UNION

There's often a lot of speculation about the making of this album and whether or not is was a genuine "Union". Forgetting about all that was involved and the band politics behind the scenes, and despite this reviewer being a huge fan of the old Yes, I quite like the music on this album, even though it feels a bit inconsistent, I suspect that under ordinary circumstances it would have got many more slightly higher ratings. It is lengthly and has its weaker tracks but I like how it frequently treads a line between some of the band's progressive roots as well as mainstream rock, more so than on 90125 and Big Generator. "I Would Have Waited Forever" starts the album not so different to before, but lovely harmonies. "Shock To The System" again not bad at all, a straight forward rocker. "Masquerade", is a very fine piece by Steve Howe, but tracks that stand out are "Lift Me Up" and "Miracle Of Life", they are slightly more complex pieces, with some great organ and good changes in tempo. These are very bright, feel-good songs and well crafted too. "Silent Talking" is also a creative song and "Angkor Wat" a nice ambient one with interesting keyboards combined with Anderson's vocals. Worth hearing this album if you enjoyed the 1980's albums by Yes. At least those mentioned highlights will grow on you. Three stars