TORMATO

Tormato was a big change for Yes. Here they took a more song oriented approach and abandoned their extended epics from earlier years. This was an ongoing trend for prog groups as many a label wanted to see more hits. Whether this is what was affecting Yes' deterioration or the band was just plain uninspired is open to debate. It's probably a little of both.

Even though Tormato was more radio friendly than its predecessors, it does have a few good moments on songs like Future Times/Rejoice, Release, Release, Arriving UFO, and On the Silent Wings of Freedom. Even so, these songs lack that "Yesness" that one could instantly pick up from earlier classics by the band. In many ways, Tormato sounds like the precursor of 90125 and other subsequent albums. It also sounds like a group running out of ideas.

A mixed bag, but a good album too. Not essential in anyway. Three stars. Yes fans should probably seek this one out. Others should consider getting their earlier masterpieces before looking for this one, unless you can find it cheaply.