MAGNIFICATION

Yes' second orchestrated album (the first was Time and a Word), it is a real proof that "a king never loses his majesty". Even after 30 years passed, Yes gives us this great gift, a great Symphonic/Progressive Rock album, even on the 21st century.

We Agree: reasonable song. The worst in the album. 2,5 stars.

Dreamtime: the title and the length (10:45) makes us think it is a masterpiece, but, in fact, it's just an ordinary song. Some good parts, but nothing special. 3 stars.

Spirit of Survival: great bass, great orchestration again, good lyrics. It follows the title-track, being part of a "medley". A little bit heavy for my taste, but nothing exaggerated. 3 stars.

Time Is Time: a good song, but very simple and not much memorable. 3 stars.

Soft As a Dove: calm and melodic song, with acoustic guitar and flute... Jon gives us his angelical voice in this beautiful song. 3,5 stars.

Give Love Each Day: grand orchestration, with a great intro. Good lyrics, great vocals, a very positive song. 3,5 stars.

Can You Imagine: very good song, great orchestration here. Something rare: the lead vocalist on this song is Squire ! And he does have a great voice, although not as powerful now as on Fish Out of Water. 3,8 stars.

Don't Go: people say this is a bad song, but it is not, absolutely. Ok, it's a Pop Rock song, the "poppiest on this album, but it is really good, it has great bass and guitar lines, a catchy beat and many more... I love it. 4,5 stars.

In The Presence Of: this song was mostly written by Alan, and, if I'm not wrong, he plays some piano/keyboards on this one. It is very beautiful, or more than this: it's very touching. Incredible melodies are heard through this song, especially the intro. Howe made a great work with his guitar (including the Pedal Steel Guitar), Squire gives us one of his melodic bass lines, always matching with the rhythm of the song, and Anderson sings very sweetly. The end is extraordinary. 5 stars.

Magnification: it really deserves to be the main song on the album. It starts with some kind of strange acoustic guitar, similar to the one used on I've Seen All Good People. The song has constant time changes, which reminds us of the old Yes songs. It is very complex, harmonic, has a great structure, the orchestration is incredible, the lyrics are good and the end is fantastic (a big 'crescendo' mixing several instruments and orchestration, including Steve's Pedal Steel Guitar). Listening to it, you think for a moment that you are listening to a 70's song, from a classic Yes album. At least, that's what I feel. 5 stars.

Although it's far from being a masterpiece, it's a good album. 3,5 (3 here on PA).