MIRROR TO THE SKY

With this, the 23rd studio album from prog legends Yes, and following on the heels of their somewhat underwhelming 2021 album, The Quest (which didn't sound much like Yes at all), there was some cause for concern. However, this album follows more closely to the traditional Yes style and sound, has some great songs, and delivers their best album in many years. Of course, the band composition is quite a bit different from their earlier days, with both Chris Squire and Alan White having passed away, and Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman not a part of the band anymore, leaving guitarist Steve Howe in charge, leading singer Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood (bass), Geoff Downes (keybpards), and Jay Schellen (drums) as the current Yes incarnation. Howe, once again, dominates the album (with his guitar, as well as primary songwriter and producer), but with better results than the previous album. The highlight of the album is the wonderful and beautiful title track, also being the longest song, at nearly 14 minutes, and featuring multiple sections, beautiful melodies, an orchestra, and classic Yes songwriting and performance. There are a couple lesser, more pop-oriented songs, such as the straight-forward pop-rock of Living Out Their Dream and the closing Davison ballad Circles of Time, but the bulk of the album follows in the classic Yes style. There is also a bonus disc containing 3 additional songs that is included with some forms of the album, which also veers more towards a lighter, poppier sound, but is nonetheless pleasant, although perhaps a bit too cutesie. Overall, a fine album, and although still cannot measure up to the greatness of their classic days, is nonetheless their best album in probably 20 year. Best Tracks: Mirror to the Sky, Luminosity, Cut From the Stars. Rating: 3.5 stars