ANDERSON BRUFORD WAKEMAN HOWE

It had been far too long since we had a Yes of this magnitude. The "Drama" band was pretty good, but without Jon Anderson, and including The Buggles, it wasn't quite right. The band from "90210" and "Big Genitalia" (Those were the titles, right?) was a place holder, and better than no Yes at all. At least they approximated the classic songs in concert, as best they could.

But on this album, the best Yes lineup, minus Chris Squire, was finally back in all of it's prog glory. The songwriting is good, although there is nothing of the magnitude of Close To The Edge or Gates Of Delirium. They are definitely prog and not mass market pop songs. What raises the songs above many albums is the spirited performance of Rick Wakeman. His flourishes are energetic and inspired. He really seems overjoyed to be back in the band. Howe and Bruford are great, as always, but don't stand out as much as the keyboards.

What's missing is Squire's bass. Tony Levin, as we all know, is an amazing bass player. But he lays low on this album, letting the titled band members take the spotlight. I understand that this is probably what was aked of him, but it leaves a bit of a holen the music.

Still, this is a must for the Yes fanatic.