DRAMA

This was a very gutsy album for Yes. They move on right away after Jon's departure and leap right into the eighties. You know what I'm talking about if you ever seen the promo videos and their appearance. You hear a different sound on this album. At times, it is darker and metal-like at times as in Machine Messiah. Dream Theater loves this song as they have covered it about 4800 times, including some with Steve Howe and Alan White on different occasions. At other times, it is upbeat and poppy as in "Into the lens" and "Run Through the Light". The reason of course is influence from the Buggles, Trevor Horn, and Geoff Downesm, who as everyone knows, joined the to replace Jon and Rick.

All six songs are great. My favorite is "Machine Messiah". The repeating 9/8 line by in the middle is addicting and the guitar is a very nice touch. It builds up and the tension is released in a more dramatic reprise of the intro. There is no weak song on the album. "Tempus Fugit", or "Time Flies" is a strong, strong closer. It's a shame Jon Anderson is too egotistical for them to play these songs live. Everyone but Squire (him being on every album (to my knowledge)) has had to learn parts and play parts that they did'nt create. But, that's fine, everyone has a bit of an ego whether it's really small (Steve Hackett) or really big (Roger Waters and everyone in ELP).

Final analysis: Jon and Rick really miss out on this fine album. The Buggles prove to be worthy replacements and hold their own next to these prog giants. Not at all a disappointment, definately give it a try as there wasn't a Yes album of this caliber for a while.