RHAPSODIES

To start here, let me say that one reason why I am going to buy some of Yes' CDs is Wakeman. He knows how to play, a master of the keys. But when I listen to this LP, there are several thoughts in my head. -''YES, we know you are a great player and all, and you can do that scales!'' Every promising melody is sacrificed for the showing-off. If there is one, because here is the second thought: -Nice. Such a short word, with such a meaning here. Sweet, nice melodies dominate the parts were Wakeman does not show his skills. From a man as Wakeman, this really hurts. For this record, one word was disproportionaly used to describe what he is doing: cheesy. Like with cheese, you enjoy one more than the other (or none, if you will), and I can not find a point to enjoy this. It all is just too sweet for my taste.

The disgusting cover does the rest for me, and so does the questioning motivation of Wakeman for this record. Money seemed to be more an aim but music, because here it is done for the sake of profit. Can you hear the experimentation, melodies with a soul, someone who knows when to do what? If you do, nice. I can't. Uninspired music, awful motivation, in the long term boring songs. I know of the guidelines, and about the meaning of 1 star. However, even I as a more friendly reviewer, have to do it. Do not waste your money on this, but rather listen to some Yes again, if you need some Wakeman. Otherwise, you might be extremely disappointed with ''Rhapsodies''.