GOING FOR THE ONE

I wonder what exactly ''the One'' Yes was ''Going for'', but in my mind, it is the epic ''Awaken''. It's like the 15+ minute wonder that Yes rewarded their fans with after three years of waiting for RELAYER's follow-up. ''Awaken'' has everything that should keep progsters fulfilled for a good long time; a soft, emotional intro, beautiful guitar work, abstract lyrics, loads of church organ and a gorgeous middle that builds to a cathartic climax.

Beyond that, there isn't much substance to the album. The title track is one of the worst things Yes ever produced; the slide guitar tone and vocals are simply ear-murdering. Most of the rest of the songs are either too corny or too twee. ''Parallels'' uses the church organ well, but I find that it lasts too long. One great epic a great prog album does not make.