Have a great weekend everyone! 😴🛌😯❗ If you missed it, heres the playlist of all the first listens for Yes' Album "Going for the One"! th-cam.com/play/PLk5U1pT6RIR0vxEH6KVOUxgxhtGmTJmCc.html Dont forget! If this video gets 10K views in 2 weeks (March 27th, 2020), I'll record Close to the Edge within a few days afterwards.
If you have time I would highly recommend the video performance of Awaken with Jon Anderson and Todmobile. Many including myself think it is the definitive version (even better than the original). Although it is not Yes this "live" performance is astounding to watch. If you liked the original I can assure you will like this one too. Maybe even better: th-cam.com/video/d_Va3e_52TE/w-d-xo.html
To demonstrate Steve Howe's musicianship, I saw Steve play with the group about 5 or more years ago when Chris Squire was still alive (another great player). Steve was, in that same year, touring with Yes, but during that same year, he did another tour with his other group Aja!
"Can you imagine seeing that live?" Well. My first ever concert, age 16 - 1978, Yes live at Wembley arena and, for me, Awaken was definitely a highlight. Rick Wakeman was a music God for me, and he killed it. Way to set a high bar, guys. And, yeah, I still get emotional listening to it.
I've seen Yes live many, many times. "Awaken" almost always elicited the most emotional response from the audience. I can to this day see in my mind's eye Jon swaying to the "all is left for you" section. He did it every time.
I was at the same concert. Saw them four times during that tour! Not only is their music so intricate, they replicated it on stage too. I've seen few bands better on stage. And Steve Howe was my music god.
I've heard Awaken before, but a long time ago. What JustJP has done here has awakened me to the deep soulfulness and brilliance of this song. There is not a reactor anywhere on TH-cam, that I know of, who can do such an intelligent, honest, analytical break down of a song.
This was one of those songs that I knew Yes felt strongly about (especially Jon Anderson), but it didn’t really speak to me until seeing it live. Now I think it is truly their masterpiece, taking everything they had developed and learned from ‘The Yes Album’ through ‘Relayer’ and distilling it into the essence of Yes. Sure, ‘Close to the Edge’ is up there, but they had grown as musicians by ‘77. And while the latter-era Yes doesn’t have quite the fire they did in ‘77, what they do even better is that grandeur. The Union tour version of Awaken, especially that moment JP is talking about was stunning. The same as those big moments in ‘And You And I.’
I'm never able to talk about this song. Only thing I can say is that every time it brings tears to my eyes. I was forever changed when I first listened to this album when I was 13 and absolutely every time it moves me like no other thing.
Agree entirely, it's such a spiritual piece of music and like so many, every time I listen, the tears come to my eyes. Why, I just don't know. Awesome!!
the level of creativity here is just unfathomable. so many themes, melodies, counterpoints, grooves, ripping basslines, rich gorgeous sounds, wide-opened space. a masterpiece.
YES has some of the most technically difficult music to play... they do this thing were they all play in different time signitures , but somehow it all fits together …. where I work, we have bands, really good ones, old studio musicians that just wanna play music …. one time, while setting up the guitar player did a YES riff, so I ran into the room and asked if they did any YES …. they all stopped, and looked at each other and then at me and kinda laughed... and said Noooo, YES music is to difficult
This song didn't do much for me when I first bought this record new early in 1977. Over time it has become a Yes favorite. I guess at 18 I wasn't ready for the pure genius of this song!! Every aspect of Awaken is a spiritual song that hits on all cylinders!!! Each instrument (indeed Jon Anderson's tenor voice IS a valuable instrument) is added and layered to near perfection. A Yes masterpiece!!!! 💚💚💚💚💚
Dude! You get it! For me, this is the one of greatest pieces of music ever written by anyone ever. Oh, and that climax at the end? Jon Anderson has stated that he has seen a light appear over the crowd many times when performing it. It's extremely powerful stuff. I'm often brought to tears by the end. Oh, and just another insight into "Awaken", much of it is based on an allegorical story called 'The Singer' by Calvin Miller. That's where the "Star Song" stuff specifically comes from.
The return to Switzerland's magical pastoral influence on this music. And Jon's Hippie Christian lyrics. All Awakening the deep metaphysical and spiritual meanings of this song and the perfect symphonic progression of the music. A religious experience.
Roy C as much as I love Wakeman, Moraz brought a breath of fresh air. Gates (with Soon coda) and Soundchaser are in my top 5 Yes songs, so the album almost has to be my favourite just by percentage!
@@jamesleblanc7437 I agree. I also love Patrick Moraz's solo album "Story of I". Some of Moraz's later work is also worth listening to, but only if you can ignore the cheesy lyrics.
Love many prog bands, especially Genesis. But Yes was extra special. This song is exhibit A, as far as I'm concerned. Yes could reach heights of euphoria in the music that is unmatched in rock music. All the musicians are so incredibly good. And Jon Anderson is a special talent--a totally unique vocalist and songwriter. I really enjoyed your discussion of this amazing song.
I was listening to this on acid in my twenties and I met my 3 year old self in that "dream". "Like the time I ran away, turned around and you were standing close to me" has quite a deep meaning for me and I still get a bit choked up when Jon repeats that line.
Hi JP, so you finally did my favourite Yes song, that organ crescendo is out of this world. Thanks for the great video. I don’t really have time to watch the video 10,000 times, but I’ll try my best! (lol). There is a fantastic live version of Awaken on TH-cam that you’d love, it’s Jon Anderson performing with Todmobile (with a full orchestra and a massive choir), it’s awesome. Check it out. Cheers Justin! :)
Jon Anderson performing with Todmobile using an actual orchestra and choir adds brightness and adds depth to an already great piece, resulting in a masterpiece.
Here we go.......Genesis : Supper's Ready................................Yes : Awaken Damn, that 3rd section is so moving. Justin..."that moment" when they played this song live. Mate, it was so powerful, let me try to describe what it did to the audience. People would stand up cheering, there were folks crying, there were people slack jawed, there were folks shaking their heads in disbelief. It was like no other live musical experience that I have ever witnessed. And Chris played a TRIPLE- NECK BASS and massive sounding Moog Taurus bass pedals
Fantastic reply! I agree completely about the effect on the audience! I saw them in Austin on June 1, 1979, and you are so right in your description about people just being completely stunned! They were so shocked that it took several seconds after the soft tinkling end of "Awaken" for the audience to begin to cheer, and then it was deafening and absolutely THE most peak experience of my life!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love that you get Yes and truly appreciate this song. Especially in light of some of your previous comments about being 'selective' in you keyboard likes and dislikes, I was really happy to see you really appreciate Rick's pipe organ work here. He definitely nailed it on this. The crescendo, where he literally 'pulls out all the stops' is absolutely amazing (trivia: referencing a pipe organ is where that phrase comes from). You should listen to that on a good stereo system some time with speakers and amp that are capable of going down to 20 Hz - it will blow you away even more! The POWER of that moment is truly felt. And you also touched on another important part of Yes' music in the arranging and the interplay between the keyboard and guitar parts especially, but also the bass. Steve and Rick worked so well together - it really created some of the magical moments of Yes. Sometimes it's almost a straight call and response type of interaction and sometimes it's more subtle but it always adds to the overall impact of the music. Rick sticks to the grand piano and the Polymoog on this, in addition to the pipe organ. Steve creates a lot of the ethereal effects with his Sho-Bud pedal steel guitar run through a flanger and using an E-bow on his Martin 00-18 acoustic to create a droning sound. The solo's are on his Fender Tele Custom, but he also plays a Rickenbacker 12-string electric throughout a lot of the song (info from his guitar book). I also love the middle section where it goes quiet, to create contrast and allows the music to slowly build to a crescendo. Probably, or rather almost certainly, the only rock song to ever contain a section with just pipe organ, harp, and crotales (tuned percussion)! Also, in the refrain at the end, I love the way Allen plays a tympani (kettle drum) and tunes it up with the foot pedal while he plays it. Very cool sound that adds to the wonderful ending. So glad you have gotten into Yes! I have to admit to being a little discouraged by some of the reactions on your other channel with your friend who was obviously not a Yes fan. That's fine. They aren't a band everyone gets. But I'm REALLY glad you switched to doing Yes by yourself. Can't wait for you to do Close to the Edge! If you liked this, you should love that too. Also, the other two songs on Close to the Edge are awesome too, especially And You and I. Cheers - stay safe and healthy in these trying times! Peace from SF
This channel is destined to grow pretty big. Your personality is infectious and the format is just so simple and good. It looks like a bad radio show/podcast thing and I love it.
Wow. I had forgotten how good this song was. I bought the album when it first came out and loved it, played it a lot, but over the years (decades) I forgot about it. Thanks for bringing it (and the album) back to life for me.
I just realized how the opening piano bit reminds me of Jethro Tull's 'Locomotive Breath.' As I said on your 'Parallels' reaction if you like the organ then listen to Yes' earlier 'I've Seen All Good People.' It's long been my favorite by them and the organ is used well there. 'Awaken' is a great piece by the band, I love how it swells and ebbs, always interesting. Wakeman does shine on this one. As for 'Close to the Edge' yes it's a fine piece, you'll enjoy and I look forward to your reaction; however I've heard it many many times, the group played it in concert frequently over the years so it's on a lot of their live albums.
Hands down my favorite YES piece. It's such a complex, well composed and performed masterpiece. Their layers and intricate instrumental and vocal harmony delicately building throughout the song is just in a class by itself. This song is a powerful, almost religious experience. You made my day! Thank you for your thoughtful analysis.
I'm here entering the below comments regarding 'Awaken', via a just read article - "For many Yes fans, 1977’s Going For The One was the last great creative statement produced by the classic Yes Mk IV line-up, and its crescendo-packed 15-minute final track is its crowning glory. Refugee keyboard player Patrick Moraz took part in early sessions during the album’s gestation, and told author Jon Kirkman, “I had already exchanged some of the ideas for Awaken”, but it’s the returning Wakeman’s baroque piano parts that open the piece with such a flourish, and towards the end, an extraordinary church organ solo offers a riot of instrumental colour within an otherwise beatific, dreamlike piece. Anderson told Circus Magazine on its release that the lyric was inspired by Calvin Miller’s book The Singer, which he was reading while recording the album at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland. “It’s about this Star Song; which is an ageless hymn that’s sung every now and again…” he said. There’s a distinctly hymnal quality to large swathes of the piece and Wakeman actually played the organ in a cathedral near Montreux. The band took advantage of unusually high-quality telecommunications in Switzerland to record his part over a landline to the studio. And they make out “phoning it in” is a bad thing." www.loudersound.com/amp/features/the-40-greatest-yes-songs-ever/4
Yes is one of those bands where my "favorite" shifts constantly. I can never settle on one album as the "best" for me. Yes Album, Close to the Edge, Relayer, Going for the One, each is exquisite and a jewel in their own way.
1972 - Just a few notes on this most amazing concert. They played two nights (Fri-Sat) and BLEW black Sabbath out of Winterland. I sat right behind the stage four rows over Wakemans shoulder and caught the full affect this entire show had over everyone. People were Amazed that a rock group could do a live show like this and actually be great at it. We stayed for Black Sabbaths first two songs, but by that over half the crowd had left.
I've seen live in concert many times and every time it is the same--the audience loses its collective mind and you kind of get lulled into a trance. It's amazing. One of my favorite Yes songs!
5 yrs ago my daughter saw the ocean for the first time from a beach in Hawaii. Awaken was playing. She still cries when she hears it. They've been my favorite band since 76.
On Awaken Steve is playing an electric 12 string. I haven't heard anyone rip up the strings that way before, and it's probably the only time we ever will. Steve is the greatest guitarists I've ever seen. Long live Steve Howe.
What I love about Jon's voice is he doesn't sing with any vibrato. At least I don't think he does. Maybe he does at times, but in general he doesn't. His voice, with Steve's and Chris's harmonies are just magical, and that's how I'd describe YES music. Magical.
You’re right, the one song I recall a vibrato in Jon’s voice is in the “I get up I get down“ vocals right before Rick Wakeman‘s pipe organ comes in. When Jon’s voice just keeps going higher you can hear a beautiful vibrato when he holds the notes. Amazing, angelic, one of a kind voice.
love coming back here every now and again just to see your face the moment you realize that Awaken is a masterpiece. A piece of music as good as any Mozart , Bach, Beethoven or Brahms.
I can absolutely imagine how this song sounds and feels live. I have been to two Yes concerts where it was played. Absolutely spiritual! The bit in the middle with harps and organs was especially beautiful. This is one of my favourite songs of all time.
It’s 5 years since Close To the Edge. They lost their collective minds and did Tales From Topographic Oceans and drove Wakeman from the fold. They recruited Patrick Moraz to replace him (having failed to tempt Vangelis to join) and embraced jazz fusion. They pined so much for Wakeman that they invited him back and jettisoned Moraz. Wakeman was surprised at the difference in the band when he came back and said that everyone had grown up a bit , or maybe it was just that he had! So, it’s the work of a more mature set of musicians than those that made Close To The Edge, even though most of them were still under 30, and you can hear it. It is more cohesive and less a collection of parts, like Supper’s Ready and Close To The Edge, where sometimes you can see the join. It’s still a set of musical ideas that they have put together and made more seamless, with the return to the original theme being done without any hint of clunkiness at all. At the same time, it suffers by comparison, I think, because it is more polished and complete. There is less of the fire in the belly that you’ll find in Close To The Edge. Like many great composers’ works, it is more refined than their youthful efforts but loses something with that transition of time. Having said all that, it is still pretty damn magnificent.
I'm pretty sure this is the song I heard live 8/27/78 in Kansas City that convinced me that the structure of the stadium was about to liquify and collapse around us. Granted, the Maui Wowie probably contributed, but it was devastating trying to comprehend that they had "one more notch" when upping the intensity. Breathtaking!
As a teen I devoured this album in my room, lights dim, laying on my back, eyes closed... and just floated into the ceiling. Never took any drugs, ever...never needed them with perfect wormholes into the universe like this. It shaped me and defined “good music” for me. Now I’m 53 and this is the 3rd reaction to this song I’ve watched tonight and it never gets old watching others smile and gasp at musical perfection like this. Awaken is Yes’ apex, as was this album, imho.
Saw Yes live in 1977 on the tour supporting this album. Awaken was the highlight of the album as well as their live show. Showcased every member of the band. Built to an unforgettable climax as you point out. As good as this is on the record, it was transcendent live in front of a rapt audience.
At last, Rick Wakeman back where he should be. ALL the stops were out. The organ was recorded 4 miles away whilst the rest of the band played in the studio. Rick was the piece that they needed to be Yes again. Not dissing Patrick Moratz as I love Relayer but Rick is the keyboard player of Yes, no contest.... - As Justin would say, I don't care what you say.... :) :) :)
It feels like iv'e just heard this track for 1st time, each time I hear it, it still gives you chill's, it's overwhelming, bewildering, monumental, it's on a different plane! Don't know what teenyboppers of Justin Bieber would make of this strange beautiful sound? I understand the feelings this gives you, it touches the core of your inner person, simply majestic!!
Listened to this song for over 40 years. It has always brought me back to the centre of the happiness it gave me on the first listen. It is a beautiful affirmation of life, of the positive, of Yes.
Excellent breakdown JP. I love this song, and was blessed enough to get to see Anderson, Squire, Wakeman, Howe, Bruford, Kaye, White, and Rabin all perform this song together live on 9 July 1991. I still remember it. The whole crowd was being showered in glittering light effects through most of it.
Spiritual Masterpiece. I still come back to this song daily. It's good to listen to in the early morning with meditation, or a good cup of coffee, or both. Awaken. See what is real. What really matters in life.
How on earth did I miss this episode Justin?? ‘Going for the One’ is my second favourite YES album after ‘Close to the Edge’. Love the others especially ‘Relayer’ but these two hold a special place in my heart and memory. And a huge Thank You for covering Olias. Jon’s an absolute genius! Another special album for me as my husband (boyfriend back then) and I were huge Yes fans and unfortunately many of our friends just couldn’t/didn’t understand them. Those that did were extremely close mainly for being similarly minded. Thanks again and take care. 🙏
Thank you, thank you, thank you JP. You got there. And you understood....wonderful to share your “moment”. Such a sacred sound. It takes you higher and higher to the Devine energy source., to higher ground........keep spinning those chakras JP
Justin it’s wonderful to hear you enjoy this masterpiece just a bit of history I saw this tour seeing Awaken performed live for the first time was incredible Chris Squire plays a 3 neck bass one is a standard fretted bass a fret less bass and an 8 string fretted bass with only 6 strings tuned to A he was an amazing musician RIP Chris
I was at that concert in Birmingham in 2003, and I can tell you there were grown men crying at the end of this song. The band got (at least) a 5-minute STANDING OVATION at the end of it. Possibly my greatest ever time I saw the band (the worst was Wembley 2004) - just to see Chris Squire striding across the stage, strangling that 3-necked bass will live with me forever. You tell the youth of today HOW that Church Organ was recorded - and they refuse to believe you. Down a Phone line from the Church in Vevey to the Studio!!!
Thanks for your insightful comments about one of my favorite Yessongs, JP! It looks like we're amost 10% of the way toward Close to the Edge! There are a few other 20 minute Yes songs, one on the Relayer album, and 4 on the Tales from Topographic Oceans album. I would suggest the Topographic track "The Revealing Science of God" - it has similar qualities to "Awaken".
Being a lifelong Yes fan, I do appreciate your interpretations and analysis of Awaken. There are so many elements to this masterpiece. The one thing I didn't hear you notice was the scorching Steve Howe guitar that travels, weaves and binds throughout this piece (in usual Yes style.) It truly is another bond that brings it all together. Also, forget about the literal understanding of Jon's lyrics. To me they have always been a musical tool to only provide positivity and love. Hear the words but understand that they are wavelengths. Rick Wakeman once said of him.."Jon is the only man I know trying to save the world and doing it from a completely different one." I'm glad you enjoyed this work😊
"Like the time I ran away turned around and you were standing close to me" Very spiritual lyric meant to lift the soul. Jon's lyrics are healing and encouraging.
You are so right about how great that little pause is just before the big organ climax. It's a very subtle thing, but it so important in heightening the moment to come. Thanks for doing this song. I haven't listened to it in a long time and it was great to hear again. Really enjoying watching your videos. So much great music to appreciate.
For the most part reactors seem to have a tendency to focus on the lyrics alone and if by chance the lyrics don't sit right with them then the piece of music is usually dismissed, Not here, every constituent element of the piece is analysed and given it's due credit (or not) in the part it plays in the whole and that's why I believe "JustJP" is the best music reaction channel on TH-cam, and by some margin. Another excellent reaction/review Justin, I thoroughly enjoyed this, you picked up on all the moments that those of us that fell in love with this piece way back when picked up on, Steve's guitar, Jon's vocals, the quiet bells/harp/ Organ section, the ebb and flow of the Church Organ and the choral voices, so majestic and of course the impact of "That Moment", ...... loved it ! is this the best Yes epic ? I'm not sure, it's right up there ! most of the early Yes albums have some form of longer track on them, not always "epic" and some of the newer albums too, The Yes Album - Yours Is No Disgrace / Perpetual Change Fragile - South Side Of The Sky / Heart Of The Sunrise Close To The Edge - Close To The Edge Tales from Topographic Oceans - The Revealing Science Of God / Ritual Relayer - The Gates Of Delirium Going For The One - Awaken Tormato - On The Silent Wings Of Freedom Drama - Machine Messiah 90125 - Hearts Big Generator - Shoot High, Aim Low Talk - The Endless Dream parts 1,2 & 3 All of these great tracks would make excellent reactions for some time in the future, great work Justin .....
"Can you imagine seeing that live?" Yes, several times, and it is wonderful. When I saw them at the Royal Albert Hall, at that final Climax you liked; loads of Ticker Tape was dropped from the ceiling... it was a defining and stunning moment.
I really enjoyed this reaction. You reacted to all the details I expected you to react to which is great. Awaken is one of the monumental songs of Yes. It has those great build ups, nice contrasts, the gentle soft kind of esoteric parts, the groove, some tention, healthy musical aggressiveness, heaviness and wildeness and also that grand or even monstrous festive kind of feeling. And everything is precisely executed. This to me is one of the most representative Yes songs. Well.....Close to the Edge is another one. So hopefully we´ll get to that soon.
Extremely well done. Thank you. I've probably seen this performed love about 10 times. A blessing. Like the time I ran away turned around and You were standing close to me. The whole time I was running away (severe alcoholism) He was always next to me. So was Yes.
The fact that you so get "that moment" with the organ climax JP! OMG! It is possibly my favourite 'massive' moment in the whole of prog. You have all my gratitude and respect for doing this song - and so getting it!
Most of my favorite Yes epics are centered around Anderson/Howe collaborations (ie Close to the Edge, Gates of Delerium, Tales from Topographic Oceans, etc). But this one is definitely more of an Anderson/Wakeman/Howe composition which is why it stands out. And it's also why it's the most spiritually powerful yes song of all. Wakeman was always a devoutly religious Christian, and he brought that epic church organ sound to the band that just made songs like this soar. Anderson was also very spiritual but was more into Eastern religions and philosophies. I just love the way those cultures meshed together into something so grand and uplifting on this amazing work of art (it's not just a song to me). Yes may have been the most aptly named band ever, because their music is so positive. Contrast that with my other favorite band from this era, Genesis, who liked to explore the darker side of our nature. Two sides of the same prog rock coin if you ask me, which is why both bands often get mentioned together.
although Rick certainly takes the spotlight on this song and did the choral arrangements, the entire chord structure and lyrics were Anderson/Howe except the piano intro. It was written while Patrick was still in the band... they played part of it at the last show of the 76 tour. The Moraz tune "Time for a Change" includes the original Awaken intro.
@@sammarsh3679 Yes, Howe definitely was a big part of the composition of this song (it is credited to Anderson/Howe after all). But regardless of who gets songwriting credit you have to acknowledge that the rest of the band made significant contributions even if they're not listed as songwriters. And in this case an ex-band member (Moraz) made a big contribution as well. Wakeman was a special case though because he was signed to a different record label, he was legally not allowed to put his name on the credits of Yes songs, even though he contributed quite a bit, creatively, to the music ... especially on this song. I have a feeling he would have gotten a songwriting credit on this song if it weren't for the legalese.
@@DrakusRecords like I said, he takes the spotlight. The contractual disputes with A&M actually got settled after Fragile. He gets credit on Siberian Khatru, and all of Topographic, and on Tormato. he just came in very late to these sessions. Writing credit usually goes to the writers of the chord structure and the lyrics. Everyone in Yes makes strong contributions, But Rick in this case was adding his parts to a song that had already been written.
Wow. Best breakdown I've ever heard on a music reaction. This video and reaction should deserve college credits. I subbed before the music started because I'm a Yes fan, but now look forward to exploring your channel. Thankyou for everything.
The first time I heard the organ hit that “climax,” my world stopped … I desperately had to hear that again on REAL speakers. I have a friend with a JBL Paragon (original, the price of a luxury car) … I can’t WAIT to hear this on that.
So glad you reviewed this. I don't think any band has been able to tap into that spiritual plan in their music than this phenomenal track. Maybe Yes's finest track ever. 😍😍🙏🙏🙏🙏💫💫💫💫💫
Thank you for highlighting one of the most inspirational songs of my life. Once again, I am deeply impressed on how well you explained all the things about this Yes tune that makes it worth listening to time and time again.
This time you’ll get my comment in bits and pieces. 1. MOVEMENTS Although Awaken is not broken down into movements on paper, it most certainly has movements. I think of it as classic 4-movement structure (A-D). Intro) The High Vibration Intro A) The 11/8 section in minor (Awaken Gentle Mass Touch) B) The 6/8 ‘perpetual circle of dominant fifths’ section (workings of man...) C) Instrumental/Keyboard solo. D) Finale (Master of Images...), harmonically, a reprise of the ‘perpetual circle of dominant fifths’ from section B Outro) High Vibration outro But I think I get your point anyway. This song was conceived “as one” as opposed to Supper (which I also love), which was more like a “suite of songs stuck together with a reprise at the end” . 2. NOODLING (OR LACK THEREOF) You are right that none of the instrumentals sound like noodling. I’d even say there is no Noodling on Awaken. Every note counts. This is also true for the epics Close to the Edge and Gates of Delirium. Unfortunately Yes were not always that restrained, and I am off course referring to the disappointing Topographic Oceans. There, yes got a bit too far up their own arses. They had 45 minutes of beautiful music to record, but added another 40 minutes worth of pointless mind-numbing suicide-inspiring noodling to extend it to a double LP. Note, there exists a devoted clique of Yes fans who consider Topographic a masterpiece and think “Every Note Counts” there too, and they will probably want to string me up for even suggesting the presence of noodling. I so wish they had concentrated Topographic down to a single LP. 3. CLIMAX(ES) There is one climax after another, each building on the previous. You think you’ve reached the peak and then there is one more. Magic. The chord sequence helps in this respect too. Because sections B and D are perpetual circles of dominant fifths, each chord is the dominant of the chord following it. [For the non-musicians, in music theory a “dominant chord” yearns to resolve into its relative root chord. It “pulls you” towards the root. So the chord E (dominant of A) pulls you towards A. In turn, A (dominant of D) “pulls you” towards D. And D to G, and G to C, etc. Although many songs employ this pattern in part, Awaken is unique because this pattern works its way through all 12 Keys until it resolves back to E, and the cycle begins again. Hence “a perpetual circle”. It’s a musical version of that optical illusion painting of the 4 staircases that seem to form a perpetual cycle. So theoretically speaking, in sections B and D, every chord is ”climactic” in relation to the preceding chord.] And I love the fact that after all the bombast, Awaken ends with a simple, quiet major chord on a guitar. 4. BEST VERSION Jon Anderson and Todmobile play Awaken in iceland. There is a choir performing with the band. It’s incredible. If you’re only gonna fulfill just one wish from this loyal viewer, please react to this one. 5. LYRICS Yes, it is about some kind of enlightenment or spiritual awakening. Journey from darkness and uncertainty (“where can I be?”) to revelation, light and certainty (“here we can be!”). And whatever form that awakening takes, be it worldly or spiritual, internal or external, is up to the listener’s own interpretation. Lyrically speaking, its a reprise of the themes and journey on Close to The Edge. It’s essentially a second, more mature attempt to convey the same journey, using newer words. And speaking of “Edge”, I hope it will have a strong impact on you, even though you listened to Awaken first. Most people listen to Edge before Awaken. While I think Edge (and “Gates”) is as equally amazing as Awaken, it is a bit rougher around the edges. Put metaphorically, if Awaken is a beautiful majestic sculpture carved out of diamond, Edge is a beautiful majestic sculpture carved out of unpolished rock. Hope that makes some sense.
Love the comment SD. Let me try to tackle each one a bit ;) 1. Movements: Yup, thats exactly what I meant! This one flows very naturally, very effortless and each piece transitions almost without notice. Suppers Ready actually feels like separate parts put together (as perfect as they all are). 2. Noodling: Yeah, I'm not much into pasta. But, like anything, it depends on how its done. We'll have to see if/when I get to Topgraphic... :) 3. Climax: Yes! And each climax just leads to the next, even grander and more euphoric! Lots of payoff with lots of build up. 4. Best Version: Oh, I watched that immediately after filming this. Its amazing, even better than studio. 5. Lyrics: Looking forward to exploring the same themes in CttE; its a nice and uplifting message. Appreciate the comparison as well, making me want to hear it soon!
Yeah, exactly what you said there about the climax(es). I was trying to describe that very thing. It's a very strange and wonderful quality about this piece. You would think it would almost be stressful, having it keep raising up and never letting down, but they make it work here.
I have to agree with your assessment of Topographic Ocean. I bought it when it was first released and thought.."Yes!! Another musical masterpiece performed by the masters". Such was my unconditional love for their music. Now, some 40+ years later, I can't sit throughout the whole four sides without getting bored. If it were released as a single album, I think that it would rival any of their albums for the top spot. I still love the music of Yes, especially the live album YesSongs. It really showcases their ability to duplicate their studio work in a live performance; especially when you consider the relatively crude equipment and recording techniques that were available at the time.
@soul dreamer, I think you are me in a different body. Everything you said here is truth! Especially the truth about the Todmobile recording! The best I've heard! It brings me to tears every time. Well, Awaken does that anyway, but having the orchestra just puts it even further into the heavens.
Soul Dreamer Great analysis! I really enjoyed how you wrote that out. I never tried to break the chord structure down myself but it all makes perfect sense now.
That climax you were talking about... look up some live versions of "Awaken." (Live at Montreux is a good one.) Right at that point, they dramatically slow down the tempo, Alan hits his drums good and hard, and then they launch into that big majestic chord at the peak. That is a moment of musical heaven.
GFTO is really an epic album, and as much as I love every song on it, this is the masterpiece. During the incredible guitar parts and solo, Steve Howe is playing a Rickenbacker 12 string guitar. It's truly amazing that he was able to perform that solo on a 12 string. And Chris Squire played 3 different basses in different sections of this song. A standard 4 string, his Rickenbacker 8 string bass, and a fretless 4 string bass. So they could perform this song live, Rick Wakeman gifted Chris with a triple-neck guitar that Rick had custom built by Wal for his solo tour. It was originally set up as a guitar on top, 4 string and 4 string fretless basses. Chris re-strung the guitar neck as a bass using 3 octave pairs, like an 8 string bass. That's the reason for the iconic triple-neck bass played by Chris on tour. pbs.twimg.com/media/EUOw8R2XsAAd6oI.jpg
Blindingly fast yet always in careful control. Changes guitars and effects even faster in concert than in the studio. He plays "To be Over" live as a guitar solo.
Totally understand your comment about "the moment". First time I heard time I heard the album, that was my first thought. My favorite Yes song - and again, thanks for your all-encompassing portrait of music you react to. Peace.
This song often sounds like it's second by second lifting itself up a little bit more--I don't know how to describe it--like it often feels like it's lifted as high as it can go, and then it raises a little bit more, and then again and again. Not just over the course of the song's structure and climaxes, but even during individual parts. Like maybe a blimp, trying to see if it can be expanded again without popping and raised that little bit more. It almost makes you want to keep holding your breath, expecting it's about to let down, but you just keep holding your breath. Haha, I don't know where I'm going with this, but that's my impression. It feels like flight. One of the main examples of that is where Anderson's vocals come in (like at 7:38), where he sounds almost arrhythmic (even though he is of course on-rhythm), like he's floating high enough that there's no longer any view of the ground. I actually once dreamt of floating into a Yes concert while they were playing that part amid some fantastical landscape, seeing them from an aerial view. And then that major climax at the end you mentioned is totally another example. I also love, while that part just goes on glorying, there's this mysterious swirl of guitar and synth sounds fluttering and just barely emerging from the drowning storm of organ. I think some of the best bass is in this too. Squire's punchy octave-switching notes during that first rocking section are so characteristically Squirey. Yeah, you're gonna love Close to the Edge (Thanks, Captain Obvious! [Yeah, you're welcome.]). Yeah, what you said about this song not being broken up into movements: It can definitely be cool when songs are broken up into movements, but I usually do like it better this way where the whole thing is an indivisible, cohesive art piece. Songs with movements can make for a journey and a meaningful development and climax, but I think I feel more connected to a song that really develops itself into a unified whole--I guess it feels to me a bit more contemplative rather than active, so to speak. Even though Close to the Edge is given divisions of movements, it really achieves this too. Which is why perhaps I should go right ahead and recommend Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells (Part 1) or any of his one-piece albums! 37:30 - Come again; "whole sodally"? I like to write, if you can't tell lol. You give such good analyses of these songs which I don't often just sit down and listen to on their own these days, so you prompt a lot of thoughts.
One of the reasons you get that "always rising" feeling from Awaken is that one of the major themes (played under the lyrics "Master of images, songs cast a light on you... etc") is a chord progression that is moving through the circle of fifths, a music theory concept that puts chords in relationship to each other within a given key. It's kind of a "chord progression that never ends", although really it does repeat when it gets back to the beginning of the circle. There's a similar theme going on under the lyrics "Workings of man set to ply out historical life.. etc". Love that you hear and feel that. They wanted you to.
@@uncledig Thanks for that. I don't know very much about music theory, but I think I hear what you mean. That's interesting it works that way as a circle. Reminds me of M.C. Escher's Penrose Stairs.
Yep - circle of fifths, man. Another famous song that employs that is Genesis "Firth Of Fifth" - and yeah, if you've ever wondered why they named it that. Haha.
Saw this show in the round in Vancouver BC in 77 Pacific coliseum...Epic as the fog of cannabis was so thick...no police.. just elevated enlightenment prevailed as the Yes spectacle unveiled itself before us..pure magic. Thanks JP haven't heard this in a long time..lost the LP somewhere years ago.
I had a friend who was not yet too into Yes, But i played him this song and he was enthralled from then after. I'll never forgot watching the transformation in his reaction...enjoyed yours too...
Remember hearing that for the first time, through ‘phones. The beginning, the build, the vault to the summit then the resolve to Howe’s gentle outro...absolutely thrilling. Never forget it.😎
I have watched most of your videos but recently I have felt that you have found a great way to reach out to us viewers! I really like your attention to small tonal and structural differences! Great job sir!
1971 - review - Wow! Rick Wakeman's first show in the US. Fragile would not be released in the US until January of 1972, but a number of songs from Fragile were played this night at the Whisky to the amazement of the crowd.Yes opened the concert with Roundabout and Heart of the Sunrise had people gasping for breath. When Yes had finished the first of two sets some soul brothers who were there to see soul singer Mary Wells, who was also on the bill, asked "What's the name of that group?" after i replied Yes one of them said "Man They Is YES!"
Magic,magic,magic,magic,magic,magic song.l don't have others words to describe the emotions give me this tune.i cry every time i listen this masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awaken is a symphonic poem, of the level of great composers like Richard Strauss. It is inspired and uplifting. So much nuances and different themes, but all unified. One of the best pieces by that band.
I was waiting for your reaction to “That Moment”, it is such a majestic moment. Sublime music. It has been a New Years tradition to play it as my very first song after New Year has entered.
Have a great weekend everyone!
😴🛌😯❗
If you missed it, heres the playlist of all the first listens for Yes' Album "Going for the One"!
th-cam.com/play/PLk5U1pT6RIR0vxEH6KVOUxgxhtGmTJmCc.html
Dont forget! If this video gets 10K views in 2 weeks (March 27th, 2020), I'll record Close to the Edge within a few days afterwards.
If you have time I would highly recommend the video performance of Awaken with Jon Anderson and Todmobile. Many including myself think it is the definitive version (even better than the original). Although it is not Yes this "live" performance is astounding to watch. If you liked the original I can assure you will like this one too. Maybe even better: th-cam.com/video/d_Va3e_52TE/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/BkmfOIvHzD4/w-d-xo.html "Woman In Chains," by Tears For Fears....Incredible group!!!! Incredible Song!!!!
@@anthonyblakely399 Really? you think they're in the same league as YES.......you need some musical education my friend.
I love that awaken took you over the edge and that up to now you'd only ever been close to the edge
Can we all take a moment and reflect on just how good Steve Howe is and how important he was to the Yes sound.
What do you mean WAS?
Yep !! The guitar work on this is masterful !!
To demonstrate Steve Howe's musicianship, I saw Steve play with the group about 5 or more years ago when Chris Squire was still alive (another great player). Steve was, in that same year, touring with Yes, but during that same year, he did another tour with his other group Aja!
Chris Squire is (was) also a monster
Steve Howe is a somewhat bitter as$hole. But he’s also my favourite guitarist, bar none.
My favorite Yes song. Actually, my favorite song.. The song continues to grow the more I listen to it.
Perfect in form and arrangement.
Absolutely!
"Can you imagine seeing that live?" Well. My first ever concert, age 16 - 1978, Yes live at Wembley arena and, for me, Awaken was definitely a highlight. Rick Wakeman was a music God for me, and he killed it. Way to set a high bar, guys. And, yeah, I still get emotional listening to it.
Perfection!
I've seen Yes live many, many times. "Awaken" almost always elicited the most emotional response from the audience. I can to this day see in my mind's eye Jon swaying to the "all is left for you" section. He did it every time.
I was at the same concert. Saw them four times during that tour! Not only is their music so intricate, they replicated it on stage too. I've seen few bands better on stage. And Steve Howe was my music god.
Saw them in Frankfurt that same year. Amazing show.
I got to see them do this live on the Union tour in 91. Totally awesome!
I've heard Awaken before, but a long time ago. What JustJP has done here has awakened me to the deep soulfulness and brilliance of this song. There is not a reactor anywhere on TH-cam, that I know of, who can do such an intelligent, honest, analytical break down of a song.
Thats amazing rbu, thank you for that. And for enjoying the video
This was one of those songs that I knew Yes felt strongly about (especially Jon Anderson), but it didn’t really speak to me until seeing it live. Now I think it is truly their masterpiece, taking everything they had developed and learned from ‘The Yes Album’ through ‘Relayer’ and distilling it into the essence of Yes. Sure, ‘Close to the Edge’ is up there, but they had grown as musicians by ‘77.
And while the latter-era Yes doesn’t have quite the fire they did in ‘77, what they do even better is that grandeur. The Union tour version of Awaken, especially that moment JP is talking about was stunning. The same as those big moments in ‘And You And I.’
I'm never able to talk about this song. Only thing I can say is that every time it brings tears to my eyes. I was forever changed when I first listened to this album when I was 13 and absolutely every time it moves me like no other thing.
Mar , it does the same thing to me because of the last to phrases , unexplainably touching
Agree entirely, it's such a spiritual piece of music and like so many, every time I listen, the tears come to my eyes. Why, I just don't know. Awesome!!
One of the last great long prog tunes by Yes if you ask me. This line-up was just great. One of the great moments is the transition from 4/4 to 3/4
the level of creativity here is just unfathomable. so many themes, melodies, counterpoints, grooves, ripping basslines, rich gorgeous sounds, wide-opened space. a masterpiece.
YES has some of the most technically difficult music to play... they do this thing were they all play in different time signitures , but somehow it all fits together …. where I work, we have bands, really good ones, old studio musicians that just wanna play music …. one time, while setting up the guitar player did a YES riff, so I ran into the room and asked if they did any YES …. they all stopped, and looked at each other and then at me and kinda laughed... and said Noooo, YES music is to difficult
they don't play in different time signatures but their music is often highly syncopated.
I heard an interview of Jon Anderson saying that, in his opinion, "Awaken" was the finest track Yes ever recorded. I would not disagree with him.
The gates of delirium 🙏 the best yes song please 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Seconded.
Oh yes please!!!
If you thought Awaken was epic...
I call my wife's lady bits the gates of delirium in honour of the tune
Probably the best song ever from Yes! ❤️🎧
Yeah? What would you say is their second best?😀
@@JustJP Close To The Edge or The Gates Of Delirium.
@@wagnerribeirodesantana1651 same opinion
I would throw And You And I as second best in.
This song didn't do much for me when I first bought this record new early in 1977. Over time it has become a Yes favorite. I guess at 18 I wasn't ready for the pure genius of this song!! Every aspect of Awaken is a spiritual song that hits on all cylinders!!! Each instrument (indeed Jon Anderson's tenor voice IS a valuable instrument) is added and layered to near perfection. A Yes masterpiece!!!! 💚💚💚💚💚
Dude! You get it!
For me, this is the one of greatest pieces of music ever written by anyone ever.
Oh, and that climax at the end? Jon Anderson has stated that he has seen a light appear over the crowd many times when performing it. It's extremely powerful stuff. I'm often brought to tears by the end.
Oh, and just another insight into "Awaken", much of it is based on an allegorical story called 'The Singer' by Calvin Miller. That's where the "Star Song" stuff specifically comes from.
Thanks so much Mark! The ending is absolutely lifted
The return to Switzerland's magical pastoral influence on this music. And Jon's Hippie Christian lyrics. All Awakening the deep metaphysical and spiritual meanings of this song and the perfect symphonic progression of the music. A religious experience.
Its just so perfect.
I was listening to this album back in the 70s. I'm just glad newer generations are keeping this great music alive.
Their last great long song.
"Like the time I ran away. Turned around and you were standing close to me".
Damn.
Love that ending
My top yes album is RELAYER, I'm now waiting for the negative comments.
Agree 100%
Roy C as much as I love Wakeman, Moraz brought a breath of fresh air. Gates (with Soon coda) and Soundchaser are in my top 5 Yes songs, so the album almost has to be my favourite just by percentage!
Gates of delirium😊
@@jamesleblanc7437 I agree. I also love Patrick Moraz's solo album "Story of I". Some of Moraz's later work is also worth listening to, but only if you can ignore the cheesy lyrics.
@@jamesleblanc7437 I agree 100%
Love many prog bands, especially Genesis. But Yes was extra special. This song is exhibit A, as far as I'm concerned. Yes could reach heights of euphoria in the music that is unmatched in rock music. All the musicians are so incredibly good. And Jon Anderson is a special talent--a totally unique vocalist and songwriter. I really enjoyed your discussion of this amazing song.
Their technicality and emotion comes together wonderfully. Thanks so much Brian!
@@JustJP Hi don't forget to try another British band the name of the band CAMEL.
@@parisstromatias637 He did! You can check it out.
I was listening to this on acid in my twenties and I met my 3 year old self in that "dream". "Like the time I ran away, turned around and you were standing close to me" has quite a deep meaning for me and I still get a bit choked up when Jon repeats that line.
Such a great line, love the way its delivered
Hi JP, so you finally did my favourite Yes song, that organ crescendo is out of this world. Thanks for the great video. I don’t really have time to watch the video 10,000 times, but I’ll try my best! (lol). There is a fantastic live version of Awaken on TH-cam that you’d love, it’s Jon Anderson performing with Todmobile (with a full orchestra and a massive choir), it’s awesome. Check it out. Cheers Justin! :)
Haha, ty Andy! I actually watched the Todmobile version shortly after this one; its perfect. Jon sounds even better in that one imo!
@@JustJP i was just about to post a link to that video..! the best version ever.. and jons live voice is amazing..!!
@@brushuk As a lifelong YES fan I agree Jon with Todmobile's version is astonishing.
Jon Anderson performing with Todmobile using an actual orchestra and choir adds brightness and adds depth to an already great piece, resulting in a masterpiece.
I just posted a link to the todmobile video in the comments here. Too late it would seem. It is a stunning version
Here we go.......Genesis : Supper's Ready................................Yes : Awaken
Damn, that 3rd section is so moving.
Justin..."that moment" when they played this song live. Mate, it was so powerful, let me try to describe what it did to the audience.
People would stand up cheering, there were folks crying, there were people slack jawed, there were folks shaking their heads in disbelief.
It was like no other live musical experience that I have ever witnessed.
And Chris played a TRIPLE- NECK BASS and massive sounding Moog Taurus bass pedals
Fantastic reply! I agree completely about the effect on the audience! I saw them in Austin on June 1, 1979, and you are so right in your description about people just being completely stunned! They were so shocked that it took several seconds after the soft tinkling end of "Awaken" for the audience to begin to cheer, and then it was deafening and absolutely THE most peak experience of my life!!!
Over The Years and Time of Listening To This Song Has Become More Of A Spiritual Song More Than Anything Else For Me ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love that you get Yes and truly appreciate this song. Especially in light of some of your previous comments about being 'selective' in you keyboard likes and dislikes, I was really happy to see you really appreciate Rick's pipe organ work here. He definitely nailed it on this. The crescendo, where he literally 'pulls out all the stops' is absolutely amazing (trivia: referencing a pipe organ is where that phrase comes from). You should listen to that on a good stereo system some time with speakers and amp that are capable of going down to 20 Hz - it will blow you away even more! The POWER of that moment is truly felt. And you also touched on another important part of Yes' music in the arranging and the interplay between the keyboard and guitar parts especially, but also the bass. Steve and Rick worked so well together - it really created some of the magical moments of Yes. Sometimes it's almost a straight call and response type of interaction and sometimes it's more subtle but it always adds to the overall impact of the music. Rick sticks to the grand piano and the Polymoog on this, in addition to the pipe organ. Steve creates a lot of the ethereal effects with his Sho-Bud pedal steel guitar run through a flanger and using an E-bow on his Martin 00-18 acoustic to create a droning sound. The solo's are on his Fender Tele Custom, but he also plays a Rickenbacker 12-string electric throughout a lot of the song (info from his guitar book). I also love the middle section where it goes quiet, to create contrast and allows the music to slowly build to a crescendo. Probably, or rather almost certainly, the only rock song to ever contain a section with just pipe organ, harp, and crotales (tuned percussion)! Also, in the refrain at the end, I love the way Allen plays a tympani (kettle drum) and tunes it up with the foot pedal while he plays it. Very cool sound that adds to the wonderful ending. So glad you have gotten into Yes! I have to admit to being a little discouraged by some of the reactions on your other channel with your friend who was obviously not a Yes fan. That's fine. They aren't a band everyone gets. But I'm REALLY glad you switched to doing Yes by yourself. Can't wait for you to do Close to the Edge! If you liked this, you should love that too. Also, the other two songs on Close to the Edge are awesome too, especially And You and I.
Cheers - stay safe and healthy in these trying times!
Peace from SF
Thanks so much Bud! Appreciate your comment and you watching me here. Oh trust me, the climax has been blasted quite a few times since this video :D
This channel is destined to grow pretty big. Your personality is infectious and the format is just so simple and good. It looks like a bad radio show/podcast thing and I love it.
Thank you for that Bone
Wow. I had forgotten how good this song was. I bought the album when it first came out and loved it, played it a lot, but over the years (decades) I forgot about it. Thanks for bringing it (and the album) back to life for me.
Happy to bring it back :)
I just realized how the opening piano bit reminds me of Jethro Tull's 'Locomotive Breath.' As I said on your 'Parallels' reaction if you like the organ then listen to Yes' earlier 'I've Seen All Good People.' It's long been my favorite by them and the organ is used well there.
'Awaken' is a great piece by the band, I love how it swells and ebbs, always interesting. Wakeman does shine on this one.
As for 'Close to the Edge' yes it's a fine piece, you'll enjoy and I look forward to your reaction; however I've heard it many many times, the group played it in concert frequently over the years so it's on a lot of their live albums.
Hands down my favorite YES piece. It's such a complex, well composed and performed masterpiece. Their layers and intricate instrumental and vocal harmony delicately building throughout the song is just in a class by itself. This song is a powerful, almost religious experience. You made my day! Thank you for your thoughtful analysis.
Absolutely Linda! Thank you for watching :)
I'm here entering the below comments regarding 'Awaken', via a just read article - "For many Yes fans, 1977’s Going For The One was the last great creative statement produced by the classic Yes Mk IV line-up, and its crescendo-packed 15-minute final track is its crowning glory.
Refugee keyboard player Patrick Moraz took part in early sessions during the album’s gestation, and told author Jon Kirkman, “I had already exchanged some of the ideas for Awaken”, but it’s the returning Wakeman’s baroque piano parts that open the piece with such a flourish, and towards the end, an extraordinary church organ solo offers a riot of instrumental colour within an otherwise beatific, dreamlike piece.
Anderson told Circus Magazine on its release that the lyric was inspired by Calvin Miller’s book The Singer, which he was reading while recording the album at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland. “It’s about this Star Song; which is an ageless hymn that’s sung every now and again…” he said.
There’s a distinctly hymnal quality to large swathes of the piece and Wakeman actually played the organ in a cathedral near Montreux. The band took advantage of unusually high-quality telecommunications in Switzerland to record his part over a landline to the studio. And they make out “phoning it in” is a bad thing." www.loudersound.com/amp/features/the-40-greatest-yes-songs-ever/4
Yes is one of those bands where my "favorite" shifts constantly. I can never settle on one album as the "best" for me. Yes Album, Close to the Edge, Relayer, Going for the One, each is exquisite and a jewel in their own way.
My favorite YES song is the one I'm listening to.
1972 - Just a few notes on this most amazing concert. They played two nights (Fri-Sat) and BLEW black Sabbath out of Winterland. I sat right behind the stage four rows over Wakemans shoulder and caught the full affect this entire show had over everyone. People were Amazed that a rock group could do a live show like this and actually be great at it. We stayed for Black Sabbaths first two songs, but by that over half the crowd had left.
I've seen live in concert many times and every time it is the same--the audience loses its collective mind and you kind of get lulled into a trance. It's amazing. One of my favorite Yes songs!
5 yrs ago my daughter saw the ocean for the first time from a beach in Hawaii. Awaken was playing. She still cries when she hears it.
They've been my favorite band since 76.
That's a perfect and wonderful memory
I believe Rick played an actual cathedral pipe organ on this track.
Yup! And it sounds great
Yes, it was in the town of Vevey in Switzerland, on the banks of Lake Geneva. I've been there many, many times (I worked there).
Rick here plays with angels
@@Jack-D-Ripper They installed a cable from the church in Vevey all the way thru vineyards unto the Studio in Montreux, about 12 km away I guess.
@@ursscherler6059 🤔 or they could have just set up some mics to pick up the sound and record it in the church. 🤔
On Awaken Steve is playing an electric 12 string. I haven't heard anyone rip up the strings that way before, and it's probably the only time we ever will. Steve is the greatest guitarists I've ever seen. Long live Steve Howe.
“Master of images, songs cast a light on you” - that’s the cosmic moment
What I love about Jon's voice is he doesn't sing with any vibrato. At least I don't think he does. Maybe he does at times, but in general he doesn't. His voice, with Steve's and Chris's harmonies are just magical, and that's how I'd describe YES music. Magical.
You’re right, the one song I recall a vibrato in Jon’s voice is in the “I get up I get down“ vocals right before Rick Wakeman‘s pipe organ comes in. When Jon’s voice just keeps going higher you can hear a beautiful vibrato when he holds the notes. Amazing, angelic, one of a kind voice.
love coming back here every now and again just to see your face the moment you realize that Awaken is a masterpiece. A piece of music as good as any Mozart , Bach, Beethoven or Brahms.
Haha ty! Sometimes I watch again myself
Howe and squire , what a duo. Superb Wakeman keys and white on drums. Everyone on top of the game. Masterpiece
I can absolutely imagine how this song sounds and feels live. I have been to two Yes concerts where it was played. Absolutely spiritual! The bit in the middle with harps and organs was especially beautiful. This is one of my favourite songs of all time.
Yes!
That emotional strain in Jon's voice is what makes him special.
It’s 5 years since Close To the Edge. They lost their collective minds and did Tales From Topographic Oceans and drove Wakeman from the fold. They recruited Patrick Moraz to replace him (having failed to tempt Vangelis to join) and embraced jazz fusion. They pined so much for Wakeman that they invited him back and jettisoned Moraz. Wakeman was surprised at the difference in the band when he came back and said that everyone had grown up a bit , or maybe it was just that he had!
So, it’s the work of a more mature set of musicians than those that made Close To The Edge, even though most of them were still under 30, and you can hear it. It is more cohesive and less a collection of parts, like Supper’s Ready and Close To The Edge, where sometimes you can see the join. It’s still a set of musical ideas that they have put together and made more seamless, with the return to the original theme being done without any hint of clunkiness at all. At the same time, it suffers by comparison, I think, because it is more polished and complete. There is less of the fire in the belly that you’ll find in Close To The Edge. Like many great composers’ works, it is more refined than their youthful efforts but loses something with that transition of time.
Having said all that, it is still pretty damn magnificent.
Very well put!
I've been following Yes since 1971, Awaken will always be my favorite. It's Jon's favorite too! To many great songs to talk about.
If you have any questions about Yes, anyone can messenger me, if only to talk about Yes!
Ty Matt! Definitely, they're amazing!
I'm pretty sure this is the song I heard live 8/27/78 in Kansas City that convinced me that the structure of the stadium was about to liquify and collapse around us. Granted, the Maui Wowie probably contributed, but it was devastating trying to comprehend that they had "one more notch" when upping the intensity. Breathtaking!
As a teen I devoured this album in my room, lights dim, laying on my back, eyes closed... and just floated into the ceiling. Never took any drugs, ever...never needed them with perfect wormholes into the universe like this. It shaped me and defined “good music” for me. Now I’m 53 and this is the 3rd reaction to this song I’ve watched tonight and it never gets old watching others smile and gasp at musical perfection like this. Awaken is Yes’ apex, as was this album, imho.
Ty so much varsity! Its really a 9ne of a kind song
Saw Yes live in 1977 on the tour supporting this album. Awaken was the highlight of the album as well as their live show. Showcased every member of the band. Built to an unforgettable climax as you point out. As good as this is on the record, it was transcendent live in front of a rapt audience.
lucky you
At last, Rick Wakeman back where he should be. ALL the stops were out. The organ was recorded 4 miles away whilst the rest of the band played in the studio. Rick was the piece that they needed to be Yes again. Not dissing Patrick Moratz as I love Relayer but Rick is the keyboard player of Yes, no contest.... - As Justin would say, I don't care what you say.... :) :) :)
I fully agree Rick is the Yes keyboards
It feels like iv'e just heard this track for 1st time, each time I hear it, it still gives you chill's, it's overwhelming, bewildering, monumental, it's on a different plane! Don't know what teenyboppers of Justin Bieber would make of this strange beautiful sound? I understand the feelings this gives you, it touches the core of your inner person, simply majestic!!
Its just one of those songs that is so detailed and well constructed, it never gets old or boring
Listened to this song for over 40 years. It has always brought me back to the centre of the happiness it gave me on the first listen. It is a beautiful affirmation of life, of the positive, of Yes.
Excellent breakdown JP. I love this song, and was blessed enough to get to see Anderson, Squire, Wakeman, Howe, Bruford, Kaye, White, and Rabin all perform this song together live on 9 July 1991. I still remember it. The whole crowd was being showered in glittering light effects through most of it.
Man, I can imagine how inspiring that must've been..
Spiritual Masterpiece.
I still come back to this song daily.
It's good to listen to in the early morning with meditation, or a good cup of coffee, or both.
Awaken.
See what is real.
What really matters in life.
How on earth did I miss this episode Justin?? ‘Going for the One’ is my second favourite YES album after ‘Close to the Edge’. Love the others especially ‘Relayer’ but these two hold a special place in my heart and memory. And a huge Thank You for covering Olias. Jon’s an absolute genius! Another special album for me as my husband (boyfriend back then) and I were huge Yes fans and unfortunately many of our friends just couldn’t/didn’t understand them. Those that did were extremely close mainly for being similarly minded. Thanks again and take care. 🙏
Thank you, thank you, thank you JP. You got there. And you understood....wonderful to share your “moment”. Such a sacred sound. It takes you higher and higher to the Devine energy source., to higher ground........keep spinning those chakras JP
Thank YOU so much Iona; its just that good!
Justin it’s wonderful to hear you enjoy this masterpiece just a bit of history I saw this tour seeing Awaken performed live for the first time was incredible Chris Squire plays a 3 neck bass one is a standard fretted bass a fret less bass and an 8 string fretted bass with only 6 strings tuned to A he was an amazing musician RIP Chris
I bet it was a once in a lifetime experience!
I was at that concert in Birmingham in 2003, and I can tell you there were grown men crying at the end of this song.
The band got (at least) a 5-minute STANDING OVATION at the end of it.
Possibly my greatest ever time I saw the band (the worst was Wembley 2004) - just to see Chris Squire striding across the stage, strangling that 3-necked bass will live with me forever.
You tell the youth of today HOW that Church Organ was recorded - and they refuse to believe you.
Down a Phone line from the Church in Vevey to the Studio!!!
Dude I keep coming back to this video. The expression on your face when that whistling organ hits will always fill me with joy
Hahah ty Will! It was just overwhelming!
Thanks for your insightful comments about one of my favorite Yessongs, JP! It looks like we're amost 10% of the way toward Close to the Edge! There are a few other 20 minute Yes songs, one on the Relayer album, and 4 on the Tales from Topographic Oceans album. I would suggest the Topographic track "The Revealing Science of God" - it has similar qualities to "Awaken".
"The Revealing" is an epic piece!!
Thanks so much Bob! I've heard great things about Revealing as well :)
Absolutely love 3 of the 4 tracks on TFTO. The Revealing science of God, The Remembering and Ritual.
Being a lifelong Yes fan, I do appreciate your interpretations and analysis of Awaken. There are so many elements to this masterpiece. The one thing I didn't hear you notice was the scorching Steve Howe guitar that travels, weaves and binds throughout this piece (in usual Yes style.) It truly is another bond that brings it all together. Also, forget about the literal understanding of Jon's lyrics. To me they have always been a musical tool to only provide positivity and love. Hear the words but understand that they are wavelengths. Rick Wakeman once said of him.."Jon is the only man I know trying to save the world and doing it from a completely different one." I'm glad you enjoyed this work😊
Ty so much! Steve is just a force of nature in everything he does lol
"Like the time I ran away turned around and you were standing close to me" Very spiritual lyric meant to lift the soul. Jon's lyrics are healing and encouraging.
Yes! Its a powerful line
Stunning. I heard this for the very first time with you today. Unreal. 🥰💛💛💛🥰
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it as well :D
You are so right about how great that little pause is just before the big organ climax. It's a very subtle thing, but it so important in heightening the moment to come. Thanks for doing this song. I haven't listened to it in a long time and it was great to hear again. Really enjoying watching your videos. So much great music to appreciate.
Thanks so much James! I LOOOVE the pause; its perfect
15:10 was the payoff. I had that same reaction when I first heard it in 1977.
😁
check out Jon with Todmobile performing Awaken. The 15.10 moment is shattering. Enjoy
the power of major chords :)
For the most part reactors seem to have a tendency to focus on the lyrics alone and if by chance the lyrics don't sit right with them then the piece of music is usually dismissed,
Not here, every constituent element of the piece is analysed and given it's due credit (or not) in the part it plays in the whole and that's why I believe "JustJP" is the best music reaction channel on TH-cam, and by some margin.
Another excellent reaction/review Justin, I thoroughly enjoyed this, you picked up on all the moments that those of us that fell in love with this piece way back when picked up on, Steve's guitar, Jon's vocals, the quiet bells/harp/ Organ section, the ebb and flow of the Church Organ and the choral voices, so majestic and of course the impact of "That Moment", ...... loved it ! is this the best Yes epic ? I'm not sure, it's right up there ! most of the early Yes albums have some form of longer track on them, not always "epic" and some of the newer albums too,
The Yes Album - Yours Is No Disgrace / Perpetual Change
Fragile - South Side Of The Sky / Heart Of The Sunrise
Close To The Edge - Close To The Edge
Tales from Topographic Oceans - The Revealing Science Of God / Ritual
Relayer - The Gates Of Delirium
Going For The One - Awaken
Tormato - On The Silent Wings Of Freedom
Drama - Machine Messiah
90125 - Hearts
Big Generator - Shoot High, Aim Low
Talk - The Endless Dream parts 1,2 & 3
All of these great tracks would make excellent reactions for some time in the future,
great work Justin .....
Thank you so much Robert!
Robert, what you've just illustrated is why the question "What is the best Yes epic?" cannot be answered.
This Song comes from heaven
You're reminding me how to properly listen to music, hanging on every moment! Your joy is contagious!
Ty!
"Can you imagine seeing that live?"
Yes, several times, and it is wonderful. When I saw them at the Royal Albert Hall, at that final Climax you liked; loads of Ticker Tape was dropped from the ceiling... it was a defining and stunning moment.
I can only imagine!
I really enjoyed this reaction. You reacted to all the details I expected you to react to which is great. Awaken is one of the monumental songs of Yes. It has those great build ups, nice contrasts, the gentle soft kind of esoteric parts, the groove, some tention, healthy musical aggressiveness, heaviness and wildeness and also that grand or even monstrous festive kind of feeling. And everything is precisely executed. This to me is one of the most representative Yes songs. Well.....Close to the Edge is another one. So hopefully we´ll get to that soon.
Thanks Back! :D
Yes considered Awaken their "master work." I have always agreed.
Extremely well done. Thank you. I've probably seen this performed love about 10 times. A blessing. Like the time I ran away turned around and You were standing close to me. The whole time I was running away (severe alcoholism) He was always next to me. So was Yes.
The fact that you so get "that moment" with the organ climax JP! OMG! It is possibly my favourite 'massive' moment in the whole of prog. You have all my gratitude and respect for doing this song - and so getting it!
Ty Chris!😃
Glad you like Yes...I've been all in since 1971. 2 words for you. Sound Chaser. :)
Most of my favorite Yes epics are centered around Anderson/Howe collaborations (ie Close to the Edge, Gates of Delerium, Tales from Topographic Oceans, etc). But this one is definitely more of an Anderson/Wakeman/Howe composition which is why it stands out. And it's also why it's the most spiritually powerful yes song of all. Wakeman was always a devoutly religious Christian, and he brought that epic church organ sound to the band that just made songs like this soar. Anderson was also very spiritual but was more into Eastern religions and philosophies. I just love the way those cultures meshed together into something so grand and uplifting on this amazing work of art (it's not just a song to me).
Yes may have been the most aptly named band ever, because their music is so positive. Contrast that with my other favorite band from this era, Genesis, who liked to explore the darker side of our nature. Two sides of the same prog rock coin if you ask me, which is why both bands often get mentioned together.
although Rick certainly takes the spotlight on this song and did the choral arrangements, the entire chord structure and lyrics were Anderson/Howe except the piano intro. It was written while Patrick was still in the band... they played part of it at the last show of the 76 tour. The Moraz tune "Time for a Change" includes the original Awaken intro.
@@sammarsh3679 Yes, Howe definitely was a big part of the composition of this song (it is credited to Anderson/Howe after all). But regardless of who gets songwriting credit you have to acknowledge that the rest of the band made significant contributions even if they're not listed as songwriters. And in this case an ex-band member (Moraz) made a big contribution as well. Wakeman was a special case though because he was signed to a different record label, he was legally not allowed to put his name on the credits of Yes songs, even though he contributed quite a bit, creatively, to the music ... especially on this song. I have a feeling he would have gotten a songwriting credit on this song if it weren't for the legalese.
@@DrakusRecords like I said, he takes the spotlight. The contractual disputes with A&M actually got settled after Fragile. He gets credit on Siberian Khatru, and all of Topographic, and on Tormato. he just came in very late to these sessions. Writing credit usually goes to the writers of the chord structure and the lyrics. Everyone in Yes makes strong contributions, But Rick in this case was adding his parts to a song that had already been written.
Masterpiece :) Yes has some fantastic epics in there cataloge. Also The Gates Of Delirium and The Remembering is also just outstanding.
Wow. Best breakdown I've ever heard on a music reaction. This video and reaction should deserve college credits. I subbed before the music started because I'm a Yes fan, but now look forward to exploring your channel. Thankyou for everything.
That means a lot to me James, thank you for that. I hope you enjoy the other videos I have as well :D
The first time I heard the organ hit that “climax,” my world stopped … I desperately had to hear that again on REAL speakers.
I have a friend with a JBL Paragon (original, the price of a luxury car) … I can’t WAIT to hear this on that.
You do a great job describing Yes's music! Thanks for checking them out. They were my favorite band growing up. Awaken is one of my favorites.
No problem! Ty Way!
So glad you reviewed this. I don't think any band has been able to tap into that spiritual plan in their music than this phenomenal track. Maybe Yes's finest track ever. 😍😍🙏🙏🙏🙏💫💫💫💫💫
Thank you for highlighting one of the most inspirational songs of my life. Once again, I am deeply impressed on how well you explained all the things about this Yes tune that makes it worth listening to time and time again.
Ty Ralph!
This time you’ll get my comment in bits and pieces.
1. MOVEMENTS
Although Awaken is not broken down into movements on paper, it most certainly has movements. I think of it as classic 4-movement structure (A-D).
Intro) The High Vibration Intro
A) The 11/8 section in minor (Awaken Gentle Mass Touch)
B) The 6/8 ‘perpetual circle of dominant fifths’ section (workings of man...)
C) Instrumental/Keyboard solo.
D) Finale (Master of Images...), harmonically, a reprise of the ‘perpetual circle of dominant fifths’ from section B
Outro) High Vibration outro
But I think I get your point anyway. This song was conceived “as one” as opposed to Supper (which I also love), which was more like a “suite of songs stuck together with a reprise at the end” .
2. NOODLING (OR LACK THEREOF)
You are right that none of the instrumentals sound like noodling. I’d even say there is no Noodling on Awaken. Every note counts. This is also true for the epics Close to the Edge and Gates of Delirium.
Unfortunately Yes were not always that restrained, and I am off course referring to the disappointing Topographic Oceans. There, yes got a bit too far up their own arses. They had 45 minutes of beautiful music to record, but added another 40 minutes worth of pointless mind-numbing suicide-inspiring noodling to extend it to a double LP. Note, there exists a devoted clique of Yes fans who consider Topographic a masterpiece and think “Every Note Counts” there too, and they will probably want to string me up for even suggesting the presence of noodling. I so wish they had concentrated Topographic down to a single LP.
3. CLIMAX(ES)
There is one climax after another, each building on the previous. You think you’ve reached the peak and then there is one more. Magic.
The chord sequence helps in this respect too. Because sections B and D are perpetual circles of dominant fifths, each chord is the dominant of the chord following it.
[For the non-musicians, in music theory a “dominant chord” yearns to resolve into its relative root chord. It “pulls you” towards the root. So the chord E (dominant of A) pulls you towards A. In turn, A (dominant of D) “pulls you” towards D. And D to G, and G to C, etc. Although many songs employ this pattern in part, Awaken is unique because this pattern works its way through all 12 Keys until it resolves back to E, and the cycle begins again. Hence “a perpetual circle”. It’s a musical version of that optical illusion painting of the 4 staircases that seem to form a perpetual cycle. So theoretically speaking, in sections B and D, every chord is ”climactic” in relation to the preceding chord.]
And I love the fact that after all the bombast, Awaken ends with a simple, quiet major chord on a guitar.
4. BEST VERSION
Jon Anderson and Todmobile play Awaken in iceland. There is a choir performing with the band. It’s incredible. If you’re only gonna fulfill just one wish from this loyal viewer, please react to this one.
5. LYRICS
Yes, it is about some kind of enlightenment or spiritual awakening. Journey from darkness and uncertainty (“where can I be?”) to revelation, light and certainty (“here we can be!”). And whatever form that awakening takes, be it worldly or spiritual, internal or external, is up to the listener’s own interpretation.
Lyrically speaking, its a reprise of the themes and journey on Close to The Edge. It’s essentially a second, more mature attempt to convey the same journey, using newer words.
And speaking of “Edge”, I hope it will have a strong impact on you, even though you listened to Awaken first. Most people listen to Edge before Awaken. While I think Edge (and “Gates”) is as equally amazing as Awaken, it is a bit rougher around the edges. Put metaphorically, if Awaken is a beautiful majestic sculpture carved out of diamond, Edge is a beautiful majestic sculpture carved out of unpolished rock. Hope that makes some sense.
Love the comment SD. Let me try to tackle each one a bit ;)
1. Movements: Yup, thats exactly what I meant! This one flows very naturally, very effortless and each piece transitions almost without notice. Suppers Ready actually feels like separate parts put together (as perfect as they all are).
2. Noodling: Yeah, I'm not much into pasta. But, like anything, it depends on how its done. We'll have to see if/when I get to Topgraphic... :)
3. Climax: Yes! And each climax just leads to the next, even grander and more euphoric! Lots of payoff with lots of build up.
4. Best Version: Oh, I watched that immediately after filming this. Its amazing, even better than studio.
5. Lyrics: Looking forward to exploring the same themes in CttE; its a nice and uplifting message. Appreciate the comparison as well, making me want to hear it soon!
Yeah, exactly what you said there about the climax(es). I was trying to describe that very thing. It's a very strange and wonderful quality about this piece. You would think it would almost be stressful, having it keep raising up and never letting down, but they make it work here.
I have to agree with your assessment of Topographic Ocean. I bought it when it was first released and thought.."Yes!! Another musical masterpiece performed by the masters". Such was my unconditional love for their music. Now, some 40+ years later, I can't sit throughout the whole four sides without getting bored. If it were released as a single album, I think that it would rival any of their albums for the top spot.
I still love the music of Yes, especially the live album YesSongs. It really showcases their ability to duplicate their studio work in a live performance; especially when you consider the relatively crude equipment and recording techniques that were available at the time.
@soul dreamer, I think you are me in a different body. Everything you said here is truth! Especially the truth about the Todmobile recording! The best I've heard! It brings me to tears every time. Well, Awaken does that anyway, but having the orchestra just puts it even further into the heavens.
Soul Dreamer Great analysis! I really enjoyed how you wrote that out. I never tried to break the chord structure down myself but it all makes perfect sense now.
That climax you were talking about... look up some live versions of "Awaken." (Live at Montreux is a good one.) Right at that point, they dramatically slow down the tempo, Alan hits his drums good and hard, and then they launch into that big majestic chord at the peak. That is a moment of musical heaven.
Smiles at a Yes concert. Always! The Key of C
Master of light
All pure chance
As exists cross divided
In all encircling mode
Oh, closely guided plan
Awaken in our heart
GFTO is really an epic album, and as much as I love every song on it, this is the masterpiece. During the incredible guitar parts and solo, Steve Howe is playing a Rickenbacker 12 string guitar. It's truly amazing that he was able to perform that solo on a 12 string. And Chris Squire played 3 different basses in different sections of this song. A standard 4 string, his Rickenbacker 8 string bass, and a fretless 4 string bass. So they could perform this song live, Rick Wakeman gifted Chris with a triple-neck guitar that Rick had custom built by Wal for his solo tour. It was originally set up as a guitar on top, 4 string and 4 string fretless basses. Chris re-strung the guitar neck as a bass using 3 octave pairs, like an 8 string bass. That's the reason for the iconic triple-neck bass played by Chris on tour. pbs.twimg.com/media/EUOw8R2XsAAd6oI.jpg
Blindingly fast yet always in careful control. Changes guitars and effects even faster in concert than in the studio. He plays "To be Over" live as a guitar solo.
Totally understand your comment about "the moment". First time I heard time I heard the album, that was my first thought. My favorite Yes song - and again, thanks for your all-encompassing portrait of music you react to. Peace.
This song often sounds like it's second by second lifting itself up a little bit more--I don't know how to describe it--like it often feels like it's lifted as high as it can go, and then it raises a little bit more, and then again and again. Not just over the course of the song's structure and climaxes, but even during individual parts. Like maybe a blimp, trying to see if it can be expanded again without popping and raised that little bit more. It almost makes you want to keep holding your breath, expecting it's about to let down, but you just keep holding your breath. Haha, I don't know where I'm going with this, but that's my impression. It feels like flight.
One of the main examples of that is where Anderson's vocals come in (like at 7:38), where he sounds almost arrhythmic (even though he is of course on-rhythm), like he's floating high enough that there's no longer any view of the ground. I actually once dreamt of floating into a Yes concert while they were playing that part amid some fantastical landscape, seeing them from an aerial view.
And then that major climax at the end you mentioned is totally another example. I also love, while that part just goes on glorying, there's this mysterious swirl of guitar and synth sounds fluttering and just barely emerging from the drowning storm of organ.
I think some of the best bass is in this too. Squire's punchy octave-switching notes during that first rocking section are so characteristically Squirey. Yeah, you're gonna love Close to the Edge (Thanks, Captain Obvious! [Yeah, you're welcome.]).
Yeah, what you said about this song not being broken up into movements: It can definitely be cool when songs are broken up into movements, but I usually do like it better this way where the whole thing is an indivisible, cohesive art piece. Songs with movements can make for a journey and a meaningful development and climax, but I think I feel more connected to a song that really develops itself into a unified whole--I guess it feels to me a bit more contemplative rather than active, so to speak. Even though Close to the Edge is given divisions of movements, it really achieves this too. Which is why perhaps I should go right ahead and recommend Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells (Part 1) or any of his one-piece albums!
37:30 - Come again; "whole sodally"?
I like to write, if you can't tell lol. You give such good analyses of these songs which I don't often just sit down and listen to on their own these days, so you prompt a lot of thoughts.
One of the reasons you get that "always rising" feeling from Awaken is that one of the major themes (played under the lyrics "Master of images, songs cast a light on you... etc") is a chord progression that is moving through the circle of fifths, a music theory concept that puts chords in relationship to each other within a given key. It's kind of a "chord progression that never ends", although really it does repeat when it gets back to the beginning of the circle. There's a similar theme going on under the lyrics "Workings of man set to ply out historical life.. etc".
Love that you hear and feel that. They wanted you to.
@@uncledig Thanks for that. I don't know very much about music theory, but I think I hear what you mean. That's interesting it works that way as a circle. Reminds me of M.C. Escher's Penrose Stairs.
That organ in the end of the tune OMG!!
Yep - circle of fifths, man. Another famous song that employs that is Genesis "Firth Of Fifth" - and yeah, if you've ever wondered why they named it that. Haha.
I have heard this lineup doing Awaken live in a symphony hall. It makes you cry incontrollably.
Oh man, I can imagine
I also love the organ and the way the song carries the listener higher and higher. It has always come off more intense live vs the album for me.
Saw this show in the round in Vancouver BC in 77 Pacific coliseum...Epic as the fog of cannabis was so thick...no police.. just elevated enlightenment prevailed as the Yes spectacle unveiled itself before us..pure magic. Thanks JP haven't heard this in a long time..lost the LP somewhere years ago.
I had a friend who was not yet too into Yes, But i played him this song and he was enthralled from then after. I'll never forgot watching the transformation in his reaction...enjoyed yours too...
Ty so much Dean. I was just listening to it on the way home yesterday, still get chills at the climax!
Remember hearing that for the first time, through ‘phones. The beginning, the build, the vault to the summit then the resolve to Howe’s gentle outro...absolutely thrilling. Never forget it.😎
You are really going to like The Gates Of Delirium....whenever it is you happen to get to it.
I have watched most of your videos but recently I have felt that you have found a great way to reach out to us viewers! I really like your attention to small tonal and structural differences! Great job sir!
Thanks Michael! I'm trying to narrow the gap between me and you all little by little
I've seen YES live many times. This song got the audience roaring every single time.
1971 - review - Wow! Rick Wakeman's first show in the US. Fragile would not be released
in the US until January of 1972, but a number of songs from Fragile were played this night at the Whisky to the amazement of the crowd.Yes opened the concert with Roundabout and Heart of the Sunrise had people gasping for breath. When Yes had finished the first of two sets some soul brothers who were there to see soul singer Mary Wells, who was also on the bill, asked "What's the name of that group?" after i replied Yes one of them said "Man They Is YES!"
Must be my favourite Yes song. That vocal melody is such great. And I love your intro. :-)
Such an awesome song. Totally beautiful. Possibly their greatest song.
Magic,magic,magic,magic,magic,magic song.l don't have others words to describe the emotions give me this tune.i cry every time i listen this masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't disagree!
Your reviews I actually enjoy so I subscribed. You describe well the music you listen to and why you enjoy it.
I appreciate that skunk!
Awaken is a symphonic poem, of the level of great composers like Richard Strauss. It is inspired and uplifting. So much nuances and different themes, but all unified. One of the best pieces by that band.
A symphonic poem is a great descriptor
I was waiting for your reaction to “That Moment”, it is such a majestic moment. Sublime music. It has been a New Years tradition to play it as my very first song after New Year has entered.
THAT moment is perfect, so perfect