Review: Yes 'The Quest'
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ย. 2024
- Join Pete Pardo for a review of the new release from progressive rock legends Yes, 'The Quest', on InsideOut Music. #yes #insideoutmusic
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It bears repeating: Mad respect for your diplomacy.
thank you sir!
Pete, your reviews are always bang on! They always come from the heart like a true fan. That's why I love SOT so much! There's only one Pete Pardo! Thankyou.
I just can't get into Yes without Jon A and Chris. I think Chris' passing really indicates how integral he was to the sound of the band, particularly vocally. And I think the music lacks direction, which is something both Jon A and Trevor Rabin provided.
I am alright with this album.
I have been a fan for 50 years. I like YES. I will see them next year in 2022.
Strong review, tepid album; we must be honest. Yes's greatest challenge is that they're being compared to Yes.
All the more reason to not call themselves Yes, and dragging that legacy thru the mud...
Not even a single original member left.
@@rcpsammy7186 Others' idea to call this "The Steve Howe Band" sounds better and better to me
You're probably being compared to people who know about music
Agree with this review, exactly with the summary
I think my favorite recent Yes album is "Fly from Here: Return Trip." LOVE LOVE LOVE that album. Bring back Trevor Horn to produce and do backing vocals. He doesn't want to do lead vocals, but he'd be a great backing vocalist for Jon.
Totally agree!
Affirmative.
AGREED! "Return Trip" is a great album. I love Horn and Squire's vocals together.
Here’s one out of left field… For the next Yes album (if there is a next album) Jon Anderson should be asked to perform the lead vocal duties, with Jon Davison providing backing vocals.
Anderson also brings with him a huge talent for song writing and a unique musicality. He can also produce and arrange different sections of music to fit into one song. Despite his diminutive physical stature, Anderson also commands a massive presence.
Davison is excellent on the Glass Hammer albums that I have in my collection but he just is not “Yes” the way that Anderson is “Yes”.
I really do like the first few songs on The Quest but it does go rapidly downhill. The last three tracks are decidedly not good and not deserving of being attributed to Yes…
@@Driver2616 I don't think that is realistic.
your right Pete it really drops off after the Ice Bridge.A yawner after playing it I put on Magnification which isn't one of their top top albums,but that album really rocks especially after listening to their new album
Thank you , “Pete” for the
Yes ‘Quest’ review.
I will give it a listen.
🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁
I'm glad we have one more great Yes song to enjoy. The Ice Bridge is a pleasant surprise.
Best not mention Monkman then.
I liked this review.
You can hear on The Western Edge just how strong the Sherwood/Davison partnership is in song writing and how good they sound together and I agree that more of the album would have sounded better if more Sherwood/Davison elements were throughout. In the write-up in the deluxe edition which I own, however, the band at large are happy and proud of Steve's large contribution and leadership on The Quest, so I find myself accepting it as it is. Howe and Davison do some interesting vocal work together that introduces new textures to Yes music, but I think The Quest favors that texture so much that it's worn out by the end. What's interesting and extremely optimistic in my opinion is that Steve writes that he's really impressed by Minus the Man and The Western Edge, loved playing his parts on them, so it could mean more of what you and I both want on future Yes albums. I've noticed that what Steve Howe writes on Yes releases offers clues to future Yes activity.
I'd probably rank The Quest somewhere in the middle of the pack.
Exactly why albums like Going For the One and Drama are among my favorites. Lots of kinetic, feisty activity going down. Latter-day Yes is way too middling, meandering and ‘tired’ for my tastes.
I discovered Sea of Tranquility two years ago. My father passed away and I was just lost looking for something to watch on You Tube. I really enjoyed the ranking shows for prog, jazz-fusion, etc. I drifted away over the last year but today I looked you up again. I missed you buddy! Really enjoyed this review. Thank you.
Thanks James!
Sometimes, Pete, we come to anticipate people's reactions based on our time with them. Though you are only familiar through SoT, the very opening of the review lacked your usual excitement over a great album. But what a fair review you gave. Folks at the United Nations could learn from you regarding tact and well-meaning comments. Many thanks for reviewing this now rather than wait for another Wednesday review day. Been looking forward to your review and every comment was appreciated. Thanks again.
As a Yes fan for the last 48 years (I bought Close to the Edge in the summer of 73, and was amazed, saw them live on the Tales tour the same year, again amazed), so I tried to come to this new album without making those all-too-obvious comparisons, and after the awfulness of Heaven and Earth I really wanted this to be genuinely progressive, exciting, vibrant, dynamic music-making. It's not, sadly. It's flaccid, for the most part. There are moments when it gets mildly interesting, but Downes' shortcomings are evident: he's a colourist not a soloist, but bland and anonymous. Sherwood does a good job on bass throughout, but again he's rather characterless and imitative. If Alan is doing the drums, he's clearly not up to the job anymore. Howe can't sing so shouldn't, and his guitar these days is rather plinky, mellow and inoffensive. He's a million light-years from what he brought to the band in the 70s.
I'm probably going to see them live next year, and hoping they can pull off Relayer live, but the band calling themselves Yes these days no longer has the personnel in it able to perform to that level.
The Quest is an easy listen, undemanding, lyrically unengaging, musically a dollop of blancmange. Nice cover.
The final paragraph says it all for me. This album truly sucks.
Yeah...but you saw Yes on the "Tales" tour.
Hard to top that...
It took quite a few plays but I really enjoy this album now.
Close your eyes, I love it Pete! 😆😆😆 I am a little more nice about that album than most, but I get what people are saying, I don't find myself listening to it much. I agree with another viewer fly from here was their best most recent effort. I could not even get all the way through this album or the last one. I almost feel bad for saying that, but it is what it is.
You know what, I was feeling exactly the same about this album. I was hooked by the Ice Bridge and fell off after. To be honest, I streamed the album and didn’t listen to the final two tracks because I didn’t feel inspired by really anything else on this album. Yeah there’s a few tracks that were ok, but the rest was a snoozefest for me. I’m sure the band are tired of everything being compared to Fragile and Close to the edge or the Yes Album, but those 70’s albums had me hooked from start to finish. I also really like 90125, and I think ABWH was really the return to old Yes that the world wanted. I think Yes sometimes tries to explore the Rabin era style and fail miserably and also even fail too when they try to explore their classic seventies style. The guys in the current lineup are all great musicians, but Squire/Anderson and I’ll say it Wakeman were all crucial to the way Yes sounded. Davison/Sherwood are honestly better off doing Yes inspired work outside of Yes. The Arc of Life thing they did with Schellen was pretty cool. I think it’s just clear that it’s time for Howe and White to retire Yes. There’s just no magic in Yes anymore tbh. I would maybe have a different opinion if it was released under a name that wasn’t Yes, but I’m already more than familiar with Howe/White’s capabilities.
I had the same kind of thoughts about the album before I heard your review. The album is basically all Steve Howe, that is why it sounds like a Steve Howe solo album.
My first thought after listening to The Quest...It's a pretty peaceful album
Thanks for your honesty, Pete. Always appreciated!
I bought the massive deluxeglow-in -the-dark vinyl/CD/ blu-ray of this album. Kind of surprising since I wasn't very impressed by the last few albums. But overall this is one of my favorite since "Keystudio". The other recent Yes albums I bought don't get played very much. I have played this a few times already. It's certainly not up there with the 70s stuff, but I don't regret this purchase. The deluxe package is really great. I would love to see a "Tales from Topographic Oceans" in a package like this. And, yes, the glow vinyl does sound fine. Don't know how long these will be availible (listed as limited to 5000). I agree that more keyboards and drums would improve it. I wish Yes would try another side long epic with more mellotron organ and drums. I have no doubt the potential is there . Although I wasn't blown away, I'm happy with this purchase
I have every studio album, but this is the first one since I discovered Yes that I didn't rush out to buy the day it came out. Steve has always been my least favorite member of the classic lineup, and not surprisingly it sounds like he hogs the limelight here. The two songs I've heard didn't do much for me. Don't get me wrong: I'm glad Yes still exists, and I came to terms long ago with a Yes minus Jon Anderson. But with both Jon and Chris missing, I'm just having a hard time finding a reason to buy the record. I suppose I'll get around to buying it eventually.
I have listened to it a few times on Tidal, I won't go out and buy it.
I've heard Steve Howe sing and yeah he needs to stick to the 6 string, no argument there. Sherwood is a much better singer. The album sounds/seems like a bit of a Steve Howe ego trip on the first couple of listens. Or maybe Downes and the others didn't have much material to contribute? Either way it's not a bad album. I think your review was spot on
Downes wrote a few tracks but this is clearly the Steve Howe show. Unfortunately it's not really Yes or solo Howe, it's stuck somewhere in between in limo. I think Jon Anderson's songwriting is sorely missed here
I listened to this album the day it came out and haven’t listened to it as a full album since. In my opinion, it’s way too mellow and “pleasant,” and barely any of the songs have any energy to keep it interesting. I like “The Ice Bridge,” even though it’s not really an original Yes song. I also like, maybe even love, “Leave Well Alone.” That song is funky, it’s chilling, and it’s sonically diverse. I think that song is great and it’s easily my favorite on the album. However, I didn’t find much else on the album to be memorable. I listened to “Dare to Know” when the video was uploaded to TH-cam, but I think it’s extremely boring, both musically and sonically, and it definitely doesn’t need to be 6 minutes long. I think the last 3 songs are decent, with “Sister Sleeping Soul” and “Damaged World” having cool instrumentation in parts and “Mystery Tour” being a nice, playful, somewhat silly song. Overall, I don’t think it’s really a bad album, just very uninteresting and not what I listen to Yes for. I’d give it a 2/5.
I think we have a similar take, I'd give it maybe a 2.5 out of 5
Best channel on TH-cam
Yes with not enough keyboards? That sounds like soda without enough fizz!
I like that analogy...lol
You nailed it.
@@chrismorgan7494 Well it's Yes without Yes (no original members unless you want to count Howe who joined on the 3rd album, you know the "classic" Yes) & without good Yes songs that are memorable - I guess that goes to the "no fizz" more than the lack of keyboards, which actually sound OK to me
I recently rediscovered Yes after 10 years and was surprised there was additional injection of creativity and energy. Thanks for the review. I literally discovered the album 2 days ago. :-)
I got this one not long ago, it's OK but as a Yes fan I expected more, especially given that we're now 22 albums in (but that's maybe the reason why it's not better...?). "The Ice Bridge" is a good tune, to me it's by far the best & most interesting track on this record. Billy Sherwood does on OK job "replacing" Squire (doesn't have nearly the same presence but who would - maybe Entwistle or Berlin), and Howe's production is fine. I think it's about as good a Heaven And Earth if I'm being honest. Downes is back on keyboards (I prefer him over Wakeman who to me does too much classical noodling like he has to constantly prove that he can play that way) & Alan White's on drums. Glass Hammer's (pretty good band) Jon Davison on vocals, also OK but not as good as Jon Anderson (sounds enough like him though to make you wonder if he's actively trying to). So it's not the playing or production...
That leaves the material & songwriting. Davison had a hand in writing about half of these songs & Howe contributed 3 more. Obviously Howe is firmly in control over this record, but that's not necessarily a good thing. His solo stuff is pretty good but the solo tracks I really like are mostly kinda quirky & I find that that more adventurous sense of songwriting missing here. I think if it were more present & Howe had maybe had a greater hand in the songwriting I would've liked this one more. Some of these songs start off promising & just don't go anywhere. Others like "Future Memories" & "A Living Island" just don't seem to go anywhere from the start. A track like "Music To My Ears" has real potential but there's something missing to complete it, maybe because this record carries the Yes name & expectations are really high. I think I'm not hearing those memorable Yes hooks of their classic tunes that you end up humming & that get stuck in your head. I hardly remember most of these songs after listening to them. That's not a good sign.
I really did want to like this album more, I just couldn't. Maybe additional listenings might change my mind about some of the songs. I suspect that fans of classic Yes won't be too crazy about this one either, but even those like me who prefer the Horn/Downes & especially the Rabin-era Yes may not be too crazy about it
Here is what I wrote about the album elsewhere in cyber space:
On the album proper-- disc 1-- Howe only writes three tunes. Davison is the main show on this album, writing or co-writing the other five tunes. His vocal melodic inventions and lyrics are the dominating influence on the album.
On the production side there are pluses and minuses having Howe in charge. The plus is he did a good job-- it's a rich and detailed album even while being quiet. But the minus is that he didn't help bring forth some stronger keyboard arrangements. For example, "The Western Edge" is killer good but could probably use an intro-- cue the keyboardist.
I'm not sure why Charlie is saying that the new guys sound "nothing like Yes." In reality, Sherwood AND White sound "nothing like Yes" because it's not really a rhythm section players album. Alan is not really given the opportunity to roar as he did on 1970s era Yes like Relayer (which he recently once again sited as his best showing with the band from a drumming perspective). The Quest is too quiet of an album to make those parts stand out except for "The Ice Bridge." What's going to stand out is the vocals, and here is where the album shines.
If you could bring together those two elements-- the detailed vocal arrangements on The Quest, and the power of their mid 70s prog, you'd probably have an album that would appeal to a wider range of Yes fans. Instead, you have an album that will appeal to those fans that lean mellow in a lot of their other musical tastes. That would include me. Yes, I'd be happy with another 70s style album but I'm also happy with this lighter fare. The lightness is what critics of the album have seized on-- "it's too lightweight" is a common feeling. Even the first time I heard it I was dismayed at the lightness that the album ended on. But the more I listened to it, the more I felt that it was just plain good no matter what the stylistic differences between now and the 70s albums. I overcame the hurdle of my expectations.
The last song I came around to was "Music to My Ears" which sounds like the kind of breezy pop that Howe also created in "Hour of Need" and "It Was All We Knew." But once it clicks with you, subtlety and all, you are just glad the song is there, period. But a lot of prog fans-- expecting musical mayhem-- will have left a long time before then. Still, I rank it 4.5 out of 5.
I don’t know, I listened to this out of curiosity, haven’t seriously listened to a Yes album since Tormato. This has almost no resemblance to the Yes I knew. It’s like sports, we root for uniforms! I still love the artwork and classic logo.. I’ll spend a little more time with this.
lost track/interest after tormato......
was always going to be tough to top those classic early albums tho
@@grantross2609 Very true, also everything changed (musically) around 78/79. Many of us went in different directions. Still I’d always check out what my old prog friends were up to throughout the years, nothing really caught my ear. The only newer band that I really responded to was Porcupine Tree.
If Jon Anderson was in the band this album would have been much better!
Absolutely! I don’t think people realize how much his writing (music) was essential to the Yes sound. It’s really sad that he isn’t working with them anymore. His collaboration with Ronnie Stolt was more like Yes than the last couple Yes albums…
@@jeffjones1359 The Anderson/Stolt stuff is magical for sure, one of my favorite new acts. I hope they record more albums. The Anderson/Ponty Band is also very good although a lot of that sounds more like Ponty than Yes (except for the Yes covers of course) - which is OK with me. In fact anything Ponty plays on tends to sound like his solo stuff, that's just the way it works. BTW Jamie Glaser kills it on guitar. Anderson also proves that he can write good non-Yes sounding songs. Back in 2019 Anderson did a "RocknRoll Fantasy Camp" with Ian Paice & Steve Morse - wow! His solo records are also very good, just seems like everything he touches musically works. I think I actually enjoy his non-Yes sounding solo stuff more than when he tries to recapture the Yes thing
@@wolf1977 I’m pretty sure that it was Jamie Glaser who was with JLP the last time I saw him and yes he’s a monster. Heard him with Chic’s Electric Band a few times. I didn’t even know that Jon Anderson worked with JLP! Thanks! I just checked them out. It’s an interesting combination! I’m not really familiar with Jon’s solo work other than Olias I’m sorry to say. I’m going to have to fix that! And I second that about him and Ronnie Stolt doing more recording! I really like Ronnie Stolt’s playing. One of the most beautiful guitar solos I’ve ever heard is his on Life in Motion, (Flower Kings). It’s right up there with David Gilmore’s solo on Comfortably Numb and Steve Hackett’s on Firth of Fifth. (My personal top three). Man, I would have loved to have been at that camp! Steve Morse is another favorite of mine. And Ian Pace! Woah, cool! I loved the Dreggs and was lucky enough to have seen them in the early 90s. It was an incredible show! Check out Rick Beato’s interview with Jon on TH-cam. I should have copied the link but I just thought of it while I was writing this! Just search for it on TH-cam.
@@jeffjones1359 Glaser is quoted as saying that playing with Ponty was his all time favorite gig...Roine Stolt is a monster, great player/singer/writer/band leader. Maybe the best single prog talent out there right now, one of my all time faves. Yeah the Anderson/Stolt project Invention Of Knowledge is great, I was very excited when I saw that come out & wasn't disappointed. To me it sounds like the Yes/Flower Kings cross you'd expect (plus some beautiful violin playing thrown in). A lot of the tracks are written by Anderson.
One of my fave Stolt performances with the Flower Kings is on "I Am The Sun" (from Space Revolver), also "My Cosmic Lover"...I saw the Dregs live in the early 80's, one of the best shows I've eve seen for sure. Also went to a solo Morse show in the early 90's, again same thing. Plus he stuck around afterwards for at least an hour talking to fans & signing stuff (he signed my sweatshirt) & I remember talking to him for at least 10 minutes about his gear. Great guy!
Jon Anderson no longer has chemistry with that band, so I don't think so.
I would've liked it if Yes packed it in following Chris Squire's death had Chris not wanted them to continue, because he was the only member there since the very beginning by the time he died. Still, at least it was brave for them to go on with Rick Wakeman's one-time replacement Billy Sherwood now on bass, because I know this wasn't the first time Sherwood was involved with Yes.
I have been saying that since he left us. God I miss him! It breaks my heart.
I keep hearing that Chris Squire told Sherwood as he lay dying that he wanted Billy to replace him in Yes and to keep the band going. The more time goes on, the more I'm doubtful that it's true.
@@buttercupthesweetnes According to Wakeman it's not true at all. And he says he thinks it's a disrespect to Chris for them to continue on using the Yes name. Who knows really.
You're right Pete, it's an okay album, nothing more, I totally agree with the lack of energy. I've had it for 3 weeks or so, I'll give it another spin or 2 before shelving it...then who knows... Cool review! Cheers.
Honest review.. strong!.. greetings from the Netherlands
The mythical ARW studio album that never showed up would have blown this new limp-ish ‘Yes’ album out off the water.
IMO Howe is the problem with Yes. He is keeping Jon Anderson out of Yes. Now, it appears that he is limiting Billy. Alan and Geoff need to retire.
Steve is not keeping Anderson out. He is not limiting Billy at all.
Can you review Fly from Here? Would love to hear your take on the 2 different versions
Love the hoodie! Thanks for the review, Pete, as others have said, your diplomacy and honesty shines through. I don't think I'll buy this album, I've not bought a Yes album since "Talk", and I'm really worried about them individually as well as a band
The gear and equipment listing actually started with the " Tormato " album from 1978 .
As far as YeS music ... they lost it .
Last decent album was " Fly From Here "
Featuring: Benoit David on vocals.
Hi Pete,
It's Mark Anthony K from Projekt Gemineye and co-host of The Yes Music Podcast. I was very interested in hearing your thoughts on this album, as I respect your opinions.
To be honest I find myself agreeing a lot with your review. The Ice Bridge is a brilliant opening track and Dare to Know (track 2) is a great song as well....I love the use of the orchestra through out the album. But there are definitely some issues...Steve singing ...not good. ..was never a fan of his singing and have said so for years on the Yes Music Podcast. Also ...I find that Geoff wasn't present enough in the songs. .and another issue. ...Steve being the producer. While the album sounds good ..and lot of the issues we both mentioned would have been addressed if they had a different producer. It's far better then Heaven and Earth. ..i hope they do another album...but with Jay on drums. .and a different producer.
Keep up the great work Pete.
Mark Anthony K
Projekt Gemineye
The Yes Music Podcast
Meanwhile I think the album is wonderful. When "The Ice Bridge" was pre-released it reminded me a little of the "good old Yes times" and aroused corresponding expectations. The album didn't meet these expectations and at first I was a bit disappointed and not really open to the music. But after throwing my expectations in the trash and getting into the songs too, I noticed how beautiful they are.
First two tracks are amazing, from there it's not bad but it just gets weaker; overall an OK CD for me, if you're a fan, buy it, by all means. 🍺🤘
That was my impression too, that it's top loaded. The best tracks are all at the beginning. I bought the artbook edition with the Blu-ray to get the instrumental mix of the album cause frankly vocals and lyrics are not the strong point on this album.
@@ChromeDestiny "The Ice Bridge" is the best Yes song I've heard in years, but there's not another one like that; it's almost all very soft stuff, which again, it's not at all bad, but I think the album would have well used a couple more rockers. And yeah, Steve (amazing guitarist as he is) should be kept two steps away from the mic 😆🍺🤘
@@guillermomaldonado6277 I think Steve works mixed in with other singers but he's no lead singer. I like Dare to Know cause with the way Steve's guitar blends with the orchestra it reminds me of Steve's second solo album. I wish there was at least one other rocker on the album. Part of me would have liked to have seen the band revisit their 1980 Drama outtake (Have We Really Gotta) Go Through This but there's a chance that these days the lyrics might be interpreted wrongly by some people.
@@guillermomaldonado6277 Yeah like Johnny Winter or Joe Perry, and let's not even get into Keith Richards...😎
Enjoyed the review. Must give it another listen. There is not enough bass and too light.
In 1978 Francis Monkman recorded a library album on Bruton Music called Energisms and the opening song is "Dawn of an Era". Yes used that song as the basis of the opening cut "The Ice Bridge". Geoff Downes was certain he recorded "Dawn of an Era" but he didn't and he noticed that mistake and informed Francis Monkman and credit him on "The Ice Bridge".
That confusion came from a work tape Geoff Downes made in 1977 that included a bunch of his recordings of the time, but for some strange reason the Francis Monkman piece in question was also on the tape. Of course I'm wondering how he could mistake one of Francis' pieces for his own given Francis and Geoff have their own styles. But then Geoff is nearly 70 and it can be difficult at that age for him to remember everything he's recorded through the years, both that made it on record and those that never did.
@@Miler97487 That sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen to me & reminds me of the Uncle Leo/book stealing episode on Seinfeld: "I'm old and confused...". I say: "Swarm Swarm..."
@@wolf1977 No lawsuit, Francis Monkman realized Geoff Downes made a mistake and so did Geoff so giving Francis the rightful credit on "The Ice Bridge" was the best route and no bad blood between the two.
@@Miler97487 That sound like good luck for Downes, another artist might not have been so understanding about the mistake. Anyway, good for us because without "The Ice Bridge" there would've been no redeeming tunes on this record for me
@@Miler97487 Reminds me of when Scott Gorham appeared on That Metal Show promoting Live And Still Dangerous. In that interview, Scott said that he got a call from a lawyer or someone saying that something belonging to Phil Lynott was in a vault, but he wasn't quite sure what it is. Reminds me of that. Seems like something similar to the Yes situation. Someone who got the Monkman and Dowmes material didn't do a good job of keeping it straight. If Francis and Geoff sent their music to the publisher, then it's the fault of the publisher. People are blaming Downes, but should be blaming the keeper of the tapes. Hope that makes sense.
I haven't enjoyed much new Yes since Open Your Eyes (sorry, but yes I enjoyed that one). Most of it has lacked inspiration and musical creativity. That includes The Ladder, so it's not just the members. Looking back it seems that Trevor Horn and Trevor Rabin came in when needed and helped with some obvious writer's block. I think Billy does a really great job of stepping in for Chris.
Good review Pete. I agree on on all of your points. The Ice Berg is indeed a great song. Almost old Yes. Jon Davison is a brilliant singer, so no worries there. But I remember that when I listened to the ablum, while cycling home, when the second CD was on for a bit, I stopped to check if it was still yes or something else had started. I did not recognize Yes in the last three songs. Though generally, it is a nice album. not Top 10 of 2021 in my case, but definitely a runner up.
Even though this is a good album, for me it's not a classic Yes album but there are some great tracks on this 2 disc album. Steve Howe's guitar playing sounds absolutely brilliant and the same with the keyboard playing of Geoff Downes who sounds amazing as always, Jon Davison's singing voice is some of the best vocals he's ever laid down, Billy Sherwood's bass work is solid throughout. The Quest is an enjoyable album but it lacks the energy that made the band so special. Top review as always
I think you have to approach this without any expectation that it will sound anything like 'classic' Yes., especially as Steve Howe has said that that wasnt what he and the band were trying to achieve - and because the band havent really sounded anything like 'classic' yes since Drama and the Keystudio tracks. The closest they've come since then are the From a Page tracks with Oliver Wakeman.
I think Steve and Billy's playing is great throughout, and Jon's vocals arent as annoying as they were on Heaven and Earth, but agree there's just not enough Downes - and that's to me why the From a Page tracks are the last really good thing they did - though Fly From Here had some great moments. Steve's production is good though like Bob Ezrin did with Deep Purple, they could have done with a producer to challenge, shape and arrange the songs to make them that bit more dynamic and, frankly, better.
I found that it made a better listening experience by reordering the tracks into an old style side 1 and side 2 album, and jettisoning my least favourites that include the two Billy Sherwood co-writes - I just find his style is a bit ponderous. The Western Edge picks up the tempo but then too quickly drops it down again. Dare to Know should have finished off the album not been second on, as that imemdiately slows the pace set by the Ice Bridge. So maybe side 1- Ice Bridge/Sister Sleeping Soul/Leave Well Alone and Side 2 - Future memories/Music to My Ears/ A Living Island/Dare to Know, with Mystery Tour and Damaged World, and ok The Western Edge, as Bonus cuts.
You’re review has hit the nail on the head, Pete. Exactly what I was thinking.
Same here...
Looking forward to hearing your take on the new Glass Hammer album. You mention, rightly so, that there's not much energy on The Quest...Glass Hammer's album has tons of it. I wish Yes were doing what GH is doing, going in a new direction and kicking serious ass.
I just can’t do Yes anymore without Jon and Chris. I can be OK without Wakeman but especially not without Mr. Squire. Face it, Yes is now only really Steve and Alan all the others are merely filling in all the holes.
Great opening track and it just trails off from there. Feels a little flat. I found myself skipping tracks looking for a little lift until I came back to the first track.
Same score!! Yes!! We are in agreement😂 Nice one Pete 👍👍👍
Loooooong time Yes fan, from the very beginning.Old guy! I have really given this album a chance. Listened many times through Amazon Unlimited during workouts at the gym. Just plain unimpressed. As I've said before, there is no EDGE! Steve Howe is very disappointing. Guitar work sounds weak, with no energy. Maybe that's just the mix. But compare the guitar work on this album to the classics. None of the compositions hit me or make me want to listen again.
Oh yes man, I do agree with you in every point. It is so booooooring to me. Please, no more Yes Album!!!
It's a shame they couldn't maintain the quality of The Ice Bridge throughout. This version of Yes seems to be The Steve Howe Band.
Overall - very listenable. Not really bothered about who's who on the album anymore.
Once a Yes fan, always a Yes fan.
Steve Howe should pay us to listen to his singing. Maybe the next Yes offering should be called Use Your Delusion.
Agree with you 100% , almost exactly how I would articulate it. Really enjoyed watching/listening to your review. Thank you.
All reviews go something like this:
1. I like it when the band does this.
2. I don't like it when the band does that.
3. Why can't they do more of what I like?
Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes..... your summary says it all.
Pete I pretty much had the same reaction as you did to the new Yes album, it started off on a high & then mellowed & I think Jay should of played drums on a track or two.
I have YYNOT's 2 releases they're a good band ( check 'em out, they are Rush influenced) Tim Starace is a killer bass player.
Am sure Yes fans of old, would like, Lifesigns prog band from UK. Have released 3 albums, mighty impressive all 3. Well worth checking out. Wonder if you heard of them Pete. Great review by the way, i agree with you statements.
Nice prog band, not up to classic Yes but it's got members of a couple of other good bands (Steven Wilson, Greenslade & Wildhearts). They only put out a few albums but they're good, I have 4 of them. More on the mellow side of prog, good keyboards. The first album has Hackett guesting on it & also Jakko Jakszyk (King Crimson) & Thijs Van Leer (Focus). To be honest even though a lot of comparisons are drawn with Yes they don't really sound that similar to me, maybe more like Sting at times or Alan Parsons, I even think I hear a more laidback version of Presto Ballet. "Gregarious" is one of their heavier tunes with a nice guitar solo, I actually wish they'd do more of that. Dave Bainbridge does a nice job overall. The live version of "Live In London: Under The Bridge" is another heavier number notable for its guitars
To quote George Lamie "it was a snore fest". Sums it up for me'
I will still get the album for my collection
Be sure to tell us how that turns out.
Just got the CD finally. It’s really good except music to my ears and damaged world and mystery tour. Everything else is great for me! Im used to the eh Howe contributions shoved in here and there at this point I’m just happy they are still kicking
I love this album ,
Can't wait for the new DP album!
AGREE 100% THE ICE BRIDGE IS THE BEST SONG BY A COUNTRY MILE,THE ALBUM ITSELF IS POOR,AND ALSO SOME OF ICE BRIDGE MUSIC TAKEN FROM AN OLD CURVED AIR SONG
Outstanding record no band that's been around this long has ever put out something this good. Saw this lineup with Chris in 13, they're just getting better. They were fabulous then also. Steve all the guys are incredible. This is one of those albums that gets better the more you hear it.
I don't think you listen to the right bands, that have been around that long 😂. Heep, Purple etc. put out much better material, in my opinion.
Thank you! It’s frustrating this Album is getting so much hate from people that call themselves Yes fans! Yes has always done their own thing. They were always willing to explore new musical directions. I’ve followed their music career since they exploded on to the music scene with a whole new genre of music which became known as Progressive Rock! That album was “Fragile” and I was a sophomore in high school. I had heard “I’ve Seen All Good People” on the radio and thought it was “Crosby Stills Nash and Young”. I was astonished to learn the name of the band. I didn’t know what to make of that name at the time but I heard some great vocal harmonies there. Then came “Roundabout”. That was an impressive piece but remember that back then, commercial radio didn’t play anything much longer than 3 minutes. It was a local university radio station where I heard that song in its entirety for the first time! You must understand there simple wasn’t anything like this anywhere at the time! Yes was the only band doing this! I was hooked at that point! I’ve been a fan of this band since and I’ve been a fan of most of the individual members throughout the years. I will acknowledge that the so called “classic lineup” of “Fragile” and “Close To The Edge” is hard if not impossible to match. That said I have always found something to like with most of their albums in various configurations. With repeated listening, I have become quite found of some of these albums that I didn’t think I would. There is always an element that invokes the classic sound just because of the musical grooves these guys like to typically play in. Steve Howe is my favorite guitar player bar none and I don’t hate what he brings to vocals. I have 3 of his solo albums and I love all three of them which includes “Beginnings”. I will not apologize to anyone for my love of Yes in all their forms! I’m excited that Steve is keeping this alive as a “Yes”band! Regardless of what anyone says, THIS IS A LEGITIMATE YES ALBUM! Chris wanted the Yes brand to continue and that satisfies me! Here we see this version of Yes doing what they always do. We hear new musical directions layered on top of familiar Yes elements. It’s a lovely album which will get better with each listen, just like the best Yes albums always did! I truly hope we get more before we loose the treasure that is Steve Howe!
Pete you are looking great no shave is good for a YES review...., I heard some songs but not the whole album..,The Ice Bridge is great !
My favorite yes albums are closer to the edge fragile and the yes album. 90125 was the last album I liked. I listened to the quest and really enjoyed it. Most of my collection is rock and metal but I have a softer and acoustic side that really likes this. It has something the last few albums lack. Even though there is less keyboard and drum there is something there that gels for me. I am a fan of Crosby stills and Nash and Neil young America and poco and the acoustic guitar and lyrics remind me of older songs by those bands but it’s yes. It definitely puts me in a good mood listening.
I actually like the album. Don't mind Steve as co-singer. He blends well with Jon. I do agree with your view that there should be more Geoff keyboards and Billy singing, and less Steve singing. I'm guessing that the lack of energy is the band not being all in the same room together. Alan and Billy recorded in America while Jon, Geoff, and Steve were in England. Jon also did some recording in Barbados while on vacation. Also, to me, the music reflects the world that we live in. Hopefully, they can all be together on the next one. I think that the band would have more energy if they were actually in the same room playing and writing together.
"I think that the band would have more energy if they were actually in the same room playing and writing together."
You were right!
My favorite Squire/ Sherwood song is from Union- The More We Live- Let Go. So moving. This song is incredible. Chris Squire and Jon Anderson sharing vocals (and Trevor Rabin) . A magical song .( no Steve Howe vocal anywhere)
I quite enjoy the first Conspiracy album.
I really enjoy Subway Walls from HAE and The Ice Bridge. Those 2 would be a nice way to end a long overview of their studio work. Howe should not have produced, as he is clearly not objective. Great looking package all around, to end on a positive note.
At the end of the review, when you were summing up what you needed to hear on the next Yes album, I was very much hoping that you would have concluded by saying “And more than anything, I just need to hear more cowbell.”
Need a list of good Yes songs on generally bad Yes albums. Could we get one great compilation?
"Music to My Ears" is wonderful, prob. my favorite right now. Steve's vocals are way in the background, so not really an issue here and they provide a lower register to complement Jon.
It definitely "fills out the sound" of the lead/high register semi-girlie vocals, which always gets a bit annoying ...like a song with no bass
I took a couple of spins with this one and all I can say is that it's old man's music. I understand that it's hard not to make it sound thusly if you actually are an old man and decades past your prime, but the ensuing product just sound so incredibly dull, bland and irrelevant. The opening track is by far the best one, agree with Pete on that one, and it even echoes 'Machine messiah' during the lengthy coda thanks to Howe's tasty licks and at least a hint of moodiness.
As for all the other tracks, they are simply non-descript. Davison does indeed sound similar to Anderson, but he doesn't sound *like* him; he lacks the edge that Anderson always had in his voice. The same goes for the whole band; Yes in their prime always had an edge to them even during the most gentle moments which is all but lacking nowadays. Everything is smoothed out beyond all recognition and they remind me more of a bunch of elderly gentlemen gathering in the basement after work once a week in a studying circle, just to not slack off entirely. And the lyrics are abysmal, especially whenever they try to evoke that 'save the world' sentiment. I'm getting really fed up with all this blackpilled 'the world sucks' premise and don't need to hear that from anyone alive and well in his comfy armchair 50 years past his peak. (Figuratively speaking of course; Davison was hardly even born then, but Yes definitely were). To think that people are picking on Jon Anderson for writing pretentious lyrics. Cop a load of 'Damaged world' for some prime preachy crap.
Of course, I may be unfair but it's hard not to be fatigued and sliglty depressed when we're talking about one of the true giants of the 70's still trying to be relevant. I could have forgiven them if the songs would have been better, as I believe they were on 'Heaven & earth'. Not that it was progressive or anything but they actually took some time to hone some good listenable tunes that time which at least partly excused being nowhere close to the edge(!) Not so with this tripe. Sorry to say.
You took more time and effort than myself in your comments. Can't agree with the songs on Heaven Earth though, but pretty much everything else.
Pete, your haircut looks great. As far as an album by "Yes," what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas.
Leave Well Alone is my favorite track on the album. I do agree about Steve's vocals in that his voice still isnt all that great. Billy should've sang more. I'd give it a 4 out of 5. I will say that Alan sounds better on the drums than he did on Heaven & Earth. He seems like he got some strength back. The Ice Bridge really amazed me when I heard the premiere of it. It's my second favorite song on here. Overall, I enjoy it a good bit.
I had to say it, but I seriously doubt that Alan White hit a single drum on this new album.
This trash gets 4 out of 5? lol
Great Review as usual from Pete. I am starting to believe Kansas's "Carry On My Wayward Son" is dedicated to Pete. Hey Pete- what do you listen to most of the music on? A device, a sound system?
That was a strong review. For the most part, I thought it was a solid album. This is more listenable than Heaven and Earth. The Ice Bridge is also my favorite piece from the new record. I gotta say that it is so odd to not hear Chris Squire's signature bass playing on a Yes record, but Billy Sherwood does an admirable job filling in for him. I mean those shoes are difficult to fill.
I totally agree with your summary
Steve Howe's greatest vocals since Australia from Beginnings 😊
I absolutely hate auto-tune, but he might want to check it out.
I'm a 50 year Yes fan, since I first saw them live as the warm up band to Humble Pie in 1971. I stuck with them in the 80s (not my favorite era), and the seemingly endless soap opera changes in personnel, but this album is where I finally walk away. It's repetitive, boring, and just terrible. Saying it's better than H&E and OYE is faint praise indeed. BTW, Ladder is much better than this. Steve needs to get over himself and ask Jon Anderson to return. It's not a coincidence that the last good Yes album was Magnification. Alan needs to learn from Bill Bruford and retire. Billy should never write another song for Yes. There's no hope for Geoff Downes or Jon Davison. This band doesn't even qualify as a Yes tribute band. I thought seeing them live plow through a 3/4 tempo Gates of Delerium would be the last straw for me. I was wrong. This is the last straw. The other night I listened to the unreleased Paris sessions album. It's better than anything they've put out since Magnification. Listen to it and tell me you wouldn't have rather they dusted off the old tapes instead of putting out this monotonous album.
Couldn't agree more William!
Totally agree. But I don't think I've heard of these unreleased Paris sessions. Can someone elaborate?
@@buttercupthesweetnes Look up Yes Paris Sessions on TH-cam. There are about 7 or so songs that are early demos from the album after Tormato they were working on before Jon and Rick quit. One song wound up on Drama and some bits wound up on Song of Seven. A lot of good stuff never appeared anywhere. They weren't finished songs, but there's a lot there to appreciate. Good Luck.
@@williamburchell7906 Thank you! I'd heard that they were working on an album at the time, but I didn't know there were recordings around. I just listened to them, and it's a shame that they weren't finished. It's definitely Yes!
Off topic but i'd love to see the beard growing Pete!
The secret ingredient that makes "The Ice Bridge" so great over all the other tracks is that the keyboards were composed and previously recorded by Francis Monkman in a different song. Geoffrey Downes "accidentally" used it, thinking it was his own work. Proof: th-cam.com/video/_tk9Deekoio/w-d-xo.html
It is only the sequencer part. The actual keyboard parts are him.
@@jpirard Yes, Downes rerecorded the parts. Too bad it's the best thing on the record. This album could use more Monkman.
I love the album. Mystery tour is the best Beatles tribute i have heard. The three last songs sounds like XTC.
You have just made the vital point with your comment "sounds like". We all expect them to "sound like" Yes. Unfortunately they seem to have lost the ability to do this.
@@philstyles5571 Even if they did I think it would still be a problem, a band trying to sound like Yes but not actually being Yes. And add to that the fact that they have the Yes name on the cover. Not a good situation
I was drinking Shipyard the other night over in the UK.
This album is a Steve Howe solo album.
Listen to the Conspiracy album “The Unknown” and you can hear what a good singer Billy Sherwood is and how he complimented Chris Squire.
Not the best thing I've heard from them but it's a good time. I was kinda worried it would be weird and dated after hearing the first song but the album gets better as it goes along, and even the worst song on the album is pretty fun and sounds better than it should.
A year from now all the naysayers will be liking it. How can you not learn from the past ? I'm spending the past few days on Leave Well Alone. Not minutes, Days.
on the Western Edge why are the voices sort of muffled? the sound could be crisper.
Spot on Pete. I would agree with you 100% on this one.
Spot on. Agree step in the right direction.
It's light years beyond Heaven and Earth, but I agree. I'd give it about 3.5. I don't regret buying it, but I've come to terms with Yes becoming basically a new age band. Well, they helped to pioneer new age after a fashion and I enjoy new age once in a while. But I won't go out of my way to listen to it. I'll just enjoy it when it comes up on random play. Now I'm waiting for the new Tull album! What I've heard sounds good -- and it rocks!
I would like to point out that Senjutsu was also 3.5 stars. You might want to reconsider the score in one of the reviews. ;)
I agree Steve Howe can’t sing his solo albums suck vocally but killer guitarist and yes needs more keyboards that what yes is known for
Why is it split between 2 CDs if the album is only 61 minutes long? Are there extra bonus tracks on this version?
Good question, I don't have the physical cd (digital mp3 only) but my download service says that CD 2 only contains 3 songs & they're only about 16 minutes total in length. CD 1 with its 8 tracks is also not maxed out at about 48 minutes total
According to Discogs, every CD issue has only 3 songs on the second disc. It’s listed as a “Bonus Disc” even though all 3 of those tracks appear on every single version of the release, including the digital and LP versions… doesn’t make much sense to me.
@@erikberg5363 That's nuts but OK. Wonder how much extra that costs the consumer? Glad I only download digital tracks
Agree with your review...seems more like a Howe solo album. I was hoping for better after the lacklustre Heaven And Earth album. It is but not by much and i'm sure if Wakeman and Anderson were involved the band would have turned out a better album especially in reducing the Howe influences. I'm sorry but i think the band may have run its course. Maybe a final epic to sign out with?
I respect your opinion and review. I too grew up loving YES. My first experience was with Fragile back in 1971, I've seen different incarnations of the band live over a dozen times. Unfortunately that band no longer exists.
My advice to all is to accept this, for lack of a better term, as a non-Yes album. I think the band sound comfortable with who they are, and this album is very much a product of the current lineup being true to itself. Billy is not trying to be Chris, although you can feel the Squire influence in his playing which is great, and Jon D is not trying to be Jon A.
I think Jon D can finally relax and if you don't compare him to Jon A, you can relax too. Can you imagine what it was like for him to come in and keep pushing against his critics, stay the path, and make this role his own? He is certainly no longer the new guy after this effort.
I like this album.