GOING FOR THE ONE

This album remarks the return of keyboard maestro Rick Wakeman to the band and reformed one of the finest line-up of Yes. For my personal taste, this is really an excellent album that demonstrates excellent quality of Yes music in terms of songwriting, composition, musicianship, and production. In terms of moods, there are rocking tracks like "Going For The One" and "Parallels" (which later would become an opening track of Yes live replacing the long standing Yes classic opening tune for live act "Siberian Khatru"). It also has classical influence track in the vein of "And You And I" (of "Close To The Edge" album), i.e. "Turn of The Century" and "Wonderous Stories".

Without any intention to demean the quality of other four tracks that, in my view, all of them are wonderful, my all-time favorite track of this album is definitely "Awaken". Yeah man . this is a superb track combining a catchy melody, tight composition with flawless delivery. My ultimate enjoyment happens exactly on segment where Rick plays his solo accompanied by Jon's triangle work. Oh man . this segment is definitely killing!!! The music flows like magic from start (great piano and powerful voice line) to end of track. And, this track is best to conclude this wonderfully crafted album!!!

My overall rating: 4.5 out of 5. Highly recommended!! [In 2003, I purchased RHINO's re-mastered and expanded version of this album that has 7 bonus tracks. Almost all bonus tracks are not worth listening. The only good thing is the sleeve note by Tim Jones and band's photographs]. --

Open Invitation for Yes to Perform "YES for Tsunami in Indonesia"

Dear Jon, Rick, Chris, Alan, and Steve:

One year has passed since you (or Yes management - it does not really matter who) "cancelled" your gig in Jakarta as part of your Asia Second Leg Tour sometime in September 2003. I did purchase the ticket at front row with other 7 colleagues of mine. For me personally it was kind like dream came through and I did prepare a long banner (10 meter) marked with "29 Years in Waiting ." to be shown during your gig in Tennis Indoor Senayan. But, I (and also Yesmania in Indonesia) were very disappointed that you did not make our dream came true due to unrealistic "travel warning" that you care more than our starving to see your band live in my country. Why unrealistic? Because many other foreign bands did successful shows in Indonesia like DEEP PURPLE (3 times already), TOTO (three times), RICK WAKEMAN, AIR SUPPLY, WHITE LION, SCORPIONS, MEGADETH, HELLOWEEN, LINKIN' PARK and many more pop acts "despite" the travel warning. Even, Scorpions did their gigs in many cities of Indonesia around the time when the bomb issues were floating around my country. [Even though finally I attended your gig in Singapore 25 Sept 2003 and had a short chat with Jon before the show, but I still want to see you "live" in Indonesia].

Now, it's time for YES to perform in Indonesia doing the live aid (or whatever you call it), at least for the people of Banda Aceh and North Sumatra and other countries. You will just do fine to perform here, don't worry. Ask Rick Wakeman who did a wonderful show in February 2002. Rick even agreed to meet us, the Indonesian Progressive Society, got together with us in his hotel. He played his piano while we got together one day after the show. What a memorable event!

It's a perfect time now for Yes (and other progheads) to do a live performance in Indonesia. You might collaborate with other progheads such as Dream Theater, The Flower Kings, Marillion, Arena, Spock's Beard, Neal Morse, etc. and make a "Prog for Humanity" show, down here in Indonesia. Okay? How prog are you man??? And . I'll be your roundabout! We love you .. Jreng!

Progressively Yours,

GW, Indonesia.

Keep on progging!