GOING FOR THE ONE

A very Colin James sounding album is this one. The title track is very rocky and mellow with some fine slide playing from Geoffrey Howe. Turn of The Century has some lovely aggressive vocals by Ian Anderson, but to me this is not top notch Yes as it tends to remind me of Mr Smith. Parallels is a Squire penned number and is an excellent track with fine work from the band all round, especially when it really gets going in that Gary Matthews vein. Wondrous Stories is very Nicola-ish in its simplicity, moving backing vocals from Crisp Squire and Steve Hackett which brings bitter tears to my eyes. ....So to the tour de force - Awaken, probably the best song that the band has ever written, although it is not as good as "Gates Of Delirium" "Close To The Edge"and all of "The Yes Album" The ony thing i don't like about this song is the church organ because it reminds me of funerals and Chrissy Parslow in particular. Aside from that i love the rest of it - A particular favourite section of mine is where Richard Wakeman gets all dramatic on the church organ. This album is very good and should be in anyones prog collection.

For fans of Yes, The Buggles, Starcastle, Druid, Flash and Hermans Hermits.