This ends with one of my alltime favorite lines of lyrics; “Like the time I ran away, and turned around and you were standing close to me.” Still gets me 40 years later.
There are a handful of Yes songs that can bring tears to my eyes from the majesty of the composition, voices and instrumentation. This is one of them. And You And I (from Yessongs) is another. For those wondering what would Yes have sounded like had Patrick Moraz stayed with them, GFTO (the album), and this track in particular is a good example. He was part of the early composition and demo days. The earliest versions of Awaken exist with Patrick performing on keyboards. The signature circular ascending chord sequence was his contribution. Various Yes historians have noted that fact, and even Patrick himself stated he introduced that chord sequence to the band. It is noteworthy that Patrick's second solo album, released before GFTO, includes a song with that ascending pattern. Regardless, what Rick Wakeman did across this entire track is breathtaking. A flawless piece of music by the band!
Wow! Can you point to any recordings of Pat on this song? I had no idea he had anything to do with anything besides Relayer. Geek fact: the opening of "Sound Chaser" was composed at his *audition* along with Alan White.
@@davep8221 On the remastered with bonus tracks CD, an early rehearsal run-through of Awaken (called Eastern Numbers) is included, with just Howe, Anderson, Squire and White, but in the background, Moraz is heard. They obviously erased his playing for the CD, or for future reference run-throughs for the band as they composed additional parts. That he is heard at all is obviously because there is almost always bleed-through when recording live with amps and mics. He is mostly heard in the quieter sections.
A great song, but not as pleasing to the ear as many other Yes songs.... IMO. Incredibly complicated vocals that I can't imagin anyone but Jon Anderson doing.
OMG, so in 1977 I bought this album from our local Sam Goody's (record store), ran home and listened to it alone in my room, and when I heard Awaken, I couldn't believe what I just heard. My jaw hit the floor and I was tearing up. For years I thought this song was a lost treasure because it wasn't played on the radio, but now I know it has a following of great admirers. What a masterpiece!
You're definitely not alone! In 1977, we also probably bought our record at a Sam Goody's or local record shop...can't recall exactly, but it was absolutely jawdropping as you described. To this day, my favorite YES piece 💕
@@dkba52 No, but I understand that's another Christian allegory about something. I did read Calvin Miller's "The Singer" trilogy to try to see how Jon came up with the lyrics, and some parts became clearer to me, but the last line in the song is pure inspiration.
The church organ was actually recorded in a church in Switzerland, near the studio where this entire album was recorded. The live tour for "Going for the One" was the first concert I ever saw at Madison Square Garden. This music is magic for me. I love how you two vibe with it.
I was one of those who bought this album when it came out in 1977. It gave me goosebumps then and still does to this day. There were many years where I feared that this music would be lost over time and generations, but thankfully it's being rediscovered by young people like yourselves.
Bought this in '77, too. It's one that has been part of my music collection ever since, much like Boston's debut album, Kansas' "Leftoverture," Rush's "2112," and Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and "Wish You Were Here." Like I said above, good music never goes out of style.
One of my all time favorite songs of any genre *ever.* Glad you've taken a sip out of the Chalice of Yes! It'll linger with you for the rest of your lives. As Tom comments below, some other fabulous bands are, *Yes sound-alike,* STAR CASTLE, with albums "Citadel," "Fountains of Light," and "StarCastle," in that order. A single song that is simply *explosive* is, "Spectral Morning," by Steve Hackett (formerly of Genesis).
I can't believe it's 46 yrs I remember rushing to buy this in my lunch break from school and treasuring it till I could go home and listen. It was transformative amongst any other albums. I was 14/15 all these bands transported me
Turn of the Century is a masterpiece. The whole album though......The first song I heard from this album was 'Parallels' on the radio. I was changing the oil of a car at work!! I could not believe my ears. Stunning.
@Satanic Panic Fun and Games To me those two live ones are pretty close to the studio ones. The one that really makes a difference on Yesshows is Gates of Delirium, a truly hidden gem, to me that one blows the Relayer version out of the water.
Turn of the Century is the most beautiful track of this album; Wondrous Stories is a close second. Parallels is hard-hitting in-your-face and all the better for it... Have loved it since its release.
@Satanic Panic Fun and Games Couldn't disagree more. Wonderous Stories is, well, Wonderous. Tormato has gems; including the first track whose complexity is mindblowing.
when Alexia hears the last line the second time- she has "the look". The look of OMG this is just a perfect end to one of the greatest compositions of the 20th century. That is an undeniable fact . Awaken is immaculate.
Are they not the most fabulous band! To get such talented musicians in one place, at the same time, is incredible. To then get them to compose such epic masterpieces is purely astonishing. We 70-odd year olds have been so blessed with great music from this group over the years, and to now see guys like you two enjoying it for the first time is making the music come alive again - thank you. Merry Christmas, keep safe, God Bless.
This is one of Yes' greatest tunes! I first saw them perform it on the Union tour in 1992, and it was the first time they had performed it since the 70's. I was looking around the audience while the song was playing and people were crying all over the auditorium. And that's something that's so unique about Yes, they would cause people to cry not from the song being sad, but from the song having such a spiritual and transcendent beauty to it. The same thing would happen when they would play And You And I live. Yes just had this incredible spiritual sort of rapture to their music that would move the audience to tears. They were so cool and unique to see live because of that.
I think in the prog documentary Bill Bruford talks about ABWH doing 'an evening with yes plus' and he said when they played the beginning to "And You and I" that the noise and applause from the audience was something he's never experienced before, it was like a wall of noise that almost physically hit you. But thats the original band doing a song well over a decade old that they hadn't heard live. So yeah, thats got to be powerful stuff.
@@caroljordan6130 And they all put out wonderful solos. "Ramshackled," by Alan White, whose song, "Song of Innocence" is great. Jon's "Olias of Sunhillow," "Animation of Life," and more; Steve, Chris, Bill, Patrick, Rick, all doing their own stuff. No wonder they're a "super-group."
When I first saw them in concert, way back in 1976, my impressions were these guys were not human but angels playing music. Saw lots of other bands but there was never the same feelings.
I saw them played that song on the Union Tour in 1991. After that they left the circle stage and the 13000 people ovation them for 15 minutes ! All the lights were on in the arena. And then the lights go off and they returned to perform Starship Trooper. I'll never forget that show on an april night in Quebec City ! Go and see the complete show on the Union Tour in Denver on You Tube !
A couple months later, they were down here in Albany New York. Awaken was so incredibly special. In the Round. Each performer getting his chance to shine. Wakemen performing the middle section and then Steve on his guitar. A night I will never forget. Steph, thanks for sharing that tour. Ken
An incredible, incredible group of musicians. Special props goes to Steve Howe and Jon Anderson, who co-wrote this magnificent piece. Every time I listen to "Awaken" it is as if the heavens open up to give us mortals a glance into the divine. I equate this song to a religious experience. This is no ordinary song. Even by Yes high 70's standards.
Yes for me is the closest thing to divinity in music. Listening to this song, in particular, has me thinking of the ancient Pharaohs, mystical seers on mountaintops, Sages scrolling words of wisdom, and temple bells in the Himalayas..just so so beautiful.
Awaken is a awesome Yes song. It's so much more than a song, it's an experience, a journey with such emotion and power. You really need to listen to it a few times without the distraction of doing a video reaction. From the first 10 seconds you know Rick Wakeman is back. The mix sounds, genres, layering and musical expressions is just so good. This song is so powerful and Jon lyrics make sense too and almost take you beyond any church to the face god. To us back in the 70's this music seemed to be from a different planet on the far future. Today as with many Yes songs it still sounds fresh and from the future. I am sure Yes inspired so many music that followed. Awaken is another top shelf Yes song. Try Gates of Delirium as you continue your Yes journey. That too is a very remarkable song. Great reaction and let this song grow in you.
I very nearly agree with that, except for TFTO. Saw them play "Close" and "TFTO" in sequence, I think in '73 or '74 ("time," ya know.) Was also the first time I'd ever got loaded on cannabis. A freakin' magical experience!
Was going to be a party popper and say the same thing about The Gates. And going into full blasphemy saying I like Parallels more than Awaken. Also, Jon's voice on Relayer was better. It sounds a bit thinner on Going for the one.
Hearing Awaken is like living a dream in heaven! Yes killed it with this track! My sister and I saw them in 1977 at the Los Angeles, Forum. Cried during the Awaken track. Goosebumps! Thank you for your review on Awaken! Blessings to you both!
Totally agreed! We saw Jon Anderson & the Band Geeks perform this live just last week and our lives are no longer the same because of it. Simply ethereal!!!
@@NicknLex and having grown up on Yes since 1970 and seen them live 8 or 9 times in the UK till the end of the 80s, I also think Jon and the Band Geeks are doing an amazing job with the Yes classics!
Who knew 70's youth audiences would embrace orchestral, jazz, world, and new age music blended together in a rock format and played to perfection? i don't know if it would succeed now.
The haircut is revealed, and nobody has mentioned it! Great first reaction. By the time you get Listen #10, it will begin moving you to tears. By the time you get to Listen #100, you will feel it to be one of the most spiritual pieces of music ever created. Someone will have to BMC for And You and I, the most moving and spiritual Yes song until Awaken. Hope work isn’t driving you crazy. Merry Christmas and we look forward to more from you both for the New Year! Cheers! 💝
Super dooper reaction. In 1992 I went to my very first concert - the Yes Re-Union tour. All 8 member of Yes were on stage. They played Awaken - and it was an awesome, spiritual experience. The middle section, where the organ moves into Steve's guitar was and is fantastic. My best friend Jim took me to the concert in August. In October, Jim was killed in an automobile accident. The last lines of Awaken, "like the time I ran away, turned around and you were standing close to me." That is my buddy Jim "standing close to me". Such powerful emotion and a chance to share it with two of my favorite reaction folks. Thank you! As you mentioned towards the end....you said "Thank you for enjoying this moment with us...". Well, Thank YOU for sharing this wonderful moment with ME! Ken
I’m very glad you enjoyed it, and loved your comments. A suggestion: off line , on TH-cam, search “Awaken Todmobile”, and watch Anderson sing this with a full orchestra, choir, and band. Simply stunning. You won’t be sorry for the time spent. Oh, if you doubt it, I’ve seen them perform this live multiple times, and they simply soar. Much love, Jim
I love this song from Yes. It's one of their best. When the album came out in 1977, I was outside of town in holiday. I was 15 and I was secluded at the camp because I had no summer job. I heard the album was out by elder going back to the city during the week. First thing I did when I came back to Montreal was to rush to my record store to buy Going For The One and play it. I was lucky enough to see them perform it live on April 17, 1978 at the Montreal Forum.
Hi NicknLex! This is definitely one of the best Yes songs. All the Yes fans would agree. I have a story to share regarding this album. In 1977 I was travelling by Interrail (a ticket that allows you to travel across all of Europe by train on one ticket) from UK to Greece, I had brought my portable cassette recorder with me and was playing the Going For The One album. Awaken was playing and the church organ part was coming up. At that point the train pulled into a station it said "Vevey" (Switzerland). What was amazing about this was that this is where the recording of the church organ was made in Vevey, Switzerland. The coincidence was amazing, not just playing Awaken but that very part when it arrived in the station!
Finally you made this fantastic peace of music, the best Yes song in my opinion. Also Jon Andersons favorite Yes song. The organ is recorded in a church in Switzerland, Jon Anderson plays Harp, a choir arranged by Rick Wakeman .... A beautiful journey to perfection
Close to the Edge is still my favorite Yes track, it probably always will be. I did see them on this tour though, Going For The One Tour, in Atlanta at the Omni August 6, 1977. Me and a friend of mine stalked them in the halls of the hotel and got everybody's autograph. They did perform this at the show, and it was good.
I've said since 1976 that this song would be perfect to hear at the heavenly gates. In concert you would swear that Awaken brought you close to heaven, and the bass reverberated through your chest and captured your heart. Glad to see that like most of us, you "conduct" or play along. Very nice!
❤ I've been waiting for this from your channel for a long time. Awaken is so musically dense that even after listening to it literally 100's of times since 1977 I still hear new things. Also, the lyrics of this song speak to me more than many other Yes lyrics. It is so spiritual. "Like the time I ran away, turned around and You were standing close to me." It still induces tingles in the spine and leaky eyes. Every. Single. Time. All without (in my case) hallucinogens or other mind altering substances. Awesome is a word often overused, but Awaken truly deserves that adjective.
Best live version for me was when I saw them at Wembley in 1978. But I also loved the later performances when, at the musical climax towards the end, coloured ticker-tape burst out from the roof over the audience. I can still picture Jon through the ticker tape, dancing with his hands in the air like, lost in the moment.
I was there!! This was probably my first or second time out of six. I may have said this before but, I saw them once and enjoyed it so much I drove a long way to see it again a few days later. I've seen most of the top bands from around that time period and YES was always amazing. Thank you ✌️
I saw this in Philly in 1977, after the the song ended there was a second or 2 of stunned silence from the crowd, as they absorbed what they they just saw and heard. Then the Philly crowd let out their smoke filled roar of approval. Donovan with his acoustic guitar opened the show and he was great. Turn of the Century live was also brilliant. They also played the Beatles "I'm Down" for their encore. A memorable concert for sure.
You described that moment of stunned silence perfectly. It was the same experience for us at MSG in NYC. The roar of the crowd afterwards is memorable.
After listening to this song since 1977 it still brings a tear to my eye every time. Yes were absolutely at their peak back then and have never quite reached that standard since. Awaken is probably the best of Yes - it has everything that they were so good at in one song. It's always been a fan favourite nd it was fun watching you reacting to it for the first time. There was no band that could touch Yes back then. Genius.
This was my very first concert in high school. Yes going for the one tour 1977 in St Louis. It was a seminal moment of my youth and it changed the way I've looked at music and what it could be, ever since. Following year I saw Genesis for the first time. Another peak life experience that could never be forgotten. They just don't make music like this anymore, that's for sure.
I saw Yes on their ‘Going for the One’ tour, which was quickly followed up by their tour for ‘Tormato’. Which, again, I saw when they came through Buffalo, NY. It was sublime…to say the least. Buffalo was a great concert city back in those times as it was situated between New York City and Toronto. Bands would always play Buffalo Memorial Auditorium because it was conveniently located and would consistently sell out. The stage set was what they called, ‘Concert in the Round’. Essentially, this consisted of a circular stage in the middle of the auditorium or arena, if you will. It was a great way to present a concert because, wherever you sat the view was equal on all sides. On top of that, the stage slowly, and constantly, rotated so you could see each band member playing. ‘Going for the One’ and ‘Tormato’ were released in July of 1977 and September of 1978, respectively. Yes has been my favorite band for almost fifty years now. For me personally, ‘Awaken’ has always been one of their most, if not THE most ethereal piece they have ever done. I’ve so often said to others, “You don’t so much listen to Yes as you experience Yes.” I’ve experienced the ‘High priests of prog rock’ (as I am wont to call them), many times over the past fifty years. It’s so wonderful seeing new generations of people discovering music that has been such a large part of my life throughout the years. Especially, folks such as yourselves who have an obvious and intimate understanding of music. To me Yes have been, and always will be, how I define progressive rock.
Chris Squire plays a 3 neck bass on this incredible piece of music. The dreaming sounds are there to represent Heaven. listen to the last lyric "Like the time I runaway , turned around and you were standing close to me" God never leaves us, even when we runaway from him. Saw this played live on this tour Aug 1977 at MSG in NYC mind blowing~ !
I was there also. Every year. MSG, my YES home away from home. I can still picture it to this day. Subsequent performances at other venues have been amazing also but those MSG shows were the Halcyon days that can never be replaced or replicated. Weren't we the lucky ones!
Thank you for your reaction to this wonderous epic. Every time I hear this piece of music, it is as though I am hearing it for the first time. It brings the emotion I felt when at 17 years of age I heard it for the first time. Thank you.
Possibly the best YES lineup - beautifully crafted and layered. The middle section with the church organ is soooo moving. We have some fairground organ like a calliope. So many wonderful keyboard textures. Every musician a master.
This song was my introduction to Yes, age 16, and it blew my world apart. I have never been the same since. Yes was also my first live show, shortly after, and this was a highlight. Still now, 45 years later, it blows my mind and I find myself tearing up. It's the closest I think I'll ever get to a religious experience. I have accepted that it is my favorite piece of music - any genre, any century - and probably always will be. Yes, it deserves another listen...or thousand. ;)
Thanks for a great review and initial reaction. This may be the most spiritual composition of Yes. Being the old guy that I am, I was fortunate to grow up in that era and had the opportunity to see Yes in concert on a few occasions. The amazing thing about the group is that songs like “Awaken” and “Close to the Edge” almost sounded better in concert. They were indeed a supergroup and songs like this truly withstand the test of time. Thanks again folks!
Hi guys ! - Well "Sound Chaser" must have given you both quite a jolt. It did me ! - You're not ready yet for any more "Relayer" - So glad you finally chose this incredible track which was the last track on the album. So I was one of those people sitting with my headphones on having just bought it on vinyl in '77, and to hear the whole album with so many great tracks, and then to finish with "Awaken" It was a total experience. I was 21 and had every 'Yes' album so I practically ran home to play it. The final few lines by Jon had me in tears [ - "Like the time I ran away ....." ] So beautiful. It is a masterpiece in it's composition and a defining moment within their musical history. Wonderful on headphones - but do play through your hi-fi speakers as well, letting the sounds fill the room. It is another experience ! I know people will want you to hear Jon Anderson sing "Soon" - but hold back - because it is on the tail end of "Gates of Delerium" from 'Relayer' and you do need the whole thing to reach this moment of incredible beauty, which is suppose to be the emotions of survivors the morning at sun up, after a terrible violent battle, realizing how precious life is. Listen to more from "Going For The One" - Maybe have a few stiff drinks before delving back into battle when you do. It's a tour de force. That's gonna be a real doozy of a reaction when you decide. Don't worry - Every "Yes" fan has been through it. Let's just say - if you don't mouth - " Wtf " ? then your headphones must be faulty. Lol - This "Awaken" was needed and a great reaction. [ sorry for rambling on a bit ]
You're absolutely right, it DOES deserve a second listen - listen the whole way through, because you don't get the full impact when you stop and start. The eastern influences are, indeed, really prominent, so much so that you can search for an early version of the song called 'Eastern Numbers'. Arguably the last great Yes song. Every individual supports the others, nothing getting in the way, and crucially (what makes for a GREAT prog band, I believe), knowing when NOT to play. Although the writing credit goes to Anderson/Howe, what really makes this song great is Rick Wakeman's contribution, from the dazzling piano intro, the amazing church organ work, to the choir arrangement, showing how that when he was really committed to the task, he absolutely elevated everything that the band did. Chris Squire used to play this song live on a triple-neck bass, but on this recording, he used a number of basses: a fretless during the whole opening "awaken gentle mass touching" section, and an eight-string in the harp-organ-choir interlude (listen for the octaves). Steve Howe's 12-string electric solo (5:46) has never been equalled, in my opinion, and only he could have thought to use a pedal steel guitar (!) for the amazing textural major 9th chords during the two "high vibration" sections. For perfection of arrangement and discipline of playing, you should review Siberian Khatru!
I grew up in the 70's and have been sharing Yes music with people for quite a long time. To my surprise they never seem to feel that moved or appreciative of it, makes me feel a bit separated from them. So when I see Nick and Lex feeling moved and appreciative, I feel moved myself. How about that, tears well up in my eyes, somebody else really likes Yes!
I know what you mean C Burgess. Was born in 1961 in the UK and an older brother's friend introduced me to them in about 1975. I loved the musicianship, and the drumming/vocals/bass/keyboards, and Jon's sublime voice and lyrics blew me away as it was nothing like what I was hearing in the charts. Not one of my younger friends ( and I'm only talking 5 years or so younger) has liked or understood this band when I've put them on the table. Unfeeling, ignorant Cnts, as they have been told. And I'm the bast'rd that knows nothing about music in their eyes. They have no ears.
Glad you two are having a nice time with Yes. I've always been impressed with the organ and choir on this track. Rick Wakeman really moved around on his keyboards - one of them was the church pipe organ for Awaken's middle section, which was a mile or so away from their studio in Switzerland. Yes recorded Rick playing the organ live with the band by installing a telephone line (the Swiss had quality sound in their telephone system).
Thanks for explaining why you prefer to go in blind. That actually makes a lot of sense, so now I'm looking forward to you getting the musicians wrong, so I can correct you 😛 I just love the way you 2 approach the music. Can't wait to see your reaction to this 😃
This entire album is amazing, one brilliant song after another. I highly recommend reacting to all the other ones on this album, and don't forget the Magnification album, that one was done with a full orchestra and they did the whole tour with an orchestra. And of course their solo stuff, so much amazing solo stuff.
@@lesblatnyak5947 It’s not a bad song by any stretch of the imagination, but out of their long-format songs that I like (everything but disc 2 of TFTO) it’s my least favorite.
I don't know, my issue is that I love the beginning SO much, that I kind of forget that there's a lot of stuff after that. That beginning to where it turns from a classical piece to a throbbing rock pulse is like beethoven's 'bum bum bum bum'. You're amazed that so few notes can do so much, then you listen to the rest and go "oh yeah, that part". But of course any reaction to music is going to be mainly subjective.
@@grande-bretagnenilpoints8912 I"ve 'seen it around' but I'm kind of a purist when it comes to awaken. I don't like hearing it in concert or other versions, but I certainly will someday.
If that guitar solo sounds "different," it's because that incredibly fast guitar solo was performed by Steve Howe on his Rickenbacker 12 string guitar. He was an incredible master of the 12 string. Every song on this album is a masterpiece. This, and "Turn of the Century" are my favorite songs on this album, but every song is a wonder.
I was going to say in the Todmobile version Jon exposes the guts and soul of the song...he wrote it, he should know. Almost every longer Yes song has the 'drifting clouds' section in the middle.
YESYESYESYESYES So appropriate for the holidays! The quest for understanding the Universe and our place in it. "Oh, closely guided plan Awaken in our hearts." Final track on the album. In some ways, I feel this is the quintessential Yes epic. I can't wait for you to hear their work on DRAMA, as well (I remember someone sent you the CD). Thanks for another outstanding reaction.
Yes has been my favorite band since 1976. Of all their music this is my daughter's favorite song. She had it playing when she saw the ocean for the first time. She was 16 and she was in Hawaii!! ❤️
The tender middle is what I find most delectable, perhaps of all their music. I saw this tour, here in North Carolina, and have seen them every chance I could get. The Master of Various Things toward the end is profound, as is the tender and beautiful, almost Prodigal Son ending. Thanks good people for this most delightful and uplifting Christmas present! May your cups runneth over!
Bought this album when it came out and saw them play this live , in the round, 7 times. Chris actually strikes the string with both his pick and thumbnail together, btw.
knocks on December day Christmas in our window, Soon a miracle will happen It will lure you into a fairy tale. I wish you peace On the kindest day of the year, May the holiday ward off grief And chase away the trouble.thanks for the first time listening to this song
Un tiempo atrás les comenté que Genesis y Yes en los 70´s fueron megabandas de otra galaxia, nada en la historia de la música se compara con ellos a nivel creativo y de ejecución, esas músicas que crearon, nosotros los humanos precisamos escucharlas muchas veces para asimilarlas y entenderlas, por ese motivo, cuando más pasa el tiempo, más las amamos.
I was in college when Going for the One was released. I went to the tour on this album in 1977, which was my second time seeing them live. I have seen them 5 times live from 1975 to present. Awaken live is amazing.
This album marks the return of Rick Wakeman. For me, "Awaken" is one of Yes' top three epic masterpieces, the other two being: "Close to the Edge" and "Gates of Delerium" ... that is to say, my three favorite, epic masterpieces that aren't on "Tales from Topographic Oceans."
One of my favorite Yes songs (as others have also said). I've suggested this before to others who've reacted to it - on a subsequent re-listen, please listen to it through loud speakers rather than headphones (if possible). Place yourself between the speakers and turn up the volume. When you hit the big Rick Wakeman church organ climax, you are not only going to hear it - but you will feel it throughout your entire body. It is a truly memorable, physical experience.
If you do relisten to this, watch it performed live! Although Chris uses a pick to play bass, he attacks the string in such a way that both the pick and the fleshy part of his thumb make contact. As others said in this song he uses a 3 neck bass. In the dreamy sequence you spoke of some of what you think is keyboard is Jon playing a Celtic Harp. When I saw this song done it was the show closer before the encore (both for the Union tour and The Ladder where the keyboardist is a guy named Igor Korichev). THANK YOU SO MUCH for covering this… best Christmas present you could have given
Known as the Squire Buzz, though it's hardly an adequate description. Chris inspired a great many bassists but very few ever got close to his sound or his ability. Thank you for the comment about the Celtic Harp - I've wondered about that for years.
Steve Howe’s guitar “solo” early on in this song is blistering. I would not say that his style is “dirty” as you mentioned. The song has more of a Native American vibe as if you are witnessing a ritual.
Now that you have been exposed to Awaken from Going For The One, you also should listen to "Turn of The Century" from the same album!!! Totally beautiful!
The version of Turn Of The Century on Going For The One’s bonus tracks cd is very weird because they use that fast jam from Chris Squire’s Silently Falling on Fish Out Of Water. You can just barely hear Patrick playing keyboards but it’s mixed almost inaudible.
i remember vividly the very first time i heard YES AWAKEN - upstairs in my bedroom in July 1977. I'd read the Melody Maker review of Going For The One - heard the title track as a single. The reviewer said he'd played the album for his girlfriend, and she'd cried at the end. And this is the final track on the album. And do you know what, i did exactly the same. Wept like a teenage girl. It seemed like an eon since we'd had the last YES album ( Relayer 1974) - for me it's YES at the height of their power.
Love your dialogue after your first pause. I assure you that many pieces by YES aren't as complex and crazy as the last 2 you've listened to. Many beautiful ballads and breathtaking music that will leave you entranced, but this piece will too 🙂
I was one of the lucky ones who bought this album in '77! I was a teen who recently relocated to Tennessee, thus was bombarded with southern rock. Although I liked southern rock, my heart was into Prog. So I silently listened to Yes, ELP, Kansas... Amazingly, the Prog scene is more prevalent than ever with bands such as The Flower Kings, Spocks Beard, Transatlantic, Marillion, Enchant, IQ and on and on... #nicknlexrequest I would love to see you react to some these bands!!! Thanks for the memories with that song!!! Yes Talk or Union has some incredible songs, as well! Peace ✌
So glad you finally heard this! Same band as Sound Chaser except that Going For The One marked the return of Rick Waksman after Moraz departed. GFTO (not GTFO!😂) has an amazing mix of song styles and I'm looking forward to you discovering them. You certainly got started with the heavyweight here! You should look into the making of this album, particularly Awaken, and what was involved getting that pipe organ recorded for those spectacular segments. Sounded amazing in concert, too! Enjoy your next couple of play-throughs on this track - it only gets better!
A great Yes classic - just when we thought that era had ended. I got the album on release - got familiar with it then saw them at Wembley Arena on the tour. Awaken was I reckon a kind of spiritual experience which Jon was looking for. Wow- still has no less an impact today. And that comes from a devout atheist 🤔 👏👏🤷🏻
Thanks for your so insightful sharing here. I listened to this album on a high quality system as soon as it hit my Mississippi town and my astonishment/joy were intertwined as I sorta thought they had a special greatness coming with this work and boy was that true. I was a senior in high school and to this day, turn of the century is my all time favorite piece by a band. One could teach a kick butt college class centered around that song. Hope to see you comment on it. Again, most enjoyable. Thank you.
This entire album is road trip essentials! Listen in the dark with the headphones…definitely a few listens to be able to not only absorb but appreciate the beauty of it all!❤️
The 2003 performance of Awaken at the Montreux Jazz Festival is the quintessential live track of Yes with the classic five band members. They absolutely nail the song leaving most folks speechless.
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Jon Anderson once said that "Awaken" is the essence of Yes.
It just touches that "soul-space' in all.
When new musicians discover such jewel, Is Time to welcome Them into YESworld... a masterpiece to cherish for eternity
This ends with one of my alltime favorite lines of lyrics; “Like the time I ran away, and turned around and you were standing close to me.” Still gets me 40 years later.
That is a great line still get me too. Another one is; "Be honest with yourself". In Awaken Jon's lyrics can be worked out.
I think it got to Lexi too :) . . . or maybe she just chopped some onions.
“Strong dreams reign here”
Wish the Sun to stand still
Reaching out to touch our own being
@@smilerpink yeah ... a mighty statement ...
There are a handful of Yes songs that can bring tears to my eyes from the majesty of the composition, voices and instrumentation. This is one of them. And You And I (from Yessongs) is another. For those wondering what would Yes have sounded like had Patrick Moraz stayed with them, GFTO (the album), and this track in particular is a good example. He was part of the early composition and demo days. The earliest versions of Awaken exist with Patrick performing on keyboards. The signature circular ascending chord sequence was his contribution. Various Yes historians have noted that fact, and even Patrick himself stated he introduced that chord sequence to the band. It is noteworthy that Patrick's second solo album, released before GFTO, includes a song with that ascending pattern. Regardless, what Rick Wakeman did across this entire track is breathtaking. A flawless piece of music by the band!
Haven't thought of Moraz in years! I had his albums.
Patrick wanted to do a Circle of Fifths thing for Awaken. So glad Rick came back and they did this instead. th-cam.com/video/Pbbv2chYcGk/w-d-xo.html
Wow! Can you point to any recordings of Pat on this song? I had no idea he had anything to do with anything besides Relayer.
Geek fact: the opening of "Sound Chaser" was composed at his *audition* along with Alan White.
Corection: "And You And I" is originally from "Close to the Edge". "Yessongs" is a compilation of songs previously released on other LPs.
@@davep8221 On the remastered with bonus tracks CD, an early rehearsal run-through of Awaken (called Eastern Numbers) is included, with just Howe, Anderson, Squire and White, but in the background, Moraz is heard. They obviously erased his playing for the CD, or for future reference run-throughs for the band as they composed additional parts. That he is heard at all is obviously because there is almost always bleed-through when recording live with amps and mics. He is mostly heard in the quieter sections.
Awaken is IMO Yes’s masterpiece. An absolutely perfect song from start to finish.
I AGREE, except that they have so many other songs that come close to competing for that spot! Either way, we all win!
A great song, but not as pleasing to the ear as many other Yes songs.... IMO. Incredibly complicated vocals that I can't imagin anyone but Jon Anderson doing.
a top 5 Yes song-- no matter where that falls in your list is not important
OMG, so in 1977 I bought this album from our local Sam Goody's (record store), ran home and listened to it alone in my room, and when I heard Awaken, I couldn't believe what I just heard. My jaw hit the floor and I was tearing up. For years I thought this song was a lost treasure because it wasn't played on the radio, but now I know it has a following of great admirers. What a masterpiece!
You're definitely not alone! In 1977, we also probably bought our record at a Sam Goody's or local record shop...can't recall exactly, but it was absolutely jawdropping as you described. To this day, my favorite YES piece 💕
Did you read the The Silmarrilion story at the same time
@@dkba52 No, but I understand that's another Christian allegory about something. I did read Calvin Miller's "The Singer" trilogy to try to see how Jon came up with the lyrics, and some parts became clearer to me, but the last line in the song is pure inspiration.
This song is the soundtrack for the Kingdom of Heaven.
One of Yes' materpieces. Incredibly beautifull
Congratulations to you both. Welcome to one of the finest pieces of music ever written/performed.
I told them above, "Welcome to the Chalice of Yes!"
Awaken is one of Jon Anderson's favorite Yes songs.
He calls it 'The Song of Songs'...
The church organ was actually recorded in a church in Switzerland, near the studio where this entire album was recorded. The live tour for "Going for the One" was the first concert I ever saw at Madison Square Garden. This music is magic for me. I love how you two vibe with it.
Rick Wakeman's church organ gives me goose-bumps and tears me up.
The SPACIOUSNESS and utter Grandeur remains unequaled, IMO.
I was one of those who bought this album when it came out in 1977. It gave me goosebumps then and still does to this day. There were many years where I feared that this music would be lost over time and generations, but thankfully it's being rediscovered by young people like yourselves.
I still have my 1977 copy. It's cool to reply to likeminded Progers!
Bought this in '77, too. It's one that has been part of my music collection ever since, much like Boston's debut album, Kansas' "Leftoverture," Rush's "2112," and Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and "Wish You Were Here." Like I said above, good music never goes out of style.
One of my all time favorite songs of any genre *ever.* Glad you've taken a sip out of the Chalice of Yes! It'll linger with you for the rest of your lives.
As Tom comments below, some other fabulous bands are, *Yes sound-alike,* STAR CASTLE, with albums "Citadel," "Fountains of Light," and "StarCastle," in that order. A single song that is simply *explosive* is, "Spectral Morning," by Steve Hackett (formerly of Genesis).
I can't believe it's 46 yrs I remember rushing to buy this in my lunch break from school and treasuring it till I could go home and listen. It was transformative amongst any other albums. I was 14/15 all these bands transported me
Me too - original pressing triple gatefold sleeve - awesome then - awesome now.
Rick Wakeman said this was the best song Yes ever made..and , boy, has he got some powerful organs!
Turn of the Century is a masterpiece. The whole album though......The first song I heard from this album was 'Parallels' on the radio. I was changing the oil of a car at work!! I could not believe my ears. Stunning.
@Satanic Panic Fun and Games To me those two live ones are pretty close to the studio ones. The one that really makes a difference on Yesshows is Gates of Delirium, a truly hidden gem, to me that one blows the Relayer version out of the water.
Turn of the Century is the most beautiful track of this album; Wondrous Stories is a close second. Parallels is hard-hitting in-your-face and all the better for it... Have loved it since its release.
@Satanic Panic Fun and Games Couldn't disagree more. Wonderous Stories is, well, Wonderous. Tormato has gems; including the first track whose complexity is mindblowing.
@Satanic Panic Fun and Games
I dont even know what words to say that would correctly express how much I disagree with you.
In my opinion this was the last of the classic Yes albums.
when Alexia hears the last line the second time- she has "the look". The look of OMG this is just a perfect end to one of the greatest compositions of the 20th century. That is an undeniable fact . Awaken is immaculate.
Are they not the most fabulous band! To get such talented musicians in one place, at the same time, is incredible. To then get them to compose such epic masterpieces is purely astonishing. We 70-odd year olds have been so blessed with great music from this group over the years, and to now see guys like you two enjoying it for the first time is making the music come alive again - thank you. Merry Christmas, keep safe, God Bless.
thumbs up emoji
@@IvorPresents Same!
This is one of Yes' greatest tunes! I first saw them perform it on the Union tour in 1992, and it was the first time they had performed it since the 70's. I was looking around the audience while the song was playing and people were crying all over the auditorium. And that's something that's so unique about Yes, they would cause people to cry not from the song being sad, but from the song having such a spiritual and transcendent beauty to it. The same thing would happen when they would play And You And I live. Yes just had this incredible spiritual sort of rapture to their music that would move the audience to tears. They were so cool and unique to see live because of that.
I think in the prog documentary Bill Bruford talks about ABWH doing 'an evening with yes plus' and he said when they played the beginning to "And You and I" that the noise and applause from the audience was something he's never experienced before, it was like a wall of noise that almost physically hit you. But thats the original band doing a song well over a decade old that they hadn't heard live. So yeah, thats got to be powerful stuff.
I LOVE YES !! I first heard them in 1971, and have been a HUGE FAN ever since then !!! Jon Anderson's VOICE is AMAZING ❤️!!! 👍☮️🎶
@@caroljordan6130 And they all put out wonderful solos. "Ramshackled," by Alan White, whose song, "Song of Innocence" is great. Jon's "Olias of Sunhillow," "Animation of Life," and more; Steve, Chris, Bill, Patrick, Rick, all doing their own stuff. No wonder they're a "super-group."
I saw the Seattle show and bootlegged it. Awaken was amazing. You could've heard a pin drop. Summer of '91
When I first saw them in concert, way back in 1976, my impressions were these guys were not human but angels playing music. Saw lots of other bands but there was never the same feelings.
Awaken is one of the master pieces of Yes.
How to trip without acid; Yes on headphones.
Then there is Yes, on headphones, on acid. ...As Neil Young sings in "Lookout Joe" from "Tonight's The Night": "Old times were good times."
I saw them played that song on the Union Tour in 1991. After that they left the circle stage and the 13000 people ovation them for 15 minutes ! All the lights were on in the arena. And then the lights go off and they returned to perform Starship Trooper. I'll never forget that show on an april night in Quebec City ! Go and see the complete show on the Union Tour in Denver on You Tube !
Starship Trooper live is such a great song too. One of my Yes favorites but the live versions.
I saw them in Cologne in 1991
Chills go down my spine when they played Awaken. What a great time
Saw the Union Tour in Los Angeles . . . just amazing seeing most of the original members all together.
Saw them on that tour as well in Dayton, Oh. Awesome show!
A couple months later, they were down here in Albany New York. Awaken was so incredibly special. In the Round. Each performer getting his chance to shine. Wakemen performing the middle section and then Steve on his guitar. A night I will never forget.
Steph, thanks for sharing that tour.
Ken
An incredible, incredible group of musicians. Special props goes to Steve Howe and Jon Anderson, who co-wrote this magnificent piece. Every time I listen to "Awaken" it is as if the heavens open up to give us mortals a glance into the divine. I equate this song to a religious experience. This is no ordinary song. Even by Yes high 70's standards.
Beautifully said! It's not an ordinary "song". It's transcendent.
could not say it better
I believe YES has earned its entrance into the world of the classical greats !!!
Seeing it “live” was amazing!!! Thankfully we have YES on video!!!
Yes for me is the closest thing to divinity in music. Listening to this song, in particular, has me thinking of the ancient Pharaohs, mystical seers on mountaintops, Sages scrolling words of wisdom, and temple bells in the Himalayas..just so so beautiful.
Awaken is a awesome Yes song. It's so much more than a song, it's an experience, a journey with such emotion and power. You really need to listen to it a few times without the distraction of doing a video reaction. From the first 10 seconds you know Rick Wakeman is back. The mix sounds, genres, layering and musical expressions is just so good. This song is so powerful and Jon lyrics make sense too and almost take you beyond any church to the face god. To us back in the 70's this music seemed to be from a different planet on the far future. Today as with many Yes songs it still sounds fresh and from the future. I am sure Yes inspired so many music that followed. Awaken is another top shelf Yes song. Try Gates of Delirium as you continue your Yes journey. That too is a very remarkable song. Great reaction and let this song grow in you.
Concur and as with any trip,musical or otherwise,the right setting and ....embelishments,...add majesterially to the experience.
The most concentrated “Yesness”. This and close to the edge are the pinnacle of Yes’ 70’s prog.
Yes Select Ultra Delux Extra.
By A Long Shot!
I very nearly agree with that, except for TFTO. Saw them play "Close" and "TFTO" in sequence, I think in '73 or '74 ("time," ya know.) Was also the first time I'd ever got loaded on cannabis. A freakin' magical experience!
For me, the last section of Gates of Delirium, Soon, is their most beautiful piece of music.
I really love every minute of To Be Over, as well.
Yes!
@@gaughin1 Yes!
Relayer was my favorite album
Was going to be a party popper and say the same thing about The Gates. And going into full blasphemy saying I like Parallels more than Awaken.
Also, Jon's voice on Relayer was better. It sounds a bit thinner on Going for the one.
Listening to Awaken is like watching The Matrix. It ages like a fine wine
Hearing Awaken is like living a dream in heaven! Yes killed it with this track! My sister and I saw them in 1977 at the Los Angeles, Forum. Cried during the Awaken track. Goosebumps! Thank you for your review on Awaken! Blessings to you both!
Totally agreed! We saw Jon Anderson & the Band Geeks perform this live just last week and our lives are no longer the same because of it. Simply ethereal!!!
@@NicknLex and having grown up on Yes since 1970 and seen them live 8 or 9 times in the UK till the end of the 80s, I also think Jon and the Band Geeks are doing an amazing job with the Yes classics!
and to really see how good their musicianship is, watch Yes live at Montreux here on TH-cam. Just brillant!
Who knew 70's youth audiences would embrace orchestral, jazz, world, and new age music blended together in a rock format and played to perfection? i don't know if it would succeed now.
The haircut is revealed, and nobody has mentioned it! Great first reaction. By the time you get Listen #10, it will begin moving you to tears. By the time you get to Listen #100, you will feel it to be one of the most spiritual pieces of music ever created. Someone will have to BMC for And You and I, the most moving and spiritual Yes song until Awaken. Hope work isn’t driving you crazy. Merry Christmas and we look forward to more from you both for the New Year! Cheers! 💝
Super dooper reaction.
In 1992 I went to my very first concert - the Yes Re-Union tour. All 8 member of Yes were on stage. They played Awaken - and it was an awesome, spiritual experience. The middle section, where the organ moves into Steve's guitar was and is fantastic.
My best friend Jim took me to the concert in August. In October, Jim was killed in an automobile accident.
The last lines of Awaken, "like the time I ran away, turned around and you were standing close to me." That is my buddy Jim "standing close to me".
Such powerful emotion and a chance to share it with two of my favorite reaction folks.
Thank you! As you mentioned towards the end....you said "Thank you for enjoying this moment with us...". Well, Thank YOU for sharing this wonderful moment with ME!
Ken
I’m very glad you enjoyed it, and loved your comments. A suggestion: off line , on TH-cam, search “Awaken Todmobile”, and watch Anderson sing this with a full orchestra, choir, and band. Simply stunning. You won’t be sorry for the time spent. Oh, if you doubt it, I’ve seen them perform this live multiple times, and they simply soar. Much love, Jim
Quintessential Yes, if you get this song and the message you are now officially Yes fans! Happy holidays enjoy!
I love this song from Yes. It's one of their best.
When the album came out in 1977, I was outside of town in holiday. I was 15 and I was secluded at the camp because I had no summer job. I heard the album was out by elder going back to the city during the week.
First thing I did when I came back to Montreal was to rush to my record store to buy Going For The One and play it.
I was lucky enough to see them perform it live on April 17, 1978 at the Montreal Forum.
Being a person who listened to this in 1977, I can tell you that it takes on a whole new dimension after a couple bong hits.
Hi NicknLex! This is definitely one of the best Yes songs. All the Yes fans would agree. I have a story to share regarding this album. In 1977 I was travelling by Interrail (a ticket that allows you to travel across all of Europe by train on one ticket) from UK to Greece, I had brought my portable cassette recorder with me and was playing the Going For The One album. Awaken was playing and the church organ part was coming up. At that point the train pulled into a station it said "Vevey" (Switzerland). What was amazing about this was that this is where the recording of the church organ was made in Vevey, Switzerland. The coincidence was amazing, not just playing Awaken but that very part when it arrived in the station!
awaken is about jon trying to save his unresponsive hamster with an electric kitchen appliance. He makes it sound so trippy, lol
Wow! Awesome story!
Great story. And Turn of the Century is a Greek story too.
I would disagree, over produced.
Finally you made this fantastic peace of music, the best Yes song in my opinion. Also Jon Andersons favorite Yes song.
The organ is recorded in a church in Switzerland, Jon Anderson plays Harp, a choir arranged by Rick Wakeman .... A beautiful journey to perfection
Close to the Edge is still my favorite Yes track, it probably always will be. I did see them on this tour though, Going For The One Tour, in Atlanta at the Omni August 6, 1977. Me and a friend of mine stalked them in the halls of the hotel and got everybody's autograph. They did perform this at the show, and it was good.
I've said since 1976 that this song would be perfect to hear at the heavenly gates. In concert you would swear that Awaken brought you close to heaven, and the bass reverberated through your chest and captured your heart. Glad to see that like most of us, you "conduct" or play along. Very nice!
❤ I've been waiting for this from your channel for a long time. Awaken is so musically dense that even after listening to it literally 100's of times since 1977 I still hear new things. Also, the lyrics of this song speak to me more than many other Yes lyrics. It is so spiritual. "Like the time I ran away, turned around and You were standing close to me." It still induces tingles in the spine and leaky eyes. Every. Single. Time. All without (in my case) hallucinogens or other mind altering substances. Awesome is a word often overused, but Awaken truly deserves that adjective.
Best live version for me was when I saw them at Wembley in 1978. But I also loved the later performances when, at the musical climax towards the end, coloured ticker-tape burst out from the roof over the audience. I can still picture Jon through the ticker tape, dancing with his hands in the air like, lost in the moment.
Yes I remember the ticker tape at a concert in Bournemouth in England. A truly emotional moment, almost brought me to tears.
"Like the time I ran away, turned around and you were standing close to me." great last line to an amazing song.
I was there!! This was probably my first or second time out of six.
I may have said this before but,
I saw them once and enjoyed it so much I drove a long way to see it again a few days later.
I've seen most of the top bands from around that time period and YES was always amazing.
Thank you ✌️
I saw this in Philly in 1977, after the the song ended there was a second or 2 of stunned silence from the crowd, as they absorbed what they they just saw and heard.
Then the Philly crowd let out their smoke filled roar of approval.
Donovan with his acoustic guitar opened the show and he was great.
Turn of the Century live was also brilliant.
They also played the Beatles "I'm Down" for their encore.
A memorable concert for sure.
You described that moment of stunned silence perfectly. It was the same experience for us at MSG in NYC. The roar of the crowd afterwards is memorable.
Spiritually refreshing.
It is a spiritual song.
After listening to this song since 1977 it still brings a tear to my eye every time. Yes were absolutely at their peak back then and have never quite reached that standard since. Awaken is probably the best of Yes - it has everything that they were so good at in one song. It's always been a fan favourite nd it was fun watching you reacting to it for the first time. There was no band that could touch Yes back then. Genius.
This was my very first concert in high school. Yes going for the one tour 1977 in St Louis. It was a seminal moment of my youth and it changed the way I've looked at music and what it could be, ever since. Following year I saw Genesis for the first time. Another peak life experience that could never be forgotten. They just don't make music like this anymore, that's for sure.
Non-commercial. Non-corporate. Most-Creative.
I saw Yes on their ‘Going for the One’ tour, which was quickly followed up by their tour for ‘Tormato’. Which, again, I saw when they came through Buffalo, NY. It was sublime…to say the least. Buffalo was a great concert city back in those times as it was situated between New York City and Toronto. Bands would always play Buffalo Memorial Auditorium because it was conveniently located and would consistently sell out. The stage set was what they called, ‘Concert in the Round’. Essentially, this consisted of a circular stage in the middle of the auditorium or arena, if you will. It was a great way to present a concert because, wherever you sat the view was equal on all sides. On top of that, the stage slowly, and constantly, rotated so you could see each band member playing. ‘Going for the One’ and ‘Tormato’ were released in July of 1977 and September of 1978, respectively. Yes has been my favorite band for almost fifty years now. For me personally, ‘Awaken’ has always been one of their most, if not THE most ethereal piece they have ever done. I’ve so often said to others, “You don’t so much listen to Yes as you experience Yes.” I’ve experienced the ‘High priests of prog rock’ (as I am wont to call them), many times over the past fifty years. It’s so wonderful seeing new generations of people discovering music that has been such a large part of my life throughout the years. Especially, folks such as yourselves who have an obvious and intimate understanding of music. To me Yes have been, and always will be, how I define progressive rock.
AMEN to that, bro!
Chris Squire plays a 3 neck bass on this incredible piece of music. The dreaming sounds are there to represent Heaven. listen to the last lyric "Like the time I runaway , turned around and you were standing close to me" God never leaves us, even when we runaway from him. Saw this played live on this tour Aug 1977 at MSG in NYC mind blowing~ !
Absolutely correct, Patrick. Such a personal song for Jon.
I was there also. Every year. MSG, my YES home away from home. I can still picture it to this day. Subsequent performances at other venues have been amazing also but those MSG shows were the Halcyon days that can never be replaced or replicated. Weren't we the lucky ones!
If I've heard it twice, I've heard it 300 times. Still new things to hear and appreciate.
Thank you for your reaction to this wonderous epic. Every time I hear this piece of music, it is as though I am hearing it for the first time. It brings the emotion I felt when at 17 years of age I heard it for the first time. Thank you.
Possibly the best YES lineup - beautifully crafted and layered. The middle section with the church organ is soooo moving. We have some fairground organ like a calliope. So many wonderful keyboard textures. Every musician a master.
A very epic Yes song. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I just love the heck out of watching your discovery. It truly is a beautiful thing.
This song was my introduction to Yes, age 16, and it blew my world apart. I have never been the same since. Yes was also my first live show, shortly after, and this was a highlight. Still now, 45 years later, it blows my mind and I find myself tearing up. It's the closest I think I'll ever get to a religious experience. I have accepted that it is my favorite piece of music - any genre, any century - and probably always will be.
Yes, it deserves another listen...or thousand. ;)
It'll grow on anybody and everybody who dares to allow it in!
Thanks for a great review and initial reaction. This may be the most spiritual composition of Yes. Being the old guy that I am, I was fortunate to grow up in that era and had the opportunity to see Yes in concert on a few occasions. The amazing thing about the group is that songs like “Awaken” and “Close to the Edge” almost sounded better in concert. They were indeed a supergroup and songs like this truly withstand the test of time. Thanks again folks!
Hi guys ! - Well "Sound Chaser" must have given you both quite a jolt. It did me ! - You're not ready yet for any more "Relayer" - So glad you finally chose this incredible track which was the last track on the album. So I was one of those people sitting with my headphones on having just bought it on vinyl in '77, and to hear the whole album with so many great tracks, and then to finish with "Awaken" It was a total experience. I was 21 and had every 'Yes' album so I practically ran home to play it. The final few lines by Jon had me in tears [ - "Like the time I ran away ....." ] So beautiful. It is a masterpiece in it's composition and a defining moment within their musical history. Wonderful on headphones - but do play through your hi-fi speakers as well, letting the sounds fill the room. It is another experience ! I know people will want you to hear Jon Anderson sing "Soon" - but hold back - because it is on the tail end of "Gates of Delerium" from 'Relayer' and you do need the whole thing to reach this moment of incredible beauty, which is suppose to be the emotions of survivors the morning at sun up, after a terrible violent battle, realizing how precious life is. Listen to more from "Going For The One" - Maybe have a few stiff drinks before delving back into battle when you do. It's a tour de force. That's gonna be a real doozy of a reaction when you decide. Don't worry - Every "Yes" fan has been through it. Let's just say - if you don't mouth - " Wtf " ? then your headphones must be faulty. Lol - This "Awaken" was needed and a great reaction. [ sorry for rambling on a bit ]
Yes play the most spiritual prog music. It's about souls searching , reaching and connecting. So beautiful. ❤❤
Rumor has it that this is Jon Anderson's favorite Yes song to perform. I couldn't agree with him more. Awesome track!
You're absolutely right, it DOES deserve a second listen - listen the whole way through, because you don't get the full impact when you stop and start. The eastern influences are, indeed, really prominent, so much so that you can search for an early version of the song called 'Eastern Numbers'.
Arguably the last great Yes song. Every individual supports the others, nothing getting in the way, and crucially (what makes for a GREAT prog band, I believe), knowing when NOT to play. Although the writing credit goes to Anderson/Howe, what really makes this song great is Rick Wakeman's contribution, from the dazzling piano intro, the amazing church organ work, to the choir arrangement, showing how that when he was really committed to the task, he absolutely elevated everything that the band did. Chris Squire used to play this song live on a triple-neck bass, but on this recording, he used a number of basses: a fretless during the whole opening "awaken gentle mass touching" section, and an eight-string in the harp-organ-choir interlude (listen for the octaves). Steve Howe's 12-string electric solo (5:46) has never been equalled, in my opinion, and only he could have thought to use a pedal steel guitar (!) for the amazing textural major 9th chords during the two "high vibration" sections.
For perfection of arrangement and discipline of playing, you should review Siberian Khatru!
"Homeworld" from The Ladder CD, is pretty darn good also.
I grew up in the 70's and have been sharing Yes music with people for quite a long time. To my surprise they never seem to feel that moved or appreciative of it, makes me feel a bit separated from them. So when I see Nick and Lex feeling moved and appreciative, I feel moved myself. How about that, tears well up in my eyes, somebody else really likes Yes!
Maybe they were just EXPECTING a 3-minute bubble-gum tune, or something.
I know what you mean C Burgess. Was born in 1961 in the UK and an older brother's friend introduced me to them in about 1975. I loved the musicianship, and the drumming/vocals/bass/keyboards, and Jon's sublime voice and lyrics blew me away as it was nothing like what I was hearing in the charts. Not one of my younger friends ( and I'm only talking 5 years or so younger) has liked or understood this band when I've put them on the table. Unfeeling, ignorant Cnts, as they have been told. And I'm the bast'rd that knows nothing about music in their eyes. They have no ears.
One of the best musical composition's of the modern age.... absolutely beautiful, stunning and it will remain timeless.
Glad you two are having a nice time with Yes. I've always been impressed with the organ and choir on this track. Rick Wakeman really moved around on his keyboards - one of them was the church pipe organ for Awaken's middle section, which was a mile or so away from their studio in Switzerland. Yes recorded Rick playing the organ live with the band by installing a telephone line (the Swiss had quality sound in their telephone system).
Thanks for explaining why you prefer to go in blind. That actually makes a lot of sense, so now I'm looking forward to you getting the musicians wrong, so I can correct you 😛
I just love the way you 2 approach the music. Can't wait to see your reaction to this 😃
Bien dicho!
Turn of the Century from the same album is amazing.......make sure you follow the lyrics.
This entire album is amazing, one brilliant song after another. I highly recommend reacting to all the other ones on this album, and don't forget the Magnification album, that one was done with a full orchestra and they did the whole tour with an orchestra. And of course their solo stuff, so much amazing solo stuff.
So Amazing Live! Front row! An experience you don’t forget!❤️❤️❤️
If everything that makes Yes *YES* could be distilled down to one song, this would be the song.
some will say Close To The Edge or or
@@lesblatnyak5947 It’s not a bad song by any stretch of the imagination, but out of their long-format songs that I like (everything but disc 2 of TFTO) it’s my least favorite.
I don't know, my issue is that I love the beginning SO much, that I kind of forget that there's a lot of stuff after that. That beginning to where it turns from a classical piece to a throbbing rock pulse is like beethoven's 'bum bum bum bum'. You're amazed that so few notes can do so much, then you listen to the rest and go "oh yeah, that part". But of course any reaction to music is going to be mainly subjective.
@@mikearchibald744 Please listen to Anderson and Todmobile in Iceland, if you have not already.
@@grande-bretagnenilpoints8912 I"ve 'seen it around' but I'm kind of a purist when it comes to awaken. I don't like hearing it in concert or other versions, but I certainly will someday.
If that guitar solo sounds "different," it's because that incredibly fast guitar solo was performed by Steve Howe on his Rickenbacker 12 string guitar. He was an incredible master of the 12 string. Every song on this album is a masterpiece. This, and "Turn of the Century" are my favorite songs on this album, but every song is a wonder.
This song and And You and I are both powerfully spiritual, about insights derived from meditation.
I can not.be More agree with you!!! AND those pieces involved Anderson, Howe, Squire and Wakeman
Kind regards from México
TodMobile live version from Iceland with Jon Anderson, you MUST check that out ! It has a full orchestra and is amazing!!!!!
The TodMobile live version is just spectacular!
Joseph is spot on. TodMobil version is wonderful, magical.
I was going to say in the Todmobile version Jon exposes the guts and soul of the song...he wrote it, he should know. Almost every longer Yes song has the 'drifting clouds' section in the middle.
@@markkens9 and a crescendo at the 7/8 point that is always a triumphant climax followed by an outro prologue. Like any great story told.
Yes, It’s sensational. 🎶❤️🎶
YESYESYESYESYES So appropriate for the holidays! The quest for understanding the Universe and our place in it. "Oh, closely guided plan Awaken in our hearts." Final track on the album. In some ways, I feel this is the quintessential Yes epic. I can't wait for you to hear their work on DRAMA, as well (I remember someone sent you the CD). Thanks for another outstanding reaction.
Yes has been my favorite band since 1976. Of all their music this is my daughter's favorite song. She had it playing when she saw the ocean for the first time. She was 16 and she was in Hawaii!! ❤️
The tender middle is what I find most delectable, perhaps of all their music. I saw this tour, here in North Carolina, and have seen them every chance I could get.
The Master of Various Things toward the end is profound, as is the tender and beautiful, almost Prodigal Son ending. Thanks good people for this most delightful and uplifting Christmas present! May your cups runneth over!
Along with Close to the Edge, this song defined Prog for me. "High vibration go on."
Yup!
You got the perfect word for this, “Wow”. Jon’s voice is his instrument. One of my favorite vocalists of all time.
Love you folks.....and YES reactions.....
Bought this album when it came out and saw them play this live , in the round, 7 times. Chris actually strikes the string with both his pick and thumbnail together, btw.
knocks on December day
Christmas in our window,
Soon a miracle will happen
It will lure you into a fairy tale.
I wish you peace
On the kindest day of the year,
May the holiday ward off grief
And chase away the trouble.thanks for the first time listening to this song
Un tiempo atrás les comenté que Genesis y Yes en los 70´s fueron megabandas de otra galaxia, nada en la historia de la música se compara con ellos a nivel creativo y de ejecución, esas músicas que crearon, nosotros los humanos precisamos escucharlas muchas veces para asimilarlas y entenderlas, por ese motivo, cuando más pasa el tiempo, más las amamos.
I was in college when Going for the One was released. I went to the tour on this album in 1977, which was my second time seeing them live. I have seen them 5 times live from 1975 to present. Awaken live is amazing.
This album marks the return of Rick Wakeman. For me, "Awaken" is one of Yes' top three epic masterpieces, the other two being: "Close to the Edge" and "Gates of Delerium" ... that is to say, my three favorite, epic masterpieces that aren't on "Tales from Topographic Oceans."
Exactimundo!
100% agree. On point.
They can't all be #1 -- can they??
@@paulbrinkman5631 To borrow a phrase from Neil Young; in a way, "it's all the same song."
This piece is sacred.
One of my favorite Yes songs (as others have also said). I've suggested this before to others who've reacted to it - on a subsequent re-listen, please listen to it through loud speakers rather than headphones (if possible). Place yourself between the speakers and turn up the volume. When you hit the big Rick Wakeman church organ climax, you are not only going to hear it - but you will feel it throughout your entire body. It is a truly memorable, physical experience.
If you do relisten to this, watch it performed live! Although Chris uses a pick to play bass, he attacks the string in such a way that both the pick and the fleshy part of his thumb make contact. As others said in this song he uses a 3 neck bass. In the dreamy sequence you spoke of some of what you think is keyboard is Jon playing a Celtic Harp. When I saw this song done it was the show closer before the encore (both for the Union tour and The Ladder where the keyboardist is a guy named Igor Korichev). THANK YOU SO MUCH for covering this… best Christmas present you could have given
Known as the Squire Buzz, though it's hardly an adequate description. Chris inspired a great many bassists but very few ever got close to his sound or his ability.
Thank you for the comment about the Celtic Harp - I've wondered about that for years.
Steve Howe’s guitar “solo” early on in this song is blistering. I would not say that his style is “dirty” as you mentioned.
The song has more of a Native American vibe as if you are witnessing a ritual.
Now that you have been exposed to Awaken from Going For The One, you also should listen to "Turn of The Century" from the same album!!! Totally beautiful!
I absolutely agree - it's such a moving song.
The version of Turn Of The Century on Going For The One’s bonus tracks cd is very weird because they use that fast jam from Chris Squire’s Silently Falling on Fish Out Of Water. You can just barely hear Patrick playing keyboards but it’s mixed almost inaudible.
totally agree -Turn of the Century is in my opinion possibly the most beautiful piece of music ever written
Based on a Greek story. Beautiful.
i remember vividly the very first time i heard YES AWAKEN - upstairs in my bedroom in July 1977. I'd read the Melody Maker review of Going For The One - heard the title track as a single. The reviewer said he'd played the album for his girlfriend, and she'd cried at the end. And this is the final track on the album. And do you know what, i did exactly the same. Wept like a teenage girl. It seemed like an eon since we'd had the last YES album ( Relayer 1974) - for me it's YES at the height of their power.
Love your dialogue after your first pause. I assure you that many pieces by YES aren't as complex and crazy as the last 2 you've listened to. Many beautiful ballads and breathtaking music that will leave you entranced, but this piece will too 🙂
I was one of the lucky ones who bought this album in '77! I was a teen who recently relocated to Tennessee, thus was bombarded with southern rock. Although I liked southern rock, my heart was into Prog. So I silently listened to Yes, ELP, Kansas... Amazingly, the Prog scene is more prevalent than ever with bands such as The Flower Kings, Spocks Beard, Transatlantic, Marillion, Enchant, IQ and on and on... #nicknlexrequest I would love to see you react to some these bands!!!
Thanks for the memories with that song!!! Yes Talk or Union has some incredible songs, as well! Peace ✌
So glad you finally heard this! Same band as Sound Chaser except that Going For The One marked the return of Rick Waksman after Moraz departed. GFTO (not GTFO!😂) has an amazing mix of song styles and I'm looking forward to you discovering them. You certainly got started with the heavyweight here! You should look into the making of this album, particularly Awaken, and what was involved getting that pipe organ recorded for those spectacular segments. Sounded amazing in concert, too! Enjoy your next couple of play-throughs on this track - it only gets better!
A great Yes classic - just when we thought that era had ended. I got the album on release - got familiar with it then saw them at Wembley Arena on the tour. Awaken was I reckon a kind of spiritual experience which Jon was looking for. Wow- still has no less an impact today. And that comes from a devout atheist 🤔 👏👏🤷🏻
I totally agree...well worth a second listen! I'd be up for it
The live version with the original band ALWAYS brings tears to my eyes . Anderson, Howe, Wakeman, White and Squire..Just an amazing piece of music!
Thanks for your so insightful sharing here. I listened to this album on a high quality system as soon as it hit my Mississippi town and my astonishment/joy were intertwined as I sorta thought they had a special greatness coming with this work and boy was that true. I was a senior in high school and to this day, turn of the century is my all time favorite piece by a band. One could teach a kick butt college class centered around that song. Hope to see you comment on it. Again, most enjoyable. Thank you.
This entire album is road trip essentials! Listen in the dark with the headphones…definitely a few listens to be able to not only absorb but appreciate the beauty of it all!❤️
The 2003 performance of Awaken at the Montreux Jazz Festival is the quintessential live track of Yes with the classic five band members. They absolutely nail the song leaving most folks speechless.
The recurring melody is amazing; such a well composed song
Yes that orchestration and keyboards were AMAZING. Very classically based.
I first heard this cold, in concert. Was one of the vy few songs that overwhelmed me totally on first listen.