GOING FOR THE ONE

Following a hiatus during which every member of the band released solo records, YES regrouped with keyboardist RICK WAKEMAN and released the fan favorite, "Going For The One". Although noisy at times, the record is a return to writing magical prog rock that mixes the members' individual contributions to best effect. The album featured two singles, the enthusiastic title track showcasing the uncontainable STEVE HOVE and "Wonderous Stories", an acoustic song that recalls JON ANDERSON's Olias of Sunhillow. Although both "Tales From Topographic Oceans" and "Relayer"had their moments, "Going For The One" consistently recalls the magic and majesty of their best work. The epic "Awaken", for example, belongs on a par with "Fragile"'s "South of the Sky", while "Wonderous Stories" hits the same high points as "And You and I." The record is hampered by chaotic production, notably burying RICK WAKEMAN's contributions on the opening ""Going For The One"", but it benefits from a brilliance of sound aided by ALAN WHITE, whose percussion on the spellbinding "Turn of the Century" is indicative of his lighter touch this time around. And for those who question the paternity of "Drama", CHRIS SQUIRE's "Parallels" serves as a clear precedent.

While "Going For The One" is a return to form in many ways, it also marks a shift from multi- part epics toward more concise, punchy progressive rock. Subsequent albums would contain individual moments of magic, but none would again match this mix of great music and deep mysticism.