So this latest yes album has been with us for 2 months now and I'd like to do a little reflection. I must say I didn't expect great things given how soon it was to be released after the Quest. I was wrong, dead wrong.
Cut from the Stars- The opener and what we became familiar with since March, such great rhythm, fascinating guitar textures and the beginning of a cosmic theme which stretches across this semi-conceptual album. Nice trading of solos between Steve and Geoff at the end. There is great energetic playing and for me the stand out has to be Billy Sherwood's driving bass. Works great as a single. 18/20
All Connected- This one was strange for me. As the second single I found it quite disappointing at first, very middle of the road with sections that didn't seem to gel too well and a slide guitar motif from Steve which I felt was overbearing. However after some listens I not only grew to enjoy it, but actually really like it. Whilst the intro and outro are somewhat plain to these ears, I really enjoy the vocal work in this one. Great to hear Billy and Jon trading lines and the various sections do work well with one another once you've processed it. I love the line Upon us equal shines the Sun. Very true. 18/20
Luminosity- A song which divides people I think. I understand why, it has a quaintness which is a little sugary in the chorus. I've gotten used to it but I don't love that part. What I do love is Jon's vocals in the verses combined with Steve Howe's guitar work alongside the orchestra, a dramatic intro and outro suitable for the interstellar theme. Jay does some nice drum work here to compliment the instrumental sections. 16/20
Living Out Their Dream- An interesting change of pace that has grown on me a little. The mockery of marriage in the sense that nothing is how it is portrayed is done well enough. The vocals between Jon and Steve in the verses work surprisingly well. The rocky tempo gives it a nice flair and the song doesn't outstay its welcome. Decent enough, nothing spectacular. 15/20
Mirror to the Sky- The stand out track for sure. Every moment works so well together. I think its real strength lies in its instrumental work from all of them. Of course special mention to Steve as well whose guitar work is exemplary. I adore the moodier flavour of this song, it makes a nice change of pace from a lot of Yes music which is generally quite light. I feel that this uses the band and orchestra to evoke a palpable sense of drama into proceedings. Dreams of a sky without fire is a wonderful lyric to start of course, but I feel the whole track is full of great vocalisations, lyrics, melodies and rhythms to evoke something truly special. The build throughout the song is wonderous and the ending is sublime. The best Yes song in 45 years? I'll let you decide. 20/20
Circles of Time- A beautiful Davison piece which has a typically strong acoustic flavour. The heartbreak of many goodbyes in contrast to few hellos is at the heart of it, and it works extremely well. All the while Steve's guitar is stirring the emotion. Captivating. 17/20
Unknown Place- Great piece which has fantastic playing from all. I love the chanting sections, and adore Geoff's organ work. This could easily have been on the main disc but understand why it was left off. 17/20
One Second is Enough- Hmm, its fine. At least it's short. This one could have been on a Steve Howe solo album. Does nothing particularly wrong, but doesn't stand out either. A bit mediocre. 11/20
Magic Potion- I'm not a huge fan of the vocals here but the guitar is kicking, the drums are nice and the bass is on fire. The rhythm section makes it a must listen, enjoyable! 16/20
OVERALL SCORE: 17/20
For reference, my rating of recent Yes albums:
Fly From Here: 17/20
Heaven and Earth: 11/20
From a Page: 14/20
The Quest: 15/20
Cut from the Stars- The opener and what we became familiar with since March, such great rhythm, fascinating guitar textures and the beginning of a cosmic theme which stretches across this semi-conceptual album. Nice trading of solos between Steve and Geoff at the end. There is great energetic playing and for me the stand out has to be Billy Sherwood's driving bass. Works great as a single. 18/20
All Connected- This one was strange for me. As the second single I found it quite disappointing at first, very middle of the road with sections that didn't seem to gel too well and a slide guitar motif from Steve which I felt was overbearing. However after some listens I not only grew to enjoy it, but actually really like it. Whilst the intro and outro are somewhat plain to these ears, I really enjoy the vocal work in this one. Great to hear Billy and Jon trading lines and the various sections do work well with one another once you've processed it. I love the line Upon us equal shines the Sun. Very true. 18/20
Luminosity- A song which divides people I think. I understand why, it has a quaintness which is a little sugary in the chorus. I've gotten used to it but I don't love that part. What I do love is Jon's vocals in the verses combined with Steve Howe's guitar work alongside the orchestra, a dramatic intro and outro suitable for the interstellar theme. Jay does some nice drum work here to compliment the instrumental sections. 16/20
Living Out Their Dream- An interesting change of pace that has grown on me a little. The mockery of marriage in the sense that nothing is how it is portrayed is done well enough. The vocals between Jon and Steve in the verses work surprisingly well. The rocky tempo gives it a nice flair and the song doesn't outstay its welcome. Decent enough, nothing spectacular. 15/20
Mirror to the Sky- The stand out track for sure. Every moment works so well together. I think its real strength lies in its instrumental work from all of them. Of course special mention to Steve as well whose guitar work is exemplary. I adore the moodier flavour of this song, it makes a nice change of pace from a lot of Yes music which is generally quite light. I feel that this uses the band and orchestra to evoke a palpable sense of drama into proceedings. Dreams of a sky without fire is a wonderful lyric to start of course, but I feel the whole track is full of great vocalisations, lyrics, melodies and rhythms to evoke something truly special. The build throughout the song is wonderous and the ending is sublime. The best Yes song in 45 years? I'll let you decide. 20/20
Circles of Time- A beautiful Davison piece which has a typically strong acoustic flavour. The heartbreak of many goodbyes in contrast to few hellos is at the heart of it, and it works extremely well. All the while Steve's guitar is stirring the emotion. Captivating. 17/20
Unknown Place- Great piece which has fantastic playing from all. I love the chanting sections, and adore Geoff's organ work. This could easily have been on the main disc but understand why it was left off. 17/20
One Second is Enough- Hmm, its fine. At least it's short. This one could have been on a Steve Howe solo album. Does nothing particularly wrong, but doesn't stand out either. A bit mediocre. 11/20
Magic Potion- I'm not a huge fan of the vocals here but the guitar is kicking, the drums are nice and the bass is on fire. The rhythm section makes it a must listen, enjoyable! 16/20
OVERALL SCORE: 17/20
For reference, my rating of recent Yes albums:
Fly From Here: 17/20
Heaven and Earth: 11/20
From a Page: 14/20
The Quest: 15/20
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