GOING FOR THE ONE

Going for the One indeed marks the return of Rick Wakeman to the band, but does it mark the return of incredibly strong albums? Not quite, Going for the One returns to a similar tone met after Close to the Edge, but it doesn't contain the powerful intensity or consistency or even quality that Close to the Edge had, showing less of a growth and more of a shrink. There are certainly grandiose Yes moments on the album and a lot of heartfelt work by Jon Anderson, and a more of a "song" approach. Parallels and Awaken remind you of the Starship Troopers or the Yours Is No Disgraces from Yes' old days in structures. The material here is good, a solid effort, but as the rating says, it's non-essential.