HEAVEN & EARTH

First I must say that I just heard Jon Davison is an admirer of Jon Anderson and would love to meet him someday. The fact that his voice is very similar but not as true "Jon Anderson" as some would like should have nothing to do with grading this album.

With that in mind....this album has the softer side of YES. And I love it!

My review:

Believe Again...

Davison is finding "a new found freedom" by realizing his dream of heading up the band he has idolized for so long. It is evident that he takes the task seriously. Howe's guitar playing and White's polyrhythmic drumming are fabulous along with Downes ethereal keyboard touches. Not my favorite of the album but a solid, light & wispy opening track.

The Game...

Howe starts this one with some slide guitar work which kicks off the mood for this one. Squire's bass work is up in the mix here while Davison's vocals "....final fade out" sails over everything. The harmonies are pitch perfect and blend together nicely. There are some spots where Davison ends of phrases are sung differently than Anderson, but again, Davison is his own man. Props to him for being himself on this one!

Step Beyond...

Love the way this one starts out...no YES song I know of has started out like this one. What a groovy, happy song it is! When Howe kicks in, classic YES is brought to mind. "Beyond...Beyond...." after the arpeggios by Downes... beautiful! Great job on this one YES!!!! Favorite track so far.

To Ascend...

Classic Howe and Squire at the beginning...love this 70's folk feel. Davison sings it from the heart here. "Taking the time on a wing and a prayer". Most ethereal song on the album. Ranks up there with Step Beyond.

In A World Of Our Own...

White's opening leaves me wanting more. Plunks on the keyboard remind me of a Paul McCartney Beatles song...who isn't influenced by the Beatles though? Like the marimba, vibraphone sounds in this one. Simple, straightforward, no frills. No chills here however.

Light Of The Ages...

Love the walking Squire bass line. And Howe on the slide again....superb playing here sir! Any song with word "Cosmos" catches my attention. Davison is enjoying this song it is evident. Can't wait to see this one live!

It Was All We Knew...

Nice groove here. Chord progressions are pretty standard. Harmonies between Howe, Squire and Davison are tight. "Sweet were the fruits, long were the summer days" I can almost taste them and feel the heat! Squire, Howe and Downes playing in unison is quite refreshing. Howe once again, outstanding job picking out those solos.

Subway Walls...

OK finally...my favorite song of all. This song starts off like some futuristic world is being created right before our eyes. Strings, timpani and xylophone....brilliant! Squire's bass playing on the melody is tasty. When Davison joins in I'm brought back to mid-70's YES. "One glimpse, way out of the ethereal electric revelation" love this lyric. Switching time signatures seal this one as my favorite by far on Heaven & Earth. Another one I would love to see them perform live.

Heaven & Earth is obviously not Jon Anderson YES. But it most certainly is YES.

Remember, these great men have spent hours and hours rehearsing and putting together what they believe is their best effort. Their purpose is not to compete with past albums with different line- ups or outdo their previous efforts. Music is supposed to please the ears, open our minds and soften our hearts. For those of us not so talented, we should ALL show appreciation for what our beloved band has put together here.

This album does all that for me and I hope all true YES fans as well.

Bravo guys!!!! Thanks for making a very enjoyable album to add to my huge YES collection.