BIG GENERATOR

Big Generator is probably the most controversial release by Yes.

On this release, they display what was a modern soundscape at the time of it's release, catchy and memorable chorus lines in quite a few songs, and what at first may sound like simple and superficial music in quite a few tracks.

There's archetypical 80's sounding synth work all over the place, a guitarist that is given some space for hard rockin fuzz, strong and catchy melody lines.

Beneath the surface, it's still easy to hear that this is a prog band though; but unlike most of their other releases the complexities are more hidden away on this release. The subtle approach is used instead of the prog complexity overkill Yes more often displayed pre 90125.

But when that is said, this isn't a gem of a release. It's not the trash the diehard fanboys claim it is, but neither is it a forgotten jewel or a hidden musical gem.

It's a collection of tracks with varying quality, in various styles - all of them with a distinct 80's tinge to them due to synthwork and production.

All in all an average release.