GOING FOR THE ONE

Here we are at GOING FOR THE ONE. The musical peak of a band destined for a much greater future. In 1972 progressive rock was the big thing in popular music, by 1977 punk rock was very much the popular style, yet YES still releases, as Steve Howe put it, "the Euro-Rock album of all time!". 5 new pieces of music, not side-long epics, and yet not quite pop singles either. The opening title track is completely led by steel guitar, frenzied and chaotic, but never missing a beat! The rest of the band follows this lead with their usual precision and power. It sets off a trend that continues for most of the album where each track keeps building off of a set theme. "Turn of the Century" is fascinating in its subtlety. Its very complex melody becomes more and more powerful on repeated listens. "Parallels" sounds like it was maybe in consideration for inclusion on "Fish out of Water" with Squire's bass very much up front in the mix. Steve Howe's lightning fast solos contrast well over the upbeat rhythmic foundation. "Wonderous Stories" is very much in the vein of "Your Move", only with Wakeman's polymoog creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. By far the most accessible track on the album, its very simple melody is made enthralling by Jon Anderson's angelic vocals. The final track is "Awaken", by far the most progressive track Yes has ever written. Its dynamics are awe-inspiring, in particular the drums and guitar. Again, the momentum builds in its first half, then gently floats through its middle section which leads to an extremely powerful and emotionally charged finale. This album marks the end of an era. Its been 29 years since its release, and Yes have yet to match the energy and creativity that fueled this album, and the 7 albums that came before it. I would not recommend this album to those who are not already familiar with Yes' earlier material, but for those willing to set aside the time to engross themselves in a record, "Going for the One" is a very rewarding and satisfying choice.