Hello guys, this is my review of the album after receiving a complimentary download from Sony.
Cut From The Stars - I like it a lot, most have heard it by now. It’s a strong, intricate track that taught us all that the “dark sky park” is a real thing
All Connected - My favorite, love Billy’s bass and the overall arrangement.
Luminosity - What comes out as unique here is the melody delivered by Jon Davison with the warmest timbre we ever heard him thus far. Billy’s backing vocals are beautiful, this will probably remain a classic similar to Magnification. Steve’s playing is very sweet and warm reminiscent of yes acoustic tracks from 2004. Ending with a very nice slide guitar that takes you into space, it does not seem boring for some reason. Drums return with strength a la Keys To Ascension”. In a way reminds me of Starcastle and the orchestra complements Steve wonderfully.
Living Out Their Dream - A true rocker, sounds more like Asia and it sounds like someone else is singing because Jon D uses a lower timber blended with Steve’s voice, similar to Squakett, I wish more things would be happening, but the song closes slowly with a nice ending by Steve.
Mirror To The Sky - Starting with a nice acoustic piano intro, the piece goes into a rockier Mind Drive like part, sounding fresh because Steve is going for a crazy solo. Not much happens lyrically, but musically it’s great. Reminiscent of Trevor Horn’s ‘I Am A Camera’ we hear “You’re my mirror to the sky” then move into a section that seemed connected to the song “A Living Island” from The Quest. Next, the tempo is increasing along with Davison chanting, Geoff’s piano is finally heard properly, then we’re back to a quiet part reminding me of the band Mystery “Dance with Butterflies”. The orchestra overall is beautiful, should translate nice live, in a way the fast part is a bit like Yours Is No Disgrace backwards or mirrored?.
Circles Of Time - Very nice simple ballad, Jon’s voice is very beautiful reminding me of ‘Holy Lamb’ with very gentle and carefully drafted acoustic guitar by Steve and Jon D. Best thing since “Soft as a Dove’ from Magnification or ABWH.
Unknown Place - Happy melody by Jon Davison with acoustic and electric backing by Howe. More of a jam reminding me of 'The Quest’ that ends with a part reminding me of moments of Awaken. Drums remind me of ‘Keys To Ascension’ again and it’s way better for me than ‘Music To My Ears’
One Second Is Enough - Very nice fresh sounding Beatlesque simple song
Magic Potion - A Steve Howe song ending with sweet sounds and Steve jumping around. Melody is nice and Geoff is back with a sweet ending, his playing is inspiring reminding me of “It Was All We Knew” but in a good way, more dynamic and exciting.
Overall, Steve’s guitar sounds are fresh and innovative, well done! Billy is amazing honoring Chris’s memory! I love Jay Schellen’s drumming and he really shines on every track. Geoff’s keys are less present overall, but do play an important part of the sound in key moments. I think Chris and Alan would’ve been proud of Mirror To The Sky. I thought one single could’ve been an edited version of Luminosity. This album seems to be a step up from The Quest, but I think there is definitely room to grow. Just like The Ice Bridge was the rockies song on the previous album, I feel that the first two songs are the best tracks and then it’s all downwards from there. It’s almost as if Cut To The Stars and All Connected are coming from a complex future, while the other tracks take you back to a simpler past. I hope the next album will break even newer ground. Yes does seem to have found a new identity musically with the new members and they should have some productive years ahead. I am happy to still be a yes fan in 2023.
Cut From The Stars - I like it a lot, most have heard it by now. It’s a strong, intricate track that taught us all that the “dark sky park” is a real thing
All Connected - My favorite, love Billy’s bass and the overall arrangement.
Luminosity - What comes out as unique here is the melody delivered by Jon Davison with the warmest timbre we ever heard him thus far. Billy’s backing vocals are beautiful, this will probably remain a classic similar to Magnification. Steve’s playing is very sweet and warm reminiscent of yes acoustic tracks from 2004. Ending with a very nice slide guitar that takes you into space, it does not seem boring for some reason. Drums return with strength a la Keys To Ascension”. In a way reminds me of Starcastle and the orchestra complements Steve wonderfully.
Living Out Their Dream - A true rocker, sounds more like Asia and it sounds like someone else is singing because Jon D uses a lower timber blended with Steve’s voice, similar to Squakett, I wish more things would be happening, but the song closes slowly with a nice ending by Steve.
Mirror To The Sky - Starting with a nice acoustic piano intro, the piece goes into a rockier Mind Drive like part, sounding fresh because Steve is going for a crazy solo. Not much happens lyrically, but musically it’s great. Reminiscent of Trevor Horn’s ‘I Am A Camera’ we hear “You’re my mirror to the sky” then move into a section that seemed connected to the song “A Living Island” from The Quest. Next, the tempo is increasing along with Davison chanting, Geoff’s piano is finally heard properly, then we’re back to a quiet part reminding me of the band Mystery “Dance with Butterflies”. The orchestra overall is beautiful, should translate nice live, in a way the fast part is a bit like Yours Is No Disgrace backwards or mirrored?.
Circles Of Time - Very nice simple ballad, Jon’s voice is very beautiful reminding me of ‘Holy Lamb’ with very gentle and carefully drafted acoustic guitar by Steve and Jon D. Best thing since “Soft as a Dove’ from Magnification or ABWH.
Unknown Place - Happy melody by Jon Davison with acoustic and electric backing by Howe. More of a jam reminding me of 'The Quest’ that ends with a part reminding me of moments of Awaken. Drums remind me of ‘Keys To Ascension’ again and it’s way better for me than ‘Music To My Ears’
One Second Is Enough - Very nice fresh sounding Beatlesque simple song
Magic Potion - A Steve Howe song ending with sweet sounds and Steve jumping around. Melody is nice and Geoff is back with a sweet ending, his playing is inspiring reminding me of “It Was All We Knew” but in a good way, more dynamic and exciting.
Overall, Steve’s guitar sounds are fresh and innovative, well done! Billy is amazing honoring Chris’s memory! I love Jay Schellen’s drumming and he really shines on every track. Geoff’s keys are less present overall, but do play an important part of the sound in key moments. I think Chris and Alan would’ve been proud of Mirror To The Sky. I thought one single could’ve been an edited version of Luminosity. This album seems to be a step up from The Quest, but I think there is definitely room to grow. Just like The Ice Bridge was the rockies song on the previous album, I feel that the first two songs are the best tracks and then it’s all downwards from there. It’s almost as if Cut To The Stars and All Connected are coming from a complex future, while the other tracks take you back to a simpler past. I hope the next album will break even newer ground. Yes does seem to have found a new identity musically with the new members and they should have some productive years ahead. I am happy to still be a yes fan in 2023.
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