WORLD TRADE

Put on to this as one of Classic Rock magazine's 'top ten prog albums of the eighties', this had much to live up to. Sadly it fails. We end up with someone trying to sound like the 'Yes' of the same period, which isn't exactly saying alot. 'Big generator' must be one of Yes' least memorable albums, and this follows suit.

I personally prefer my Yes music to be a bit more 'moody' than this repetitively paced offering. 'Classic Rock' were right that the stand-out song is 'The revolution song', which is very catchy, but listen some more and 'Sense of freedom' stands out as a not to bad attempt to be moody, whilst the last song, 'Open the door' is worthy too.

Overall though, I found it a shallow ride.

Are you familiar with YES "Open Your Eyes" album? If so, this album by World Trade is very similar with Yes "Open Your Eyes" album which was released two years after this album by World Trade. What does it imply? You might have thought that Yes "Open Your Eyes" was heavily influenced by World Trade? Well, it can be two ways: Billy Sherwood (vocals, bass) had been a die hard fan of Yes and he joined Yes later and released "Open Your Eyes" album. Just before he joined Yes, he and his bandmates released this album with music style of Yes "Tervor Rabin Era". The vocal quality in this album is quite similar with Jon Anderson's. The music is much simpler and it flows naturally through out the album.

But of course one might conclude that World Trade influenced Yes because "Open Your Eyes" was similar musically with "Euphoria". Take example of opening track "One World Going Round" (5:25) which showcases similar style with "Open Your Eyes" album.

Overal, it's a good album.

This album was a project from Billy Sherwood, who was famous for his presence in Yes as bass player in their late period: "Open Your Eyes" and "The Ladder". The result was a decent album played by an ordinary band, oriented to play good music but lacking some creativity. Even though influences from Yes are more than evident; their music has its own features: even darker and more solid bass guitar lines, heavier riffs and an interesting atmosphere that makes the album very enjoyable. Billy Sherwood is an excellent vocalist; the band has good keyboard lines but definitely poor guitar arrangements. Sometimes there are wide passages and spaces that make the music a bit arid.

Anyway, a good and positive album, don't expect more than this. I do not mean it is a bad album, just plain neo progressive that grows under the shade of classical band: Yes.

This is a good, but not great, neo-prog album. About half the songs are excellent, in particular "Wasting Time," the other half are forgettable AOR. It's clear Billy Sherwood & Co. had been listening to Yes' Big Generator album a lot, and if you like Big Generator, you'll like this.

This the second album by World trade,is almost as good as its "older brother". They still sound (and thats in a positive way)like earlier Yes. Great songs and wonderfull vocals (Billy Sherwood..Now in: Conspiracy with Chris "Yes" Squire.)the production is a bit..ahem light in the top...but dont let that get in the way for you,to go buy this record.Go buy them both!!! Its prog light...but if you´re into...Early Yes...you liked: Billy Sherwood & Chris Squires...2 latest outputs:"Conspiracy" & "The Unknown". You´ll LOVE this (and the aforementioned first album). Enjoy.