"Relayer" is the seventh studio album by the English progressive rock band Yes, released in November 1974 by Atlantic Records. After keyboardist Rick Wakeman left the group in May 1974 due to disagreements over the band's direction following their previous double concept album Tales from Topographic Oceans (1973), Yes entered rehearsals as a four-piece in Buckinghamshire. They auditioned several musicians, including Greek keyboardist and composer Vangelis, before settling on Swiss musician Patrick Moraz of Refugee, who brought elements of funk and jazz fusion to the album. Relayer consists of three tracks: "The Gates of Delirium" on side one and "Sound Chaser" and "To Be Over" on side two.
The album received a mixed to positive reception from contemporary and retrospective critics. It reached No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 5 on the US Billboard 200. A single of the closing section of "The Gates of Delirium," titled "Soon," was released in January 1975. After touring in support of the album between November 1974 and July 1975, Yes went on a year-long hiatus. Relayer continued to sell and is certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 500,000 copies in the US. The album was remastered in 2003 and again in 2014, both with previously unreleased tracks; the 2014 edition included new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes and additional material.
In April 1974, the Yes lineup of singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and drummer Alan White finished their 1973–1974 tour in support of Tales from Topographic Oceans. Despite the album's success, Wakeman informed the band of his decision to leave midway through the tour due to his frustration with the band's direction. His departure was made public on June 8, and he resumed his already successful solo career.
With the band reduced to a four-piece, Yes retreated to Farmyard Studios in Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, to begin working on new material. The band began auditioning keyboardists, with several musicians invited to try out, including Jean Roussel, Eddie Jobson, Nick Glennie-Smith, and Vangelis. Anderson, a fan of Vangelis, had met him in Paris months earlier when Yes had been touring Tales from Topographic Oceans. Vangelis agreed to an audition, but the band found him too strong a personality and non-committal about joining. Additionally, his fear of flying and a subsequent rejection by the Musicians Union ended the possibility of his joining Yes.
Following Vangelis' departure from the audition process, manager Brian Lane suggested Patrick Moraz, a Swiss musician and composer with a background in jazz and classical music, as a replacement. Moraz, who had been in the progressive jazz fusion trio Refugee, agreed to audition and soon impressed the band with his skill. Moraz's first task was to create a section for the middle of "Sound Chaser," which he successfully accomplished, and within a day, he was offered the role. Moraz accepted and began recording with the band, working to learn their repertoire and adapt his style to fit their sound.
The album cover was designed and illustrated by English artist Roger Dean, who had worked with the band since 1971. The cover art depicts a giant "gothic" cave or fortified city for military monks, inspired by Dean’s interest in creating the "ultimate castle." Dean had sketched the concept while studying in college. The cover's warriors on horseback correspond with the lyrical themes of war present in "The Gates of Delirium." The album's sleeve includes an untitled four-stanza poem by Donald Lehmkuhl and features a photograph of the band taken by Moraz's former bandmate, Jean Ristori. The album won Best Dressed LP at the 1975 NME Awards. By 2020, the original painting had been sold for $6 million.
Overall, Relayer is noted for its complex structure, intricate arrangements, and Moraz's unique contribution to the band’s sound. It stands as one of the band's most ambitious albums, blending jazz fusion, progressive rock, and elements of classical music.
