The Ladder- Rating out of 5?

[soundchaser09]

the 6 man lineup- what did you make of it?

[Chris2210]

It was a huge step up from OYE, but as quickly as it grew on me, it waned. A lot that’s at least catchy, but most is puddle deep and as a whole it doesn’t encourage much revisiting.

[Ash Armstrong]

A strong, great-sounding album I really liked from the first listen, and one which I still enjoy from start to finish now.

[Gilly Goodness]

Yeah. 5.

Big Bright and Bouncy. Great vibes!

[pianozach]

Yeah, a 3-1/2 or 4

there aren't any "duff" tracks on it, and there's some awesome bass guitar. The vocals are great, and everyone was on their game for this one.

[Soundwaveseeker]

Yeah, a big step up from OYE/Keys era. Ladder is a good example of how to bounce back from a weaker previous album. It's a bright and positive album that gives me good Yes vibes. Good production, full o' fine harmonies. I usually pull this one out before Christmas, as that's when I listened to it a lot when I first got it, but you could hear it any time of year. In some ways it doesn't have a major angle - just a solid regular Yes album with Jon Anderson and with regular Yes songwriting and regular Yes synthesizers and piano and Howe guitar varieties and the usual Chris harmonies and such. But infused with that Yes sauce that merits further helpings.

One of my favorite trax on the Ladder is 'To Be Alive (Hep Yada)', which I wouldn't expect much mention anywhere, but I like its vibe.

Out of 5 I give the Ladder a 4 or 4 and a half if generous - solid, enjoyable, can't find any major faults, just a fun and perky Yes album.

[Dantalion Rides Again]

I found it to be more of a lateral step from OYE, myself. Three stars (I gave OYE 3 also). Good Yes album, almost four stars. To Be Alive, It Will Be A Good Day, Can I? are probably my top tracks. I should type more about it but am anxious to wrap this post and don't even know why. Like I've got coffee about to burn or forgot my pizza slice in the toaster oven but neither is true.
⭐⭐⭐

[Mr. Holland]

3 stars. I very much like the upbeat atmosphere. It's one of Yes' most happy sounding albums. However, that 'light atmosphere' also makes for some composing that's a bit too light in my view. I love Homeworld, New Language and It'll be a Good Day (best song on the album) and Face To Face and Finally to a lesser extend. The rest is a bit forgettable.

[Sharp On Attack]

I would have put 3.5. One masterpiece, a few strong tracks and a couple of stinkers/.

[Ceasar’s Palace]

3 stars. I very much like the upbeat atmosphere. It's one of Yes' most happy sounding albums. However, that 'light atmosphere' also makes for some composing that's a bit too light in my view. I love Homework, New Language and It'll be a Good Day (best song on the album) and Face To Face and Finally to a lesser extend. The rest is a bit forgettable.

I always hated homework...

I’m giving the album 4 stars.
Just two weak tracks: The Messenger is silly and Hep Yaddayadda bores me.
I’ve replaced those two with Igor’s excellent Dance Impressions in D major, which I put just before New Language.

[Mr. Holland]

I always hated homework...

I’m giving the album 4 stars.
Just two weak tracks: The Messenger is silly and Hep Yaddayadda bores me.
I’ve replaced those two with Igor’s excellent Dance Impressions in D major, which I put just before New Language.

Damn autocorrection....😉

[pjt]

This is my go to Yes album. It's the most optimistic sounding album they ever made, starting with the uplifting ending of Homeworld, the "hit" song in 7:4, the bouncy Face To Face, the commemorating The Messenger, and the perfect closing Nine Voices. I don't even skip If Only You Knew. Almost, but the synth break saves it every time.

[Oldie on the Goldie]

I do skip If Only You Knew, but nothing else. Great album.

[Yesed]

Would have been an easy high 4 when I first heard it, probably a strong 3 now. Mostly for creativity and effort, Good songs, but enough not so good, to hold it down. Then there's Jons horse voice and lack of range, which was noticeable on OYE.
Favorites are It will be a good day. Finally, and New Language. Homeworld is ok, just gotta be in the mood for that much intensity.

[Ash Armstrong]

Doug Helvering, of the Daily Doug YouTube reaction channel, is including Homeworld (or Homework, as Arno prefers...) in his show next Friday, May 13, along with Starship Trooper, the live version from Keys to Ascension. Should be a goodie. Thinking about, what a great pairing that is!?

I do wish he wouldn't speak the lyrics while the track's playing though; they're meant to be heard sung, not spoken, and he does tend to be rather literal about lyrics, rarely thinking of the sound, imagery, metaphor and allegory off the bat. That's a problem with Jon's lyrics as we know...