BIG GENERATOR

This is one of the albums which the hardcore fans tend to dislike, and it's not hard to see why. There are many pop elements and even bits that sound like they had the record company on their back for a commercial hit. However there is plenty to recommend this album. There are some truly fantastic pieces, and as with all the Rabin led Yes music there is playing which in my opinion always surpasses the Howe material. 'I'm Running' is one of the most under rated songs they have done with the fantastic vocal harmony section towards the end, whilst 'Rhythm of Love' is in the 'Yes go pop' mould that began on 90125. Shoot High is wonderful, once you accept that this is not Relayer or CTTE. Even when they are at their most AOR sound they still manage to throw prog elements in to surprise (i.e. 'flying out the soft machine' bridge in Big Generator) My personal opinion, not shared by some Yes fans is that the band play so much more dynamically under the Rabin line up, and I think everyone ups their game. Watch the live videos of Howe Yes and Rabin Yes and tell me which ones the other band members smile more in. As I said, not for everyone with some very 80s production going on but containing some great moments.