TALK

If you're not a fan of Rabin era Yes, this album won't change your mind much. Rabin's name is all over this one. Along with guitars, keyboards, vocals, programming, engineer, he acts as both producer and main songwriter. This is a louder more ambitious effort than those of the previously released Big Generator and Union are. However, there are some shortcomings. Tony Kayes keyboard seems almost entirely missing here. While Chris Squire's trademark bass lines are for the most part unheard. Alan White's drumming may seem louder than you've ever heard before. Also, Rabin's blending of Anderson and Squire's vocals with his own creates almost a chorus like effect that may sound too strong at times. There's no doubt though that the music is of high quality. "The Calling" is definitely the strongest track. The fifteen-minute multi-part "Endless Dream" is reminiscent of some of their earlier work. Perhaps if it had been a bit more of a group collaboration, and not so heavily resting upon Rabin's shoulders, this may have been a stronger release.