I gave this album a listen recently and whenever I listen, I am always torn. I enjoy Future Times/Rejoice well enough but it never blows me away. Don't Kill the Whale is a fun track, always a blast, Madrigal is beautiful a definite highlight. Release Release has great energy and I particularly enjoy Alan here. Arriving UFO and suddenly things get WEIRD, never could get my head around this one, Circus of Heaven is twee but I like the ending section of the song, great Anderson vocals throughout. Onward is another highlight, (even better on Keys to Ascension with the acoustic guitar). On the Silent Wings of Freedom, the best track, a great prog powerhouse.
Overall, the rhythm section saves the album for me, Chris and Alan are amazing, Steve and Rick, are not always at their best especially Steve. The instruments seem to crowd each other somehow. Jon as always sings well but the quality of songs is below their usual in the 70s, still very enjoyable in its own way, more edgy than usual Yes, it will forever be a quirky ending to a stellar period in the band's history to me. 7/10
Overall, the rhythm section saves the album for me, Chris and Alan are amazing, Steve and Rick, are not always at their best especially Steve. The instruments seem to crowd each other somehow. Jon as always sings well but the quality of songs is below their usual in the 70s, still very enjoyable in its own way, more edgy than usual Yes, it will forever be a quirky ending to a stellar period in the band's history to me. 7/10
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