GOING FOR THE ONE

3.5 stars. Unfortunately i'm reviewing this after spending a lot of time with "Tales From Topographic Oceans" and i'm still feeling the hangover effects from that one. In fact the bad taste all came back with the song "Turn Of The Century" which would have fit well on "Tales From Topographic Oceans" if they'd just stretched it out even more than they did here. I do also think that when compared to the previous album "Relayer" it pales big time. On it's own I like it but these guys could have done so much better. Rick Wakeman is back in the fold after they gave Moraz the boot, although he's the first person they thank in the liner notes.

"Going For The One" is a difficult tune not to like. Anderson seems so confident as he sings with passion. I don't know if i've heard Howe sound quite like he does on this track. Squire is prominant as usual. This song doesn't let up from start to finish. "Turn Of The Century" i've already commented on, I just have a hard time getting into this almost 9 minute track.

"Parallels" features some great organ and guitar work. "Wonderous Stories" is a very positive and uplifting song. "Awaken" is of course what everyone is waiting for. Some nice piano to open as vocals follow. A full sound before 2 minutes,and it sounds amazing. Check out Howe before 3 1/2 minutes. Vocals return 5 1/2 minutes in. A cool soundscape comes in before Anderson returns 11 minutes in. An uplifting section 11 1/2 minutes with guitar helping out a lot in that department. Wakeman then takes over briefly.

I think this is worth having but I also think they have several albums that are much better.