ProgBartleby]

I was a taper in the 70's. I brought my gear to the Providence Yes 1976 show but their were signs at every turnstile saying "No cameras or audio equipment allowed". So I brought my gear back to the car. I saw Yes perform many times in the decade of the 70's including all the Relayer tours. Their 1976 tour was their best...and to this day...that concert remains the greatest arena rock concert that I ever attended. It was a sonic and visual whirl through the universe. Gates was on an other worldly level. I only wish I had an aud of it. It would have been a classic. Luckliy is was captured in Detriot....Cobo Hall...a fantastic soundboard recording...that you have to listen to. It's on youtube. They had played Gates so many times ....by 76 they were a well oiled machine...and they played on fire!

[@mattpf3886]

This is definitely the best Yes song in my opinion. You should react to Ritual next, my second favorite 20 minute epic by the band which sounds very much like the brother/sister to The Gates of Delirium !

[@CarlosPT-hb6zb]

Like you, we stay with no words.. with this music, namely from 17.30 minute till the end, we can attempt paradise. If paradise exists, this is a way to him. I remember perfectely where I was, with whom I was, and when I heard this music for the very first time on the 70's. Now I´m 70 years old. with yhis music and some few others, I can only be extremely proud of my 60's and 70's generation!!!! We changed the word in everything, not only in music...

[@ramoncardinali]

This is my top Yes song. The "soon oh soon" part is one of the most beautiful and majestic pieces of music i've ever heard. (just watched your commentary and you said exactly the same thing hahahaha)

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

So true. "Soon" just SLAYS the listener.

[@TheMartyheredia]

Thanks for not interrupting the song. YES is my favorite band only with Jon Anderson up front. Keep listening to their albums and I'll be here.

[@timbarnes3728]

Man you’ve gotta do Tales now! Four beautiful, beauuutiful spiritual pieces of music

[@geeman1293]

Again, you get it, JustJP! Gates happens to be my fav Yes song, a hard choice considering their entire catalog. I’ve always believed it was/is spectacular because they’d lost Wakeman and Bruford, and fresh members certainly DO inspire and existing group. That and the thrilling opportunity to blow their fanbase/critics' minds who were dubious of this new Yes incarnation, no doubt. And, INDEED, I keep hearing new things... 45 years later! The years have shown me how Yes is distinguished for having taken risks, with finesse. Jon was like a conductor who got amazingly talented steeds to ride hard in an organized way without crushing their spirits/voices - an extremely rare combination! What amazes me about you, JP, is how much you get out of complex music, such as this, ON THE FIRST LISTEN! Keep doin’ wut yer doin!’

[@Lizard-of-Oz]

This might sound strange. I live near S. Barbara CA, there are hills, beaches, vineyards, and lots of strawberry fields. When I travel to L.A. I always like to play this song when I'm about to enter the city traffic, specially when the song gets intense. In my subconscious fits really well. It gets me to the mood, cuz going into L.A. traffic seems as a battle field to try to beat it. This is the best Yes Album in my opinion! Emerson Lake and Palmer Trilogy and Pictures at an Exhibition also my travel faves. The Song Remains the Same by Led Zeppelin too

[@hubbsllc]

It's not my favorite (that just might be THE LADDER but not by much) but it's brilliant, and every once in a while I've got to hear it.

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

There is nothing like this in the world. Can you imagine the level of genius that created this?! Its so exquisite, powerful and stunningly original, I am always shaken to the core and can't catch my breath after a listen. If you feel choked up and sort of paralyzed in time after a listen, that's completely normal. Our brains aren't used to this level of brilliance.

[@JustJP]

Haha exactly! Beyond comprehension

[@johngranda3556]

It's a masterpiece!

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

Now this is the Classic Music of Great Prog musicians, writing and concepts. An Epic Prog Masterpiece !!! Jon Anderson's War & Piece !! Fantastic to the very last note ! 🎵 Justin this is what drew me to your reaction site, the way "You" do it !!! : D Lol reading my old post to you Justin, we've come a long way !! 🎶🎼🦗👍

[@richardtodd6843]

I can't think of any piece of music in any genre that comes close to this in musically describing warfare.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Emperor in his Warroom, VDGG....Suppers Ready, Genesis...War Pigs - Black Sabbath...But, I feel ya!

[@JustJP]

Right?! It's very unique

[@cmbestkey8114]

Us And Them

[@Raiderblack]

Imagine this... it was the first Yes song I ever heard when I bought this album in the mid 70s... It's still my favorite song of all time. Those bass lines are monsterous! Never gets old!

[@Leonhavenify]

You should react to The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.

[@dantaylor98dt]

I second this, incredible!!

[@steveobrien9937]

@@dantaylor98dt I third this lol

[@minty_Joe]

@Sebastian Already did it.

[@minty_Joe]

I also agree. You can't just hear one track without finishing the whole album.

[@joelliebler5690]

Leon Haven Agreat one!

[@Magnetron33]

Absolutely one of their most powerful compositions. Squires part is just otherworldly. Love this song!

[@Magnetron33]

Even better live

[@michaelhernandez6446]

Now listen to 'The Gates of Delirium', off of their Live Album, 'Yesshows',..... it will STILL somehow exceed this Glow you are bathing in. Congrats on getting this far, and with some of us Fans of 'Yes' for the past 50 years, we now get to reencounter 'Yes' anew through you of a newer Generation.

[@JustJP]

Ty Michael!

[@porflepopnecker4376]

I still much prefer the studio version.

[@bdcosmo]

I concur. The live version on YesShows is definitive. Such energy...

[@ljsites]

I am so glad that someone as young as you can fully appreciate this music that is a half century old, but then great music is timeless..I wish more people would ‘get it’ like you do.

[@JustJP]

Thanks LJ!

[@hklinker]

Yes fans love seeing other Yes fans in places like this, and especially seeing new Yes fans made. It is deeply personal music and Justin, you seem to get it. You picked up all sorts of things on your first listen. I recommend the live show from 1975 on video (Queen’s Park Rangers). There were issues with the way it was recorded but the problem is only there on certain songs, and you’ll see Steve Howe at his blistering best. It’s probably the band at its peak, although it is Moraz and not Wakeman so some people may not agree. Is there a woman among anyone who has posted here? Are there ever any on Yes songs?

[@iluvpepi]

A Yes fangirl here since 1980! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Ashamed to say that I finally listened to the whole album recently. I’ve heard only “Soon” from one of their greatest hits albums when I was in my 20’s. I loved it but was hesitant to listen to the rest of the album. I’m glad that I finally wised up. Forever Yes!

[@TheKosmickoz]

Moraz has more range than Rick. I love seeing him live.

[@hklinker]

I’ve also left some Yes still to be explored, so don’t be ashamed. One of these days, I’ll really give Tales the time that so many of the faithful says it deserves (it has never grabbed me and pulled me in). Re: the Soon edit. When I saw the show on the 1979 tour, Gates was played from the end of the battle. They put it in a medley and picked it up right after the drum beats slow to a crawl.

[@iluvpepi]

“Tales...” is another one that I need to discover. I watched the yes years video and heard how would cause so much turmoil within the band. I guess that kind of scared me into believing that the music wasn’t so great. I’m ready to give it a listen though.

[@WooBino.]

@@iluvpepi Reveling Science of God. and Ritual . The two best of the four. enjoy. LMK

[@Lightmane]

And already you've got over 100 comments. Wow. Ok, I'll try to keep this short then. I made a list of my top 40 favorite pieces of prog rock music, that's over 8 minutes in length (with 1 exception), with the keyword being 'favorite', as in 'favorite to listen to'. Gates is currently #16. Close to the Edge is #1. I've always gone back and forth with this piece, from loving it to just liking it, because it sounded kind of all over the place at times, messy, but as I listened to it now, while watching you listen to it and clearly seeing how much you were loving it, for whatever reason it took on a whole new meaning for me. 40+ years later and I'm hearing this masterpiece all over again in a whole new light? I don't know how much that's a tribute to how brilliant the music of YES is, or how much I thoroughly enjoyed, for whatever reason, watching you hear it for the first time. I could see you were deeply moved and I was too. This is the most enjoyable listen I've ever had with this piece, so thank you Justin, and your talk afterwards was also brilliant, as it usually is. Ok, I'm clearly blowing up your ego now, so I'll stop, lol : )

[@nealeger8154]

If you get to "Tales From Topographic Oceans" be prepared. It can be like drinking from a fire hose....um, in a good way.

[@ontherun9510]

A Masterpiece ! Good review! I went back to the first time I heard it...44 years ago! Good memories!

[@MistinIndia]

I saw that you posted this video and just said to myself: damn now I HAVE to watch a 45 min reaction video! Now it's only The Revealing science of god left for you to do! 😜

[@JustJP]

Haha! Hope you enjoyed it!

[@MistinIndia]

@@JustJP I did! Well worth the time as always! Keep up the good work!

[@jameszillweger6926]

I was a relatively new Yes fan who attended my first Yes concert during the Relayer tour. That concert solidified them as my all-time favorite band!

[@johnpbh]

Steve Howe and Chris Squire OWNED this track..... and the build up and release in the middle.. so many good parts... Still one of my favourite Yes albums without the wonderful Rick. A little Relayer story - 4 of us were together listening to this album and 2 of my friends decided to have a half tab of encoragement... my friend and I spent the next 5 hours watching them giggle.

[@martinrixx1672]

Hey there. I'm a new member and I'm totally impressed by your review of my favorite Yes album. I saw them in 1975 and they played ,,The Gates of Delirium". It was so awesome! The section where Alan White plays that intense drum part was where the lights and lasers flashed so intensely. It was just phenomenal. Sound Chaser was just as great# Side note; Gentle Giant was the opening band.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

I remember the critics savaging this album at the time. "Going For The One" seemed to be Yes' attempt to reel themselves in and regain critical and fan acceptance, especially with the return of stodgy Rick Wakeman who had fled the group when they were entering their most experimental and progressive period (he reportedly hated "Tales From Topographic Oceans" and his idea of being experimental never went beyond playing church organ on a rock album) that climaxed with "Relayer." This album was the pinnacle of their progressive creativity, and everything after that was a devolution.

[@katyland1015]

I agree with everything you said, except the stodgy part. I LOVE Rick Wakeman, and I believe his days with Yes, were their best days. Patrick Moraz does an incredible job on Relayer, so I am not knocking him in the least. You are most definitely right, about the devolution...

[@porflepopnecker4376]

@@katyland1015 I loved and still love Rick as well, especially his classic albums with Yes, but he just wanted to tread water musically and didn't want to go to the kinds of places the rest of the band were headed to with "Relayer." Rick's idea of crazy experimentation was "Cans and Brahms" and grandiose adaptations of old English legends and Jules Verne novels. Patrick Moraz' was "The Story of i."

[@wendellwiggins2900]

Again it's great to hear your spot-on reaction to this. Just hung out with Jon and wife at his daughter's Photo Exhibit. and needed to hear YES at their peak. LOVE your perfect comprehension of how incredibly phenomenal they are. It took all of strength not to overwelm Jon with Love . Gates was the pinnacle of intense bliss. Not crying isn't an option when hearing this. It's almost too much.

[@gelsol]

I'll make the argument that the live version on YesShows is better, as well as every song on there being more energetic than it's studio counterpart. If Bruford were on Gates, locking in with Squire, this might be their greatest achievement, but Close to the Edge still takes the cake. Regardless, I get up, I GET DOWN.

[@carlosmachucabustamante2965]

Agree with you my friend!!!!..

[@jimhardiman3836]

PROG HEAVEN! Yes at their absolute pinnacle! Moraz's keyboards really brought a unique sound palette to the band. He's definitely not a Rick Wakeman clone. Like you said, Yes had gone over the edge with Relayer, and I think you could say the same thing about Topographic Oceans. But whereas Topographic sounded like it was carrying some baggage, Relayer feels fresh, vibrant and unique. And Alan White owns this album! Great reaction JP! I think you said it all. Who would have thought that Yes would still be gaining new fans in 2020? Now go out and get a copy of Yesshows. The live versions of Gates and Ritual are excellent.

[@brumleyhall]

"Tales from Topographic Oceans" has been maligned over the years, but I think you will find it awesome! Go there next.

[@bobholtzmann]

Back when Tales was released, there was a great review of it on BBC radio, with a full preview. But then the Rolling Stone's album reviewer gave it 2 1/2 stars, mostly out of ignorance, and in that same issue, another reviewer gave an album by a punk band the New York Dolls 4 1/2 stars. Today, hardly nobody ever listens to the New York Dolls.

[@katyland1015]

@@bobholtzmann I always think about Ellsworth Toohey, in "The Fountainhead," when I read something like this. He would have given The New York Dolls 5 stars, and Tales ZERO! It is all part of what I call "The Ugly is Beautiful Movement." Yes was one of the most beautiful bands of all time.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

Rolling Stone critics, as well as many others of the time, were anti-prog jackasses.

[@bobholtzmann]

@@porflepopnecker4376 I used to be afraid to read their review of the latest John Lennon album. In those days they seemed to gonzo on just about anything, perhaps because Mr. Fear and Loathing Himself, Hunter S. Thompson, was writing for them. And the rest of them, I think, were on the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@roddmcleodable]

I am huge Yes fan who first saw them at age 16 on the Big Generator Tour, then the ABWH tour, then the Union tour... Loved almost everything they did. I never listened to Topographic Oceans because everyone said how bad it was. I didn't listen to it until I was..... 46 years old, and sometimes, Revealing Science of God my favorite Yes song. It's just spilling over with great riffs, melodies, ideas.... If you like Close to the Edge or Relayer, you're gonna like Revealing Science of God. Not sure why it was so hated. Overlooked for sure.

[@michaelbeerbados3291]

Close To The Edge, Awaken, Gates...I won't pick a favorite among my children. These are not 3 of Yes's greatest songs. These are 3 of the greatest songs ever RECORDED.

[@groovytribemedia9231]

Around the 18:30 mark. You were gone. THAT look was me when I first heard it way back in the day. Except I dragged the needle right back to the beginning and listened to it again. Greatness.

[@nikelodeon6852]

This is a masterpiece but there are other epics of theirs that are ignored because they're from the 90's albums. Mind Drive and That That is In are equally amazing. Even if no one else suggests it, react to it or hear it in your own time. You won't regret it.

[@karitane]

Believe me, it is a real joy after listening to Yes for 50 years to watch your joy x

[@JustJP]

Ty!