FLY FROM HERE

I didn't have high hopes for this, and indeed - it's a bad album by Yes (again). Most Yes fans have been used to bad albums from about 1983 to the present. This is one of the worst I've listened to.

First, the absence of Jon Anderson is well-felt. "Drama" didn't have Anderson on it, either, but at least it had some good rock songs. This album (Fly From Here) doesn't have a single good song.

The title piece, stretching for 24 minutes, is a weak effort by the current lineup. Benoit's voice is lifeless, uninspired and boring. Steve Howe's guitar playing is mediocre, with no standout solo or new technique. Chris Squire's bass work is ok, but he sounds old and slow. Alan White's drum track is so bad, I wish he would be replaced by someone like Gavin Harrison.

Geoff Downes' keyboard parts are second grade, less effective and less impressive when compared to the synth job he did for Drama back in 1980.

Besides the title piece, which tries to be prog but sounds tired and hollow, you have 5 more tracks, all of them pop-rock songs with no meaning or depth.

Disappointment? none. Just a sad, old album from a sad, old band. At least we have the 70's classics to listen to, all remastered and expanded.