TALK

Speaking as a fan of both Rabin and Rabin-less Yes, I feel that both eras have something to offer. As much as the purists may dislike what Rabin had to offer, there is no denying that Yes was introduced to legions of new fans with the more radio friendly of 90125. Although there was a bit of a hiccup with Big Generator, and an on and off again flirtation with the classic lineup, the 90125 lineup reconvened in 1994 with Talk. This is a brilliantly performed album that embodies the spirit of Yes. Sorry, purists, but it really does.

The albums initial track "The Calling" has a pretty driving rhythmic beat held down by Squire and White, mixed in with some excellent exchanges of Hammond organ work by Kaye, and Rabin's flashy guitar wizardry. A very nice anthemic way to begin Talk.

"I Am Waiting" is a bit soft spoken kicked off with an almost Hawaiian-esque guitar slide. Anderson's vocals displays that almost whisper-like tone one minute, but he can definitely turn on the jets when the emotion dictates...and this song is pure emotion. Maybe on the light side of Yes in any form, but I'm not above recognizing beauty in a song. Absolutely sublime.

"Real Love" takes on a more 'grunge" sounding guitar riff and a bit more down and dirty for Yes. Not my favorite from this disc, but they really turn it on for "State Of Play", which is excellent. Excellent rhythm anchoring by White and Squire, which soaring, heartfelt vocals. Rabin really paints a nice image with his playing with both light and heavy sections. Probably the best song on the disc.

"Walls" sounds like something leftover from 90125. Simply a great tune with stellar production and with one of Rabin's best guitar solos towards the end that sounds a bit like Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac. The acoustic guitar adds a nice tone to the song.

"Where Will You Be" has a bit of a Tangerine Dream/Shadowfax sound to it. Very atmospheric and low in tonal quality. Not a lot of changes or anything dynamic with this one, but a good song. Rabin (again) displays his virtuosity on the guitar. Nice stuff.

Well lookie here!!! A Yes epic from the Rabin era!!! "Endless Dream" clocks in at around 13 minutes and is divided into 3 sections. I'm sure old Yes fans would still find something wrong with this; however, this is a brilliantly executed Yes ballad. Sure, it's not "Gates Of Delirium" or "Close To The Edge", but it's so nice to see what this incarnation of Yes are capable of when they prog out...and they do a damn fine job. Different mood changes with strong vocal harmonies. This and "Real Love" are my two favorites, but I find the whole disc excellent!

I'm one of a handful of people on this site that enjoys the Rabin era of Yes. 90125 is what really introduced me to Yes and provoked me into getting...well....almost everything they've ever released. I would have hoped that a strong disc like Talk would've seen more releases from this lineup, but I don't think it's going to happen...unfortunately. With Talk you have the best of both worlds as it pertains to West Yes: very melodic with a bit more of a hard rock sound, but lovely balance of layers and harmonies. A brilliant disc.