Olias of Sunhillow

Olias of Sunhillow is a progressive rock concept album by Jon Anderson, the lead singer of the band Yes. It was his first solo album.

Related Topics:
Progressive rock - Concept album - Jon Anderson - Band - Yes

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The album tells the story of an alien race and their journey to a new world due to catastrophe. Olias, the title character, is the chosen architect of the glider Moorglade, which will be used to fly his people to their new home. Ranyart is the navigator for the glider, and QoQuaQ is the leader who unites the four tribes of Sunhillow to partake in the exodus.

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The album's concept may have been partly inspired by the cover art for the 1971 Yes album Fragile, which depicts a tiny planet breaking apart and a glider escaping into space. Another link to Fragile lies in the fact that both albums have pieces (Fragile's "We Have Heaven") consisting of multiple vocal parts, with Anderson singing all of them.

Related Topics:
1971 - Fragile

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The album is considered to be one of Anderson's better works, being acclaimed both by critics and fans, and possibly the best solo effort by any member of Yes.

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