GOING FOR THE ONE

Yes had a magnificent run in the early '70's, releasing some of the best albums ever to fly the symphonic prog flag. Yet the quality of the work had dipped and personnel problems had cropped up. Going for the One was intended to restart their career. With Wakeman back in the fold, the Dean covers ditched and with a less experimental but more grand sound, Yes did exactly that. Who knew back in 1977 that we would have to wait TWENTY YEARS for a work of comparable quality? (Keys to Ascension 2.) Of course this album isn't perfect. I find the title track to be as ugly as the cover, while Wondrous Stories is a bit too twee for my tastes. However, in Awaken we have what may be the best epic outside of CTTE that Yes ever composed, while Turn of the Century has all of the grandeur of that song in about half the running time. Parallels is a great song that shows that Yes still remembers how to rock as well as how to prog. Anyhow, enjoy the last masterpiece from the '70's Yes.

5 stars all the way.