GOING FOR THE ONE

Going for the One: The typically classic rock guitar line at the beginning sounds terribly un-Yes and un-promising, however, once the actual song starts and Jon Anderson brings his melodic voice and awesome (albiet weird) lyrics, this song is great, especially the Anthemic chorus.

Turn of the Century: A ballad about a sculptor named Roan whose muse (some girl) dies. Very emotionally moving, and some great acoustic guitar from Steve Howe. After a while, Wakeman (newly returned for this album) plays some piano and Steve Howe plays a great, echo-y, spacy guitar solo. Great. The only fault of this song is it may get a bit repetitive, although, (like most prog) you will grow to love all of it.

Parallels is a pretty much typical Yes song, but good nonetheless. Featuring some good organ riffs from Wakeman, and some cool guitar soloing from Steve Howe. The melody is pretty cool and the chorus melody is great too. So all in all a good song, but not as great as much of Yes's other material. In fact, good as it is, it is probably the worst song on this album.

Wondrous Stories: Some call it pop aimed at a chart position, but I think this is quintessential Yes. Great vachallia playing from Howe, and great vocals and some less gibber-fied lyrics from Anderson, not too mention uplifting synths make this all in all a great track.

Awaken: Now this is the reason you bought this album. My second favorite Yes song (behind the Gates of Delirium). It opens with some blinding piano runs from Mr. Wakeman, and then some great vocals from Anderson over ambient and quiet background music, which, along with the vocals, build into the awesome main section of the song. Actually, the song comes in pretty much 6 parts, although they are not defined on the song as subtitles. The first I have already talked about, then the next part comes in with an awesome, dark, mideastern style riff, which Steve Howe plays tons of variations of under Anderson's awesome vocal lines. Steve Howe's solo in this one is one of his best, featuring many spine-chilling moments. After a while, this goes into the third part (via Wakeman's synths leading that dark riff from a minor key into a major key), which features a great Yes melody and great lyrics. This leads into my favorite (fourth) part, which is a quiet ambient part which features great Church Organ. This is one of those dreamy ambient parts in songs that give you the chills. After this comes the fifth part, which is similar in melody to the third part, featuring great lyrics and great playing all around. This leads into the sixth part, which is a reprise of the very first part without the piano, and some new lyrics at the end. Very moving and emtionally rewarding. Like when you get to the end of Thick as a Brick or Gates of Delirium and you just sit there and think 'wow that was awesome' and don't know what to do next.

So all in all, this is one of Yes's best album, having all great songs. Awaken and Wondrous Stories are essential Yes, and the other songs are all good. A purchase you won't regret.

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