DRAMA

Thinking to a Yes album without Jon Anderson is very difficult, but I have to admit that Trevor Horn's voice is very similar and being he backed by the familiar voice of Chris Squire, I don't feel Jon's absence as I could have expected.

Wakeman is missing, too, but also in his case Geoff Downes doesn't sound so different, just not so fast.

"The Machine Messiah" is an unusual track. It seems a Genesis song played by Yes, even with Howe playing as usual.

"White Car" is a short song and the one on which the change in the lineup is more evident, as it sounds like a Camel song and the voice seems that of Colin Bass.

The album's highlight is "Does It Really Happen?". It's a pop song from the 80s but at the same time is probably the most progressive moment of the album. This song alone is already a good reason to buy this album.

"Into The Lens" is for me the weakest moment. Not absolutely bad, simply I don't like it. Also this song has some of Genesis. I'm not a Genesis fan, so this is not a good thing for me. Jon Anderson has been often criticized for his lyrics. What's good in "I am a camera, camera camera" ?

"Run Through The Light" is a great song, instead. I'm one of those who liked 90125 and this song is very closer to the style used on that album with the difference in the guitar. Howe and Rabin are not the same guitarist and even if they have played live each other's stuff during the years, they can't be confused.

"Tempus Fugit" is the other pop-rock song of the album. As well as Does it really Happen this is a song that has a great impact when played live.

This is not an essential album, but even with the dramatic lineup change is absolutely not bad and thanks to the two highlights is recognizable as a YES album.

three stars.