BIG GENERATOR

I was very into Yes by the time this record came out and really anticipated its release, and hoped it would be a return to the old ways after 90125 (which I now like over the years). I recall my pal worked at a record store and gave me a promo copy, which I still have... he remarked that "there sure are a lot of 'love' titles on there' which was discouraging... however, I really like the guitars on this record. It is very well produced, the intsruments and drums sound great. Very pop oriented but also prog for the late 80s. But, there are some weak and annoying moments on this album. Ultimately, its a mixed bag, but mostly good stuff.

"Rhythm of Love" The best part of this tune is the catchy "morning daydream midnight fever" repeating chorus.. terrific imagery. Perhaps isn't Yes in its proper form but for what it is a passable tune... (6/10)

"Big Generator" the title track is not one of my favorites... the harmony in the chorus is tough to take, and suffers from some bad keyboard sounds..."Movin to the left" sounds too much like an appeal for a line dance... but, it sort of rocks (5/10)

"Shoot High Aim Low" I really like this song, I like the beat & the Holdsworth/later Lifeson souding guitar work.. the bass fills after the lyrics are genius, like after "in the blue sedan we couldnt get much further" , a dark number... like the guitar solo (9/10)

"Almost Like Love" dont really dig this one.. too poppy, the keyboard line is excruciating, too repetitive. (2/10)

"Love will find a way" I like this one a lot. The guitar hook is very catchy and is a great sound. More of the Holdsworth-esque fills. I really like the lyrics. Interesting guitar effects throughout that add a lot of variety to the number. (9/10)

"Final Eyes" a really good song, and is definately 'prog' the flute sound in the intro is cool. Detracts some with bad 80s keyboard hits in the middle of the song, would've been better to do those notes with guitars... Sounds stupid, but whenever I finalize a DVD Ive recorded, this song pops in my head, haha... (8/10)

"Im Running" Sounds like it could've been on Drama to me. Squire solo stuff sounding too. Has a great break in the middle..."to a new world" bam bam bam... I also like the carribean sounding parts, they make me hyper. The song finsishes in glorious fashion, very climactic (9/10)

"Holy Lamb" this is a really great tune, great semi-acoustic and very progressive. A long song, about 8 minutes, only complaint is it does not variate much, great lyrics, some forgettable keyboard moments... (8/10).

A worthwhile addition for hardcore Yes fans, maybe not for hardcore or metal progheads.