TALK

Released in 1994 by the "90125" line-up (Anderson-Kaye-Rabin-Squire-White), the album was this line-up's closest to 70s-style prog. And for that reason, many Yes fans praise "Talk." In contrast, many simply reject anything associated with Rabin, the heavy-handed, jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none.

And indeed, it's Rabin's ego that's the biggest problem with "Talk." Sure, he's multi- talented, but "Talk" is practically a solo album. He produced it, engineered it, played all guitars, and sang some lead vocals. He wrote almost all the music, digitally 'fixed' the drums, seized all keyboard duties except the Hammond organ (Yes had heretofore always had a full-time keyword player), and apparently even played some uncredited bass. This left for very little room for contributions from Anderson, Kaye, Squire and White.

Before 'Talk,' Yes was mostly a democratic affair, with strong input from five highly- talented musicians. If Rabin had simply synergized with the incredible talents of Anderson, Squire, et al, instead of trying to prove to the world that he could make a Yes album all by himself, "Talk" would have been great instead of just good.

So how's the album? Reasonably good, with a solid opening and closing, and an awful middle.

The opening "The Calling" is pleasant AOR-prog, with a spine-tingling instrumental middle and Hammond solo. "I Am Waiting" is hauntingly romantic, and features some wonderful Yes harmonies.

Closing out the album, "Where Will You Be?" is classic, spaced-out Anderson at his celestial best. And "Silent Spring" is Rabin's relatively good attempt at a Yes epic.

However, the three songs in the middle leave much to be desired. "True Love" is an ugly, lumbering grunge work out. "State of Play" is simplistic and discordant. "Walls," the all-time worst Yes single, is a complete disaster. Sung by Rabin and featuring a distinctly country vibe, it doesn't sound like Yes - and doesn't even sound like good country. It could have ended the band's career.

While "Talk" isn't one of Yes' best albums, it's still a worthwhile addition to this band's catalogue and your collection.

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