MAGNIFICATION

Magnification is so far the only Yes album which I have picked up from beyond the great wall that is "Going for the One". I am for the most part favourable to it, heck the title track is truly Yes on form. The problem begins there after. Good chunks of the album feel unfortunately forced same-y. If I am to use the "Yes Album" through to "Going for the One" as a bench mark of what Yes is capable of. Magnification is but a shadow of what was. The great crawling sound of Steve Howe's guitar isn't there as it was in the past. And while the orchestra is superb I can't help but get the feeling that it is under utilized. It almost listens more like a crossover than an all out symphonic prog.

Listening to Magnification is always bitter sweet for me. On one had it is a solid and listenable album, but on the other it is Yes and I am afraid I am forced to hold them to a higher standard. It is a satisfactory album. I wouldn't 'poopoo' any one for loving it either. It simply isn't great.