Music review: Yes 鈥� 鈥楩ly from Here鈥�
?Over the years, I have steadfastly acquired the complete Yes catalog. It all started back in 1971 when I borrowed my older brother’s “The Yes Album.” I listened in amazement to the theatrical arrangements of “Starship Trooper” and “Perpetual Change,” and was drawn to the band’s sonic sophistication. The albums “Fragile,” “Yessongs” and “Tales from Topographic Oceans” followed, hooking me on album after album for the next 30 years.
Proving to be one of music’s most successful progressive rock bands, Yes returns with its 20th studio album. Keyboardist Rick Wakeman and singer Jon Anderson are absent, replaced by Geoff Downes and Benoit David. While Downes originally joined Yes on 1980’s “Drama,” David was selected to replace Anderson in 2008. Previously performing as the lead vocalist for a Yes tribute band, David shows he has the chops to match the aesthetically engaging vocals of Anderson. Longtime members Chris Squire, Steve Howe and Alan White join Downes and David, injecting new life in the classic Yes sound. Producer Trevor Horn is masterful at overseeing the new material as he manages to provide a retro feel, while still making it sound fresh and connected. The band’s return to form is ushered in with new cover art by Roger Dean. The English artist has crafted magnificent album covers for the band through the years, and is credited with creating the vintage bubble Yes logo.
Embracing the band’s early roots, Yes has created a complex work that rivals the sprawling arrangements of past albums “Relayer” and “Going for the One.” After 40 years, Yes is still relevant and entertaining. I guess I owe my brother a copy of the new album. It’s the least I can do for helping myself to his early Yes albums so many years ago. This one’s on me, big brother.