HEAVEN & EARTH

Heaven and Hell for Yes fans Previous comments have outlined the weaknesses of this album: Lack of dynamics and energy. Weak song writing (Was this really the best material available after all those years? If yes, why not engage brilliant songwriters such as Neal Morse for help? Yes has always been a great arrangement band, they practically re-invented "America"!!) Weak lyrics that sound like they are trying to emulate Jon Anderson's lyrical ambitions. On "Fly from here" they did stay away from that and did much better. Feeling that they are going through the motions, attempts to repeat past glories without new ideas. Why did they have to rush the production? If record sales don't matter anymore and they can only make money by touring, they might as well not have put out this record and done more concerts. The best I can say is that "Heaven & Earth" sounds surprisingly like a weak Jon Anderson Solo Album. 1.5 stars