OPEN YOUR EYES

Oh lord, I thought Big Generator was bad. After many promises of a return to the epic sound of old, Yes released Open Your Eyes, which proceeded to ignore those promises. Wakeman quit once again in a manner that calls to mind the childish lineup antics of Deep Purple. He was replaced by the very talented Billy Sherwood. Only problem, he played more guitar than keyboards. Why? You have Steve Howe, Chris. Don't make your buddy play second fiddle to one of prog greatest axe-slingers. Let him play the keyboards like he should.

What you get is a return to the AOR sound of the 80s, with some truly horrid vocals from Anderson, complete with dull composition. I think the band lost their keys to ascension. The opener is the only song that does not make me want to carve out my eardrums. It only makes me want to run headfirst into a wall. Big Generator at least has moments of tolerable music.

I first heard this album when I was driving. Luckily, I did not have to drive over any bridges, because I might have swerved hard to the right in an attempt to escape the pain, and then I wouldn't be here today writing this cautionary review. The album is called Open Your Eyes, which is funny because all I wanted to do when listening to this is to firmly seal them and my ears in a futile effort to make the bad men stop. If you still want to spend good money on this, send the cash to me instead. I could use it, and think of all the money you'll save on health bills from not listening to this drivel.

Grade: F