BIG GENERATOR

Nearly every track on this album is pure ear candy, and while a couple songs are rather silly, each is a very solid composition with clean production, immaculate instrumentation and delightful vocal harmonies. The music definitely has progressed from 90125 with a broader sweep of style and substance.

Rhythm of Love is probably the weakest of the set, but the harmonic vocal themes do much to alleviate the straightforward pop presentation that dominates the rest of the song.

Big Generator is definitely one of the sillier songs, but it succeeds in creating a sound that Yes had never yet achieved, what with the combination of delicate keyboards and grinding guitar sounds.

Shoot High Aim Low is one of my favorites. Moody, catchy and clean, the vocal interplay between Anderson and Rabin is a perfect complement to the overall sound.

Almost Like Love is also a little silly, but what a fun melody! Anderson's rapid-fire stream-of-thought approach is a departure from his more typical ethereal approach, and it's entirely refreshing. The backing guitars are also an understated strength.

Love Will Find A Way is the other straightforward pop-oriented song on the album, pure Trevor Rabin. It has a strong melody, but beyond production value, it doesn't add much to the album. Move on.

Final Eyes is a beautiful tune that revisits the Anderson/Squire harmonies that help put Yes on the map. Not much here in the way of outstanding musicianship, but it has all the right elements to stand strongly on its own.

I'm Running is the most ambitious piece on the album, and the first Yes tune to offer a distinct Latin flair. Of all the songs, this one seems most like an extension of 90125, particularly in the distinctive key and time signature changes.

Finally, Holy Lamb gives us everything we love about Jon Anderson. This uplifting, metaphysical song is accented by beautiful nonsense phrases that only Anderson can deliver. Concluding the album with the syrupy sweet message, The future is a friend of yours and mine, how can you finish the album without a smile in your heart and a fuller sense of wellbeing? I know I can't.