GOING FOR THE ONE

Going For The One is a classic Yes release and thus I would certainly reccomend it highly for any progressive rock fan's collection as there are some of Yes' finest moments recorded here without question! The title track opens the album on a sweeping current of joy with upbeat slide guitar in a bluesy form, followed by layer upon layer of sweet vocals from Jon Anderson, Chris Squire and Steve Howe. A cheery blues piano comes in from Rick Wakeman, along with some very strange, spacey synth work. It all just melts together to create one seriously well thought out creation which, being so unbelievably happy, never fails to put a smile on my face. It is as beautiful as it is rocking! Succeeding this, is Turn Of Century, a sad ditty of a man whose lover dies, the theme being that of his memories and lonliness. With lush, soft guitar, striking little chimes, an outstanding and heartfelt vocal performance from Anderson. This fades slowly into a fantastic piece between piano and guitar invoking an ambience of tradgedy which ascends into an electric guitar solo full of hope and joy. The band then returns to a theme similar to the first, ending with the lovely ring of harmonics to finish; Parallels, is a favourite of mine with an epic, rocky opening on a church organ with a soaring solo from Howe. The rhythm section really beat it out here! Layers of vocals are used again and they really do something great for the song. Not to mention the brilliant solo in the middle from Howe yet again, it really gives off an air of triumph!, followed by another solo, this time from Rick Wakeman on the organ, giving a sense of mysticism. Finishing the song with yet more guitar work which all amounts to a fast paced and memorable close. Next is Wonderous Stories, with angelic vocal work from Jon, a soft, gentle rhythm section and extremely lush guitar work- soothing, melodic chords which are almost harp like. Classical themed synth is draped over all of this, with a waterfall of sound apparent as Rick lets the notes trickle down into your ears. There is even some sitar present in the song. It truly is the Shangri- La of short prog songs... And if that doesn't make your hair stand on end then the final track, Awaken, surely will! This another Yes epic (approximately 15 minutes and 40 seconds) which is probably worth buying the album for in it's own right! Beginning with an emotive classical piano section from Rick which fades into a heavenly, piece with Jon singing wonderfully again over what seems to be a haze of synth and subtle guitar. Other vocals layer Jon's and then then the music just explodes into a rocky, innovative Indian theme. This descends into some heavy soloing from Steve Howe on guitar again. It's quite psychedelic in nature and shoots back to the Indian theme, this time with more synth and chimes. This evolves into a joyful classical part plus some warm vocals in between. It slows to a halt, leaving chimes and flute- like keyboard to create a magical soundscape whereupon they are joined by sprinklings of guitar and bass and the increasingly passionate sound of the church organ. A floaty guitar solo follows this, disappearing into another lovely vocal part (during which, there is more guitar work, but it is heavier and rockier) A solo on church organ on its own explodes fom this, after which layers of the instruments all synthesise becoming louder in a victorious march- like fashion, ending in one fell swoop of the organ. The magical, layered haze with Jon singing emerges like a pheonix from the ashes, wandering off in its own dreamy qualities, just as the listener does, fading away in a little guitar run into nothingness. This album is undeniably beautiful and no matter how many listens it recieves from me, it always makes me feel so much happier for having done so.