Animation cover

Animation

Jon Anderson · 1982

57 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of ethereal melodies and complex arrangements that push the boundaries of progressive rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Animation — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its sprawling arrangement and intricate harmonies, highlighting Anderson's visionary approach to music-making.
  • →
    Surrender — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics and emotive delivery, blending ethereal sounds with a compelling message about acceptance and peace.
  • →
    All Gods Children — A rich tapestry of vocal layers and spiritual themes, this song showcases Anderson’s ability to weave profound messages into captivating melodies.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • ethereal melodies for reflection
  • wave-like pacing and flow
  • immersive listening experience
  • thoughtful exploration of themes

Maybe skip if you

  • seeks instant gratification
  • prefers standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1982, Animation marked Jon Anderson's first solo effort after his tenure with Yes, showcasing his distinct sound apart from the band. At this point, he was navigating a transition from collaborative work to establishing his individual artistic identity, following the band's successful albums in the 1970s.
Stylistic neighbors
Steve Hackett· Rick Wakeman· Camel

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Olympia 4:57
  • 2 Animation 9:09
  • 3 Surrender 3:53
  • 4 All in a Matter of Time 3:08
  • 5 Unlearning (The Dividing Line) 4:56
  • 6 Boundaries 3:22
  • 7 Pressure Point 4:35
  • 8 Much Better Reason 4:27
  • 9 All Gods Children 4:29
  • 10 The Spell 11:43
  • 11 Spider 2:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata