Ambrosia (1975) Drink of Water

 This debut from the South Cali Prog group had strong shades of pop and smooth soul sensibility hinting at their future AOR sound, but here they come as a more diverse and radio friendly Yes with 5 to 6 minute songs full of energetic virtuoso playing mixing soaring on point two part harmonies, organs and acoustic/ electric guitars with a dynamic edge lacking from most Prog rockers. While this album produced direct classics like Holding on to Yesterday and Time Waits for NO One it is album tracks like the murky, distorted funk of Mama Frog with it's excerpt of Jabberwocky recited mid song that shine out, another album track that stood out was this one. Drink of Water displayed the band's best tendencies on this excellent debut; it opens with a loud gospel chorus before going into a quiet verse that plays out like a parable, it continues into a bluesy power ballad style with strong shifts but the echoey, underwater vibe increases with subtle use of effects through out.

This band had better melodic qualities but the same edge and explosive drums, soaring vocals and keyboard s that made Rush a success but they would instead pursue their own path into soft rock territory.