GOING FOR THE ONE

"Going for the One" is the 8th full-length studio album by UK progressive rock act Yes. The album was released through Atlantic Records in July 1977. "Going for the One" was a return after a three year long recording break since the release of "Relayer (1974)" and it also marked the return of keyboard player Rick Wakeman to the fold. Patrick Moraz only got to show his skills on one album. It´s been quite a few years since I listened to "Going for the One" the last time. My old scratched LP (bought second hand for what corresponds to $1) has never been much of a pleasure to listen to and it´s only recently that I´ve purchased the 2003 Elektra remaster CD version which has a much better sound quality compared to that old LP of mine. The Elektra remaster CD version features seven bonus tracks. The first three, "Montreux's Theme", "Vevey (Revisited)" and "Amazing Grace", are worth investigating while I don´t find the rehearsal versions of "Going For The One", "Parallels", "Turn Of The Century" and the early version of "Awaken" called "Eastern Numbers" very exciting. Those last mentioned tracks are mostly for the hardcore fans IMO.

But of course it´s the five tracks that make up the original album that´s of real interest here. All five tracks are high quality compositions which sound unmistakably like Yes. Jon Anderson´s distinct vocals lead the way, but the outstanding instrumental performances and interplay between the musicians are also a great asset on the album as well as the many great harmony vocals by bassist Chris Squire. The title track starts the album off in a great fashion with an unusual bluesy slide guitar part, but soon it turns into a great progressive rock song. It´s on the lighter side compared to the epics of the three preceeding albums but it´s a great song. "Turn Of The Century" is a cleverly build song that starts subtle but ends with layers upon layer of instruments and sounds. A very symphonic track that one. "Parallels" is the second rock track on the album but it´s a rather unusual one with the omnipresent and quite dominating church organ. A rather strange choice of instrument for a song like this but it´s certainly innovative. I´ve always had a weak spot for "Wonderous Stories" which is a very melodic and ballad type track. It´s by far the most simple song on the album but it´s still a wonderful song. The album ends with the 15:38 minute long and epic track "Awaken". An excellent example of how good Yes are at making multi- section epics. This one´s got it all. Wonderful vocal parts, great instrumental parts and an intriguing structure.

The production is very clean on the Elektra remaster CD version that I have and I remember the LP version as more bass heavy and generally darker in sound. I enjoy the more clinical sound on the CD version though.

"Going for the One" is one of those unique albums that doesn´t sound like anything else. It´s somewhat removed from the sound of the earlier releases by the band and it doesn´t really sound like anything they released after it either. It´s safe to say that I´ve been blown away by the unique nature of "Going for the One" and I can´t tell enough times how glad I am that I purchased the Elektra remaster CD version which really re-ignited my interest in the album. A 4 - 4.5 star (85%) rating is fully deserved. This one is close to a masterpiece in my book.