GOING FOR THE ONE

Title track and opener Going for the one kicks off with a powerful classic rock and roll vibe, slide guitars include?until the symphonic prog inevitably takes over and remind us that in fact we are listening to YES and all its unique elements, from Anderson's high pitch vocals to White's flawless drumming, with chaotic Wakeman introducing his first raving licks and Squire leading the band with his precise and elegantly rapid bass lines. Howe's tone is simply his best to date (meaning until 1977 if not ever!) and thankfully will be kept throughout the whole record, perfect! I think the melodies here are very catchy and guarantees the listener's interest, strong opener track. Turn of the Century it's a dreamy and beautiful track, teasing with traditional folk music and some atmospheric moods, or what I alike to call atmospheric prog. Is the longest track on side A bit not an epic by any means, just classic sounding YES with a mellower feel, very Howe sounding even though Alan is credited as a co-writer here, but percussion is barely present. Squire lifts up the tempo with Parallels, funky symphonic beauty allowing every member to imprint their unique touch maybe as a prologue of the direction that Squire was going to and future sound for the band. Howe and Wakeman sound incredible together in every sense, layers and layers of symphonic battling between two amazing musicians and a perfect match in Anderson & Squires's vocal harmonies, what a duo. No complexity here, no Relayers or Topographic, just pure symphonic rock masterfully played by one of the most important lineups of prog history. To my ears, perfection, type of prog I really enjoy. Anderson's Wonderous Stories was released as the first single for this album in September 1977 and opens side B of the vinyl. Kind of following the steps of Turn of the Century is another very atmospheric track with tones of synths, guitars and raw percussion, experimental sounds that blend together like magic, sorcerers brewing without boundaries to create music worth sharing with every living being in the galaxy, precious and eternal. Howe sounds immense, virtuoso like no one else, brilliant and unrepeatable. An accurate way of leading the second half of the record to the masterpiece epic by geniuses Anderson and Howe, Awaken. Clocking almost 16 minutes Awaken is the last track, sound and tempo that we crave from the band portraying the innegable influence this music had (will have) in so many other rock and prog bands in the world, specifically symphonic and eclectic prog bands. It sounds complex but familiar, melodic but dramatic, chaotic but perfectly balanced, it sounds like classic YES! Rick Wakeman will leave the band after this album (for some time) but hi was sure to leave his unique print, specially in this track, all he does here is perfection and every sound and layer of sounds created give life to his band mates's creation, outstanding! I love the instrumental moment halfway thru, brings me back to normal breathing! I recover myself from the organ overdose thanks to Howe's enchanted guitar licks and Anderson's mystical vocals, and they were all so good together, I'm just glad their music will last forever and it's there at reach for everyone to enjoy! "Master of soul set to touch all impenetrable youth, ask away, that thought be contact with all that's clear Be honest with yourself There's no doubt, no doubt Master of time, setting sail over all of our lands, and as we look forever closer, shall we now bid Farewell, farewell", and it just masterfully fades away. The End!

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