JON ANDERSON & THE BAND GEEKS: TRUE

And here it comes! One of the most anticipated albums of the year, at least for me, that I am always looking for artists who can create soundscapes and transmit feelings as powerful as the old Yes, so I don't really care who does it. I personally loved the last two albums by the band Yes and I am loving this great new work by Jon Anderson. The work crafted with the band Geeks is top notch and the energy is truly inspiring. Let's analyze the album track by track:

1. True Messenger - 9.5/10. If someone was expecting a soft, new-agey start, well is wrong, the album starts with a bang with this song, one of my favourites, very dynamic, catchy and with Anderson voice in top form. So great! 9/10

2. Shine On - 7.5/10. As dynamic as the previous one, this time It reminds me more of 90s Yes (The ladder), the bass work that drives the track is excellent.

3. Counties and Countries - 9/10. The first epic of the album, and it does not dissapoint at all. With its guitar plucking over orchestrated background, it feels like a lost track from Magnification, especially when the Howe inspired guitar makes its entrance. The track alternates fast melodic parts with slow, meditative ones and makes it very interesting to listen, but the best part of the album is the ending: a powerful crescendo driven by the voice of Jon supported by great keyboards a-la Wakeman.

4. Build Me an Ocean - 6.5/10. I have to admit it, although I am not fond of slow ballads like this, this one is really beautiful and moving.

5. Still a Friend - 7/10. Again a great voice and bass drive this track that during its first half is great at times but seems a bit unfocused with too many ideas up front. The second half is much better with an enchanting melody that reminds of 'In the presence of'.

6. Make it Right - 6/10. Starting with a lovely acoustic guitar, this slow vocal-driven track is catchy enough to please a ton of fans, but other than a little guitar solo I miss more space left to instrumentation.

7. Realization Part Two - 5.5/10. A little soft piece with a latin rhythm that feels like a continuation of the previous one.

8. Once Upon a Dream - 9.5/10. My hopes were high for the second epic of the album, and they were entirely met!. We really have a new Classic here. Everything is in place, from the beginning with those beautiful harmonized vocals, through the great second section alternating melodic with aggressive instrumental parts, to the delicate Awaken-like chants of the third section and culminating with THAT finale coming directly from the golden era of certain band....just an amazing track.

9. Thank God - 5.5/10. After such a great epic it comes this nice little piece to conclude the album.

I have heard the album like five times and it is still growing on me, so I would probably come back to upgrade the ratings. I am so glad this work came out, since a lot of fans expected new music during the ARW period but sadly it was not possible. I am personally not a big fan of the solo work of Mr Anderson other than Olias, The living tree and 1000 hands, but this is something else. This feels like a true Yes album. Maybe in the future, or maybe in heaven, the band reunites again and makes this wonderful music again. Extremely recommended if you love Yes or prog rock.

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