GOING FOR THE ONE

Going for the One feature the return of Rick Wakeman to the Yes fold, replacing Patrick Moraz. This is a splendid album, though not perfect. It features the first shorter tracks from a Yes album since Fragile, with 4 songs of less than 8 minutes.

The title track starts things off with a bang, or to be more specific, a slide guitar. This track is catchy and features fine harmonies. 4/5

Turn of the Century is the first of two ballads. A very graceful song, it shows off Jon Anderson at his finest, with much emotion. The middle section, with very emotional and reserved piano, is very beautiful and is a highlight. Steve Howe shows his virtuosity in both electric and acoustic guitars. 4/5

Parallels features strong bass from Chris Squire and also is notable for its church organ. A fine track. 3.5/5

Wonderous Stories is a more "poppy" track, meaning featuring a more tradition verse-chorus (etc) form and a short, under 4 minute length. Despite these things, this track also displays fine vocals from Anderson and great synth lines. 4/5

Awaken is the true gem of this album. The only "epic" track of the album, clocking at over 15 mintues, Awaken has many quality moments. The first comes when the 11/8 riff comes in, faster paced, driving, and mystic with the accombaning lyrics, "Awaken Gentle Mass Touch". The middle section features more church organ by Wakeman and also has xylophone from Alan White. This section is very slow and is the weakest part of the track in my opinion. This leads into another strong vocal section which culminates in a section reprising the theme at the beginning of the song. All in all, this track is the finest of the album and one of the finest in the Yes catalog. 5/5

Going for the One is a fine addition to any prog collection. Not as great as the classics Relayer and Close to the Edge, but still a great album worthy to stand amongst those legendary LP's.