Definitely worth picking up
eridanis | Chicago, IL | 11/15/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"THe first track I heard from this album was "In the Presence of", and I cringed when I heard it. I was looking forward to Yes' orchestral collaboration, but if this tepid work was the product, then count me out! Then I heard the rest of the tracks, and now I know that the first impression of an energyless album was incorrect. I'll go track-by-track in review, and give each a rating out of five..(1) Magnification (4/5)- a great way to start off the album. Perhaps just a touch long (about 7 minutes), but it's catchy, and you'll be singing along to it in no time. (2) Spirit of Survival (5/5) - the second-best track on the album, and a classic Yes song in its own right. Starts out with Jon in depths-of-space mode, then rocks hard for the next 8 minutes or so. Strong backup vocals from Chris.(3) Don't Go (4/5) - This is getting some mixed reviews from fans, but I think it's an excellent song. We won't hear it on the radio, but it's a catchy song, and is more down-to-earth than Jon's usual lyrics.(4) Give Love Each Day (3/5) - This is where things start to go downhill a bit. The orchestral intro is beautiful (on par with some of the best movie score arranging in the past few years), but the song really doesn't go anywhere. Pretty, but it won't stick with you for long.(5)Can You Imagine (3/5) - Chris originally wrote this song in the early 80's, if I remember correctly, and it shows. It would have been an excellent addition to BIG GENERATOR, and here it's a great showcase for Chris' distinct vocal style, but it's a waypoint, not a destination.(6) We Agree (3.5/5) - I just can't get into this song. I have a feeling it's one that will grow on me, but for now, I can't give it a higher rating.(7) Soft As a Dove (2/5) - Ugh. The lyrics are somewhat touching, but it's like cotton candy - it melts away, leaving nothing behind. On the wrong side of sappy.(8) Dreamtime (5/5) - NOW we're talking! Instant classic Yes track. Driving, vigourous, the orchestra keeping up - when Jon arpeggios down with the violins following, it brings a chill to the spine. Chris sounding like an avenging spirit. A Quality 10 minute piece, right up there with recent Yes classics like Homeworld and New Languages.(9) ITPO (3.5/5) - Not so much as a comedown as a change of pace, it loses a half-point for letting the sappy gremlin to get ahold of Jon's pen. Musically, it's very textured and interesting, not as monotonous as on first hearing.(10) Time is Time (?/5) - Perhaps it's bad that this song doesn't even make an impression. Sounds like the closing credits for a TV show.Even though I've given short shrift to some of the songs above, this is still one of the best albums this year. In short, if Yes wants to be heard on the radio, they should lead off with a four-and-a-half minute edit of Magnification, then follow up with Don't Go. Not that that will happen, but it's too bad that an album this good will undoubtedly disappear into the back bins of record stores.All in all, it's great that a band with Yes' longevity is still trying new things and making new music. Keep it up, guys!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1