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Yes - Going for the One CD (album) cover

GOING FOR THE ONE

Yes

 

Symphonic Prog

4.06 | 2367 ratings

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BrufordFreak
4 stars Perhaps the last LP with the consistent high compositional quality of the The Yes Album through Relayer, Going for the One does have some trouble drawing people into its rather diverse moods and styles. The musicianship is without a doubt outstanding and "Awaken" [12/10] is, IMO, the greatest prog song ever written, but on the whole accessibility is somewhat lacking, even from the "pretty" songs, "Turn of the Century" [6/10: a bit too long] and "Wonderous Stories" [7/10]. While "Parallels" [3/10] is breathtaking to see live for Steve Howe's energy and emotion, the song itself is almost overwhelming in its in-your-face organ loudness, annoying snare, discordant, 'pushed' vocal harmonies. It just has too much going on. "Going for the One" [2/10] is the oddest and poorest opening song of any Yes album. It sounds more like a song from Steve Howe's first solo album: great technique, annoying, almost grating sound. I don't care if I ever hear it again. But then, there is "Awaken." Masterful from opening notes of the piano to Jon's sensitive opening vocals, to the guitar riff that sucks you in, to the Alan White drums that are so strong, so steady, and all over the soundscape, to the greatest Steve Howe solo ever, to the entrance and dominance of the St. Martin's Church organ, to the quiet interlude with Jon's harp which keeps building with Rick's organ and Steve's guitar work to the amazing "master of . . ." vocal section which culminates in the pinnacle of organ and pedal steel sound before crashing into the blissful bath of Jon's nostalgic vocals and Steve's pedal steel washes. Wow. Probably my favorite Jon Anderson vocals of all-time.

Hard to rate this one when there are such highs (the highest) and such lows. Still, don't miss this if just for "Awaken."

BrufordFreak | 4/5 |

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