FLY FROM HERE

An album that was made with some controversies with the legendary line-up involving Jon and Rick but it was promising the return of "Drama" that was really good album. But when I got this album I was disappointed at first spin as I expected something as dynamic as Drama which had 'Machene Messiah' and 'Tempus Fugit' at least the energy. Unfortunately this new album has nothing to do musically with Drama even though the line-up is very close with addition of new singer, Benoit. Having spun the album in its entirety for at least 5 spin, I finally conclude that the album similarity of style is closer to Asia "Phoenix" than to Yes' "Drama". I actually listened to the album reluctantly for full set and usually I stopped at fisth track because the "Bumpy Ride" is so BORING! How come Geoff Downes produces keyboard sound that is so bad, so ugly and so boring like this one? Of course I would not compare with Rick's inventive keyboard solo but at least, give me something like in Machine Messiah or at least like in "Open Your Eyes" (Asia live in Asia). But this fifth track is really a stopper. I usually skip this track because I cannot afford to have my ears went through the ordeal of this keyboard mess. From track 1 right until 4, I have to say the music is good even though there is no energy and seems like the new singer does not blend nicely with the music. His voice is OK even though less power compared to Jon and even Trevor Horn in Drama. As far as he sings with his own style, I am OK with his voice quality. But, once he tries to emulate Jon's angel voice espece\ially when he sings on the opening lyrical verse "The old prop-shaft airliners stand" (track no. 2) ...it does not sound well and it's too much effort to emulate Jon's voice. Just be yourself Mr Benoit .... Don't try to emulate Jon's ....

I might consider this album very good if there were no other prog bands released good albums as well like Pendragon "Passion", Spock's Beard "X", Beardfish "Mammoth", Pallas "XXV" or IQ "Frequency". Meaning what? I would rather love the other albums from other bands than this album by Yes which has good artwork but the music is just mediocre - nothing that really hooks me, musically. On the "Fly From Here" epic that comprises five parts there are many repeat as well. The guitar part at the beginning of "Life on a Film Set" reminds me to ELP's "The Sage". The song is not bad actually, but by the time I reach here I have lost my patient as there has been to energy of the whole album.

Overall, the good part is that they still can make good music even though it's no longer competitive compared to new offerings from new band. And I am sure when Dream Theater releases its new album by mid of September this year I don't think I will still be interested to spin this new album by Yes even though I am a big fan of Yes. Overall rating of this album is 3-. The other good part is that this album is still much better than Yes "Open Your Your Eyes" or "Big Generator". Keep on proggin' ..!!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Share this YES review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Gatot
• Report this review (#513336)
• Buy YES music online with PA partners
• Show all YES MP3/Stream
• Go to YES page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Fly from Here page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for YES related discussions