UNION

This album was supposed to be the second album for ABWH (Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe that turned out to be the new album for YES. It's a memorable album as all members and ex members of two bands (YES and ABWH) reunited here forming this excellent album. Yes, I go with Dave Connolly's rating that this is an excellent addition to any prog rock collection. Unfortunately Geoffrey Downes, Trevor Horn, Patrick Moraz and Peter Bank did not contribute here; so it's basically not a total reunion album. But it's okay, what matters is the spirit for "union" and also the quality of music created.

Composition-wise, this is not exactly any style of old Yes as the music is a blend of Trevor Rabin era, ABWH style also classic Yes style. But for me it's an excellent album. The album opener "I Would Have Waited Forever" (6:32) is an energetic music with dynamic performance by contributing musicians. "Shock to the System" (5:09) is my favorite that has a musical style similar with the opening track. "Masquerade" (2:18) demonstrates Steve Howe's acoustic guitar virtuosity that reminds me to the glory days when he performed "Mood for A Day". "Lift Me Up " (6:30) which features Trevor Rabin on guitar and vocals characterizes the music of Yes "Talk" and it's excellently composed.

The powerful lyric "Without Hope You Cannot Start the Day" (5:18) is one of my all-time favorite Yes track to start my day which usually I followed with hard driving rhythm music like Tom Sawyer (Rush) or Humble Stance (Saga) etc. to cheer up my day. "Miracle of Life" (7:30) is a track a bit complex with great combination of guitar and organ / keyboard. The other track that also inspires me is "Angkor Wat" (5:24) - so tasty and so melodic. I usually repeat this track whenever I listen to the album.

Overall, it's an excellent addition to any prog collection. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW