GOING FOR THE ONE

This is one of the first Yes albums I found on vinyl and put off listening to it, for some odd reason. I guess when you hear "Close to the Edge," "Fragile," and "Relayer" you think that it really cannot get much better. Well, WAS I WRONG. VERY VERY WRONG. "Going for the One" is easily the most over-looked Yes album in their catalog in terms of how well the album flows together and just sheer prog quality. You could say the same for "TFTO" or "Drama," but those albums do not compare to the level of euphoria I felt when I heard such classics as "Going for the One," "Parallels," and of course the monstrous "Awaken." If you ever think of not giving this one a chance after hearing their classic albums, slap yourself, for it may be the best album you never listened to. Where to start...

"Going for the One" - The bluesy, almost country riff in the beginning is kind of odd in a Yes album, but it adds to the greatness. The chorus, the keyboard melodies, the always wonderful Howe-esque riffage makes this a great starter and besides "Awaken" one of my favorite tracks on the album.

" Turn of the Century" - A softer track, slowing down the pace (like prog albums usually do.) Anderson's soft vocals soothe the soul, and Squire, Howe and Wakeman do what they do best, with Howe adding some New Age melodies in the mix. Synthesizers, Keys, and Electric and Spanish guitar dominate the track.

"Parallels" - Ah, an organ. Lovely. Whenever an organ is present, it makes an instant winner (see Anglagard - Hybris.) Another rockin' track, completely dominated again by Wakeman's Organ, Howe's echoing guitar and Anderson's eclectic vocals. The organ makes this song that much better. A nice guitar solo by Howe makes this track more of a traditional, mainstream track, but indeed not taking away an progressive elements in the process.

"Wondrous Stories" - Another slow track, but nonetheless a great in-betweener from side A to side B. The official single from the album, in the vain of "I've Seen All Good People," it caters to a broader audience, capturing the great Yes harmonics in the process.

"Awaken" - Hmmm, would it be blasphemy to say that "Close to the Edge" and "The Gates of Delirium" cannot touch this track? The apex, the pinnacle, and the epitome of a progressive masterpiece. Not only is it the most thoroughly complex track the band has written, it is without a doubt the catchiest of their "Epic" tracks. Everything fits so perfectly, Alan White makes himself known, providing spot-on drums, supporting the impressive melodies and harmonic creations that overlap. This is the quintessential "goose-bumps" track for me, every time I listen. It just makes a great album that much better, and fits so well in the general sound of "GFTO."

Slowly but surely, over time this album will climb up high on my favorites list. With every listen, I learn something new, and each time my smile gets bigger, and my heart melts a tiny bit more.

5/5 stars. Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music.