TALK

At least there is a sort of continuity from 90125 to this album. It's evident since "The Calling". Rabin's songwriting is a trademark, one can like it or not, but this is the sound of YES in the 80s and the 90s.

It's the western side of YES, so this album can't be different from what it is. It's the pop side of the band, but as in 90125 and in Union, it doesn't mean bad. ( I can't say the same of Big Generator).

The melodies are catchy and even the instrumental interludes are "easy" compared to what Steve Howe and Peter Banks before have made us used to in the early days. Is it bad? No, it's just different. I think the reason of the quite poor ratings given to the YES albums after Drama are because of fans disappointment, but would those discs have been released by anybody else, they would probably be considered differently.

Try to imagine "I Am Waiting" sitting in a neo-prog album and not sung by Anderson. How would you rate it? What I mean is that from an absolute point of view this is a good album with some highlights and without moments really weak. Forget that under this name have been released things like The Yes Album, CTTE and TFTO. This is a different band that makes different music.

This album is an improvement respect to Big Generator (easy to be) and Union. I don't consider ABWH as that's another band again.

"Real Love" is more interesting than most of the songs on the two mentioned albums, and not so pop, too regardless the very catchy chorus.

"State of Play" and "Walls" are the poppier songs, and the second is effectively TOO POP, but a radio-friendly song in an album can be tolerated.

"Where Will You Be" seems to be more an Anderson's effort. It's the kind of songs that are easy to find in his solo works, including the excellent Olias of Sunhillow. I cosider it a highlight.

"Endless Dream " would have been a side-long song in the vinyl era, now it's just a long one. This track is the only one reminding really to the old masterpieces. I can't compare it to CTTE, but after the chaotic intro that reminds to the more famous intro of CTTE, Anderson sings a melody over a piano. It's not Wakeman, but this song sends me to "Going For The One" (The album not the song). The main theme of The Calling is reprised by the piano, like this song is closing a circle. Well it's not a concept album (or if it is I'm not aware), however reminds of this kind are typical of concept albums.

3 stars, but rounded down.