Album Review: YES “Mirror To The Sky”

[@chuckforsyth7622]

Just found you. You are nailing it! I’ve been intensely following PROG since the beginning! I about shit when I recognized all the album covers behind you. We have a lot to chat about!!! Your Italian band show blew me away. I didn’t know anyone who was so knowledgeable about my favorite music.. When England’s Garden Shed was featured, and you said you loved the snare sound, I was thinking the same thing and I haven’t heard the album in decades. I had 3,600 imports in my collection until my partner had to sell out! A sad day. We had it all!!! Keep it going!!!! Keep it going.

[@TheProgCorner]

I know the feeling!!! I’m on my THIRD vinyl collection. I sold my first one in 1977 when my family moved onto a sailboat. And the second one in 2004 when I was incarcerated…but that’s a whole different video!!!

[@JohnnyRecently]

That's a relief. You root for your childhood heroes. As a five year old, I got dropped off at afterschool daycare. I was outside sitting in the grass when the first notes of Roundabout tickled my ears. The music was coming from a radio sitting on the back patio. I can still remember the chorus...thinking, "This is Nice." I didn't know it was Yes, but a few years later I heard it again. My first Yes album was Yes Songs.

[@TheProgCorner]

I know I’m biased but the new album is excellent!!!!

[@VictorLazarov]

I love you man. Our favorite band is back!

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes!!!

[@flyjohnson711]

Dudes are you kidding? Our fave band is back. Good album or not, it’s a really good STEVE HOWE album. Call it what it is. It’s NOT YES.

[@siseneG9966]

Great story Crawford. I had a similar first Yes experience. I was 9, my parents were out of town and my much older sister was having a typical early 70's keg party with some friends. I snuck downstairs and was pretending to be cool hanging out by the stereo. One of her male friends came over and ask if we had any Yes. I remember she had a Yes record and it turned out to be The Yes Album. Again, pretending to be cool, I said 'yea man', I'll go get it. So I went upstairs to get the record out of her room (got yelled at for it later). I will never forget hearing my first yes song, Yours Is No Disgrace. And I was hooked from that day forward. And the older sister who yelled at me for going into her room, took me to my first Yes concert a couple of years later at The Spectrum in Philadelphia. I was 11 and the year was 1972. What a ride it's been.

[@flyer5347]

Just heard it. That end section of Luminosity is incredible. I think I agree with your review for the most part, though some of the parts you disliked I thought were fairly enjoyable. Anyway, as always, great video!

[@TheProgCorner]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@iamweasel2112]

I love your energy and enthusiasm about Yes and prog in general -- keep it up!

[@TheProgCorner]

Thank you!!! Prog should be fun. It is for me anyway!!! ❤️❤️👍👍

[@iamweasel2112]

@@TheProgCorner music has magic, that stuff of syncopation ;)

[@chuin03]

This man has convinced me to start listening to Yes

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes!!! Do it!!! Now!!!$ ❤️👍👍👍

[@frommetoyou1981]

Ha, ha, his enthusiasm is most infectious but you can't go wrong with Yes, the melodies are superb, virtuouso musicians interchanging and an amazing singer with thought provoking lyrics. Enjoy...!!

[@sorengraymusic]

Just don't start with this album. Start with Fragile

[@chuin03]

For my personal preference, I go from debut album to their latest album, like I did to Genesis

[@sorengraymusic]

@@chuin03 Well I didn't want to set the bar too high, but listening to the whole discography in order is definitely the way to go. Bon Journée!

[@ScottAMedina]

Yes indeed! Luminosity is great track! Nice to hear your enthusiasm all around, Scot. Yes is actually moving forward!

[@TheProgCorner]

Right? Shocking!!!

[@trippknotic]

Good on ya Scoto! I'm psyched now. Can't wait to hear it. Going to lock the door, turn off the phone, turn it up loud and immerse. Oh Yes!

[@keithplant2860]

So right about Luminosity. It's a really great song that brings back memories of Jon Anderson. Good all round album! And I love your enthusiasm!

[@TheProgCorner]

Thank you so much!!! 👍👍❤️❤️

[@atlasking6110]

I'm really digging this album. Not one skip-it track on it. Yes, I even like the quirky, 60s-psyche sound on "Living Out Their Dreams" and the gorgeous earworm "Circles of Time." Great album! I liked most of The Quest as well. Yes fan of 46 years.

[@TheProgCorner]

I liked The Quest also but this is way better!!!

[@jorgep.1877]

Salutations! The new album sounds very good, I suppose it needs a few more spins, but it’s crisp and has guts. Definitely better than the latest Tull! I keep thinking of Chris Squire and Alan White…oh well what can you do? Long Live Yes, this is what we have and we better enjoy it!

[@TheProgCorner]

And this is what Chris wanted!!!

[@andrewlongshaw2128]

Yeh Scot! What a great review and so enthusiastic again. Loving it, what a great way to wake up on a Thursday morning

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s way better than I expected.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Great review. Love your enthusiasm. Sounds like a great album. Thanks Scot.

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s really good!!!

[@wizardofoz6811]

Well done Scot! Waiting to hear it. I don't know if the album is good, but your review certainly is!!

[@TheProgCorner]

I hope you like it!!!

[@alanboas810]

You're the GOAT for giving us your Best! Top tier album review Scot! Detailed breakdown of the 🆕 one! I didn't get to this on time though because of a certain needy kitten. 🦓

[@TheProgCorner]

Alan!!! U Da Man!!!

[@alanboas810]

@@TheProgCorner 🐐 🐐 🐐

[@kenbaird3395]

Great review, Scot!!! Love the enthusiasm! Great descriptions of the songs! Too bad Geoff isn't on it as much (or that he's not writing as much), but aside from that, sounds like a great listen! I'm looking forward to getting the album next week! :)

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s shockingly good. Who would’ve thunk it…

[@kenbaird3395]

@@TheProgCorner Yeah, I mean the last album was quite good, but a bit too chill after The Ice Bridge starts it off in a more energetic way. So far with the two songs I have heard from the new one it seems like better energy and you have certainly confirmed this here too! :)

[@TheProgCorner]

I think Steve and the band heard the critiques and did their best to compensate. And it works!!! 👍👍👍

[@kenbaird3395]

@@TheProgCorner Yay!!! :)

[@nitro5247]

Very happy to see a promising channel devoted to the magic of prog rock! I look forward to hopefully seeing you talk about some of my favorite artists! :)

[@TheProgCorner]

Absolutely!!! I aim to please. Well, I do my best. 👍❤️💕

[@toddhill7483]

I'll be honest Scot. Not a lot of post 90125 in the Yes catalog has really grabbed me. I do like Fly From Here and some tracks on Magnification and The Ladder. However, your review of the new album has convinced me to give this a serious listen. Thanks as always.

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s a bit of a surprise. Perhaps it’s willful suspension of disbelief…

[@TigerMtnKing]

I'm anxious to hear the new music. It appears that Steve and Jon are getting along pretty well now, I wish they would collaborate on some new music together.🤩

[@TheProgCorner]

I think it will happen but probably not under the “YES” umbrella…1000 Hands showed how perfect they still sound together. At least for one song!!!

[@TigerMtnKing]

@@TheProgCorner I agree Scot. I don't think Jon will ever be a member of YES again but Jon almost 80 years old and Steve not far behind I hope they do it soon.🤩

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@TheProgCorner Agree.😎

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@TigerMtnKing Agree.😎

[@JimNewstead]

I love your excitement!!!

[@TheProgCorner]

Oh it’s warranted!!!! 🔥👍❤️

[@jeffschielka7845]

Hey Jim!😎

[@taraoreilly2112]

Yeeaaahhhh!!! 🙌🙌🙌 So happy to see Hello Kitty up on the shelf too 😂 love your vids Scott you're the best!!!

[@TheProgCorner]

Thank you!!! I do my best!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@markspooner1224]

That was one fine comprehensive review! I'm happy to hear that it's great as I've already paid for it, I hope it gets here soon so that I know it well before I see them in a few weeks time,

[@TheProgCorner]

I have the yellow vinyl on order!!!

[@chonkerton6931]

I'm glad you got the review copy early! I have already preordered the album but i'm wating to hear your opinion on it.

[@TheProgCorner]

I was thrilled it came early (unlike the new Jethro Tull…)

[@arnaudb.7669]

Amazing review of a very cool album.

[@TheProgCorner]

Thank you!!!!

[@BPJazz]

Agree with you! Amazing album!!!

[@TheProgCorner]

I’m really happy with it!!!

[@richardmorgan1588]

I love your enthusiasm! Yes has been my favorite band since Fragile which was one of the first two rock albums I bought in high school (the other one was Zeppelin’s fourth)! This new iteration of Yes is definitely growing on me! I actually love Heaven & Earth! My personal favorite of the post 70s Yes was “Magnification”. My GAWD I LOVE “Give Love Each Day”! Can’t get enough of it! Surprisingly I also loved “Open Your Eyes” Its harder edge is executed better with the more classic lineup than the Trevor Rabin era albums, including 90125. Anyway I really enjoyed your review. I have the album preordered and can hardly wait. I have not allowed myself to hear the new music yet. I will experience it for the first time when I put my copy on. I’m so excited to hear what Steve and company has in store!

[@TheProgCorner]

If you like Magnification there is a good chance that you will really like the new one!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@TheProgCornerMy 2nd favorite Yes album is Magnification. So, I should love this new one? I guess. Maybe it will grow on me. I'm glad to see someone not dumping on OYE here. It's certainly not a great Yes album. Two great songs don't make up for two awful songs on the same Yes album. Everyone expects a lot more from that lineup. And that's why most Yes fans dump on OYE. For me, Does It Really Happen and Run Through The Light doesn't save the Drama mess, even though it's the best Buggles album.

[@apocketfulofheep]

After seeing this review and your excitement about this album. I will definately be listening to this as soon as it comes out.

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s way better than I had hoped!!!

[@jeffschielka7845]

Hey Wayne!👍😎

[@bachmibm]

Great review, Scott! Thank you for that!

[@TheProgCorner]

Thanks for watching!!! 👍

[@GlenKellawayfromthebasement]

Hey Scot..Happy to hear a positive review..I was on the fence..Anxious to hear it…you got me excited❤👍glen

[@TheProgCorner]

Luminosity and the title track are soooooo good!!!!

[@sal3150]

Looking forward to hearing it!

[@stevenhicks6660]

I couldnt wait until your review. It was worth it. Sounds like a good album . Cant wait to hear it .Great show SCOTT. You are my go to for all things PROG .And especially YES . Rock on and peace brother. ✌️🔥💪💯💯

[@TheProgCorner]

Thanks, Steven!!! Prog on, my friend!!!

[@johnvanzuilekom1305]

The first review i totally agree 👍 Not complaining that this is not Yes it's Yes how it is now and it's a great album 👏

[@TheProgCorner]

💯

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@TheProgCornerIt's certainly not a great Yes album. It's the best Yes album without Anderson for sure. I may even place it above the 3 worst Yes albums with Anderson, which aren't bad albums at all if you don't compare them to Yes albums. That's how great the Yes catalog is. Even their worst albums are are at least fair, like Pink Floyd pre Dark Side Of The Moon.

[@IllumeEltanin]

I just finished giving Mirror To The Sky a full listen, along with the bonus tracks. Overall I do like it. The energy of the tracks is superb and I enjoy Davison’s positive lyrics. The playing is pristine and Davison’s vocals are clear, pure, and understandable with excellent enunciation. It’s all technically perfect. But… (there’s almost always a “But,” nu?) I finally figured out what is not drawing me in the way Yes music used to do. This is going to sound bizarre coming from a choir geek, as we were always directed to be technically perfect. For me, while full of blazing performances, the sound is “sterile.” I’m finding it lacks passion and emotion. Davison’s vocals feel as though they are sung the same throughout; he doesn’t take me on the soaring sonic journeys I expect from Yes. I actually didn’t figure this out while listening to Mirror To The Sky, but from watching a KZbin trailer for John Lodge’s tour of Days of Future Passed. Jon Davison is touring with his fiancée’s father (Lodge), singing Hayward’s parts. When I heard him in the trailer it struck me. Davison is truly technically proficient, but for me his voice is soulless, regardless of the words he is singing. Much like my initial impression of Al DiMeola’s guitar playing when I first heard him in the late ‘70s. Almost robotic. If I put the lack of emotional journey aside, I particularly enjoyed the title track and Unknown Place. I think Circles of Time is perfect for Davison’s style. The rest is a pleasant enough listen.

[@TheProgCorner]

JD definitely lacks some energy in his voice. But I found the band compensated well…

[@IllumeEltanin]

@@TheProgCorner Again, I found the playing to be quite technically proficient and energetic; at times Howe’s solos conveyed emotional passages that reach through. But the sameness of Davison’s vocals almost, almost got boring, as pure and clear as they are. I wouldn’t know what to tell him to change in his delivery to take me on that sonic journey I’m missing. But he needs more grit at times, more meaning in his phrasing, more…passion. As a friend of mine said in reply to me posting this elsewhere: “Davison sounds like a choirboy trying to hit the notes perfectly with no meaning behind it.” Pretty much sums it up perfectly.

[@TheProgCorner]

More grit. My thought exactly.

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@TheProgCornerThat's something no one would say about Anderson. He does sing what he means, and means what he sings.

[@jonathanmurrell5801]

LOVE , your enthusiasm!!!!

[@TheProgCorner]

Thanks, Jonathan. I get a little carried away when talking about YES!!! (And Genesis. And Rush. And King Crimson…)

[@Sammeep02]

Well, I love it! I think you helped me overcome whatever hard feelings I had left for the Davison era, to the point where my respect for Billy only rivals my respect for Rabin.

[@TheProgCorner]

Okay!!! As George Bush once said: Mission accomplished!!!!

[@SunFellow941]

"Ultimately, Mirror To The Sky is a great progressive rock album. It’s also a great Yes album, an inspired piece of music that hit me immediately." (Biffbampop) "Howe fashions a fresh sound, something punchier and more spacious than the classic '70s work but that still checks off all the boxes that comprise a credible body of work for Yes. He's also smart enough to set that as a template that leaves plenty of his room for his compatriots to make their mark. The surging opener "Cut From the Stars" was written by singer Jon Davison and bassist Billy Sherwood, who also joined Howe in writing "All Connected" and "Luminosity." Davison particularly comes into his own more on Mirror in all capacities: His singing is stronger than ever, and his lyricism confidently straddles a line between poetic and a metaphysical "What is he on about?" quality that makes for good prog. Davison's gentle "Circles of Time" is a genuinely pleasant rumination after the massive title track and determinedly plants a flag for his durability (11 years now) with the band. (Ultimate Classic Rock) "So there you have it, nine tracks over two discs and the vast majority is really great music." (ProgRadar) "Yes continue to live up to their legend and overcome the fatalities of time and years. They continue to offer material of excellent quality and capable of continuing to excite their followers, which, after 55 years, seems like an absolute miracle." (Science of Noise) "I’m delighted that Yes are still going and have produced an album that stands its ground with energy and inventiveness that I hope open minded Yes fans will embrace." (The Prog Report) "I've yet to hear a negative review for this album." (fan in comment section)

[@TheProgCorner]

I love it but it’s not perfect!!!

[@yulog]

Its boring as hell, but you cant expect much from what's left of the band

[@davidwatkinson1226]

Great review

[@TheProgCorner]

Thanks!!!

[@barrypeirson3710]

You've got me pumped.

[@TheProgCorner]

Oh yeah!!!

[@barrypeirson3710]

Hoping for a Sixers/Heat ECF Scot. Sixers are making it hard on themselves. Been a wild series. High Highs and lows lows.

[@barrypeirson3710]

To be honest I'd prefer Sixers/Knicks. 😉

[@TheProgCorner]

Heat!!! Back in the Eastern Conference Finals, baby!!!

[@TheProgCorner]

I understand but you know I’m a Heat lifer - since 1988!!!

[@davidbagnall335]

Great Yes Video ! Yes should aim for the over 80s market, that's where the money is ! Australian Prog hits ... Eurovision..,2023..UK...Liverpool...They should win Eurovision ? Great Yes Video ! A Eurovision Voyager Review Please !

[@TheProgCorner]

We don’t do Eurovision here in the states. Most people have never even heard of it…

[@davidbagnall335]

@@TheProgCorner You were right !!! Austrslia Sixth !!

[@TheProgCorner]

I watched some Voyager videos!!! Not bad.

[@jeniferallan6693]

Enjoy! Looking forward to your review.

[@Z-eb]

Great Review, Now i wanna hear it !!!!!!

[@TheProgCorner]

Absolutely!!!

[@sunlightglider6772]

Worth the purchase then 👍

[@TheProgCorner]

Absolutely!!! It almost makes me think there could be a weird and wonderful final act after all. I’m sold on this one.

[@jeniferallan6693]

Such enthusiasm and critical detail. Great to listen to your views. I would love to see the record sleeve. Is it a Gatefold?

[@TheProgCorner]

I believe it is. I just have a digital copy but my yellow vinyl is on the way!!!

[@jeniferallan6693]

@@TheProgCorner cool. Would be lovely to see what the sleeve is like 👍

[@markjacobsen8335]

Great review. I've listened twice and I dig it. My physical copies come in a few days, so I'll wait to listen again until then. Love the title track, though. I thought that opening lick sounded more like something from Physical Graffiti or even The Two Sides Of Peter Banks. Whatever inspired it I approve - it's a VERY unlike-Howe riff.

[@TheProgCorner]

I’m really digging it!!!

[@shyshift]

Excellent review Scot. 7 days to launch.

[@TheProgCorner]

Thanks, Rand!!!! 👍👍👍

[@carlosabad6596]

Very good review. Mirror to the Sky is incredibly good. I consider this the best since Fly from Here. Congratulations to the Yes boys !

[@TheProgCorner]

Indeed!!! They have found a great little pocket.

[@weneedmerch]

You know what's up brother ❤

[@TheProgCorner]

Absolutely!!!

[@bumpdunlop]

To all the Starcastle haters, this sure sounds like a Starcastle record. Great album!

[@TheProgCorner]

It really does and I love Starcastle so…

[@IllumeEltanin]

Oh, fine… I’ll give it a listen. 😉

[@TheProgCorner]

I know you will!!!! 👍❤️

[@josedealbuquerquejr.941]

This album is really good! I even tried to like The Quest, it has good moments, but it felt forced, even caricatured. But Mirror To The Sky really catch me, it’s overwhelming, very good indeed. The title track is perhaps the best Yes music since Mind Drive

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s so much better than The Quest - an album I actually liked. This one I LOVE!!!

[@josedealbuquerquejr.941]

@@TheProgCorner 👊🏻👍🏻🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@charleswagner2984]

It's a good album indeed. But to me, only Tales is a better Yes album than Magnification.

[@_ID_as_Non_Bidenary]

Yes will always be my favorite prog rock band. Unfortunately I think their new stuff sounds like it was recorded in an operating room. It doesn't have the depth that Yes had back in the 70s. Now it's just Steve Howe and his backup band.

[@SunFellow941]

8 more days to wait for me! But your review sounds good. Considering how good that 8 minute track is on the second disc, how would you reorder the songs on the album to make the first disc even better, but still keeping a few songs for the "bonus disc"? Maybe that could be a video for your Yes week!

[@TheProgCorner]

My revised track list: 1. Cut From The Stars 2. All Connected 3. Luminosity 4. Unknown Place 5. Mirror To The Sky 6. Magic Potion

[@OurFamilyInMotion]

Tales is to Close To The Edge as Sandinista is to London Calling as Tusk is to Rumors as The Wall is to Dark Side and the list goes on. The indulgent massive album vs the concise masterpiece. I tend to love the former even more than the latter.

[@TheProgCorner]

When great bands are allowed to put their hair down and truly be themselves…the double album!!!!

[@TigerMtnKing]

🤩

[@jeffschielka7845]

🔈🔉🔊❤️🌅👍😎

[@TigerMtnKing]

@@jeffschielka7845 🤩🤩🤩

[@michaelharrison8920]

Hello Scot or should I say good morning hope you’re well can’t wait to hear your review of the new yes album 💿.The tracks I haven’t listened to sound really good especially mirror to the sky fourteen minutes of yes 👏 four out of five sounds almost amazing love your review Scot most albums have some songs you can’t get in to but should be worth a listen 🎧 love all your yes T-shirts have a wonderful day to next time 🕰️ prog on bye 👋

[@TheProgCorner]

Thank you!!!! Nice to meet a fellow Yes head.

[@billmay7364]

When I visit YES. GOING FOR THE ONE is there last great Record. DRAMA has a Cult Following. TIME TO FLY has its moments. So I'll have to Warm up to this. STEVE HOWE is Running the Show now. It's reminds me of STEVE HOWE doing a YES record . From what I've heard. It's a step up from QUEST and HEAVEN AND EARTH.

[@TheProgCorner]

I can’t argue with any of that!!!

[@ArthurMol-ib5tg]

Love you review. Do you know Magallan Hour of Restoration and the song Magna Carte?

[@TheProgCorner]

I do not!!!

[@ArthurMol-ib5tg]

@@TheProgCorner listen to it mate but 15 minutes of prog pure....

[@TheProgCorner]

Will do!!!

[@stinky_nut_blast]

Such tragedy. Therefore I'm happy for everybody remembering Magellan and the Gardner brothers. I recommend checking "Test of Wills" for a introduction to Magellan. It has real drums over the Hour of Restoration album and is a 12 minute relentless Tour de Force of progressive metal. The use of horns (very rare in prog music) is just the icing.

[@jeffschielka7845]

AWESOME❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️❤️🌅😎

[@TheProgCorner]

I’m excited!!!👍👍👍

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@TheProgCorner Jon and the Band Geeks are playing on my birthday (Saturday) 10 minutes from my old neighborhood (Chicago). Cheapest tickets were 350.00! I don't travel well anymore. 4 hours in a car would probably put me in the hospital. Oh well. Hopefully it ends up on y/t. They need to pro-shoot a show and release a dvd!😎

[@TigerMtnKing]

@@jeffschielka7845 Hope there is nothing seriously wrong with you Jeff!

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@TigerMtnKing Osteoarthritis everywhere. Neck and spine bad. Right now blood pressure pills not working. Dr increased dosages. Getting better. Thanks for your concern. Getting older SUCKS! 61 on Saturday. 😎

[@ilabelle1]

@@jeffschielka7845I just turned 60 on the 7th. But I’m feeling strong. Hope you can get it together Jeff. I feel for you.

[@locustboy8448]

Hello Scott, do you think this album would make a good starting point for Yes’s later discography? I’ve only really dipped into their “classic” stuff as a young guy getting more and more in depth with Prog.

[@TheProgCorner]

I really do think this one would be an excellent starting point!!!! It’s that good.

[@locustboy8448]

@@TheProgCorner Awesome Scott your enthusiasm and energy for the release is infectious, I’ll be listening on day 1 then!

[@TheProgCorner]

Excellent!!!

[@nintendo64isking]

rock on Scot :)

[@TheProgCorner]

👍👍👍

[@jeffschielka7845]

Hey Scot! I left a comment earlier but I don't see it? Dave did my vid today. 😎

[@TheProgCorner]

Oh sweet!!! I have not seen it yet!!!

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@TheProgCorner Pretty cool.😎

[@andrewlongshaw2128]

Happy birthday, Jeff.

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@andrewlongshaw2128 Thank you!😎

[@OurFamilyInMotion]

I'll tell you what ... if the album is five songs long. Cut From The Stars to All Connected to Luminosity to Mirror to Circles ... it's a great album.

[@TheProgCorner]

Yep!

[@OurFamilyInMotion]

@@TheProgCorner It's a perfect 42 minute album with Cut/Connected/Luminosity/Mirrors/Circles. Fortunately, we have playlists so I've been listening this way. I wonder how you would have rated it if it was simply released as this 42 minute 5-song version and then release the other four songs a year later as bonus tracks.

[@TheProgCorner]

I kinda want Unknown Place in there…

[@OurFamilyInMotion]

@@TheProgCorner I tried to listen to Unknown Place twice and I'm just not feeling it. That one and the other bonus tracks and Living sound like Howe Asia. That's not bad but it's not Yes to me. I keep expecting those Asia vocals to come through the speakers. :)

[@TheProgCorner]

Definitely. Four out of five members of Yes have done some time in Asia…

[@Crumpet_Central_]

Alot of people were calling Yes an ancient discombobulated piece of turd flew after The Quest and it really hurt me. After hearing the first two singles, those haters can eat it. This is the best modern Yes have been in awhile in my opinion

[@TheProgCorner]

Agreed!!!! 👍👍👍

[@ArthurMol-ib5tg]

Why you dont listen live the music? Would to see how you reaction is...Like Jim

[@TheProgCorner]

Yeah, I’ve never done reaction videos. I love watching them but…

[@SalchiKlaus]

Steve is the guard of Creepy

[@TheProgCorner]

Indeed!!!

[@AllMediaReviewsPodcast]

"Stardust" sounding like The Flower Kings..go figure :p

[@TheProgCorner]

Exactly…

[@playlistmaker90125]

Didn’t like the album but it’s a slight improvement over The Quest. While none of the songs individually are terrible (except maybe Circles Of Time), to sit thru the whole album in one sitting was a challenge. Not something I’d want to do again…

[@TheProgCorner]

Hmmmm. Maybe it will click for you later. Hopefully!!!

[@atlasking6110]

I find "Circles of Time" to be a beautiful and emotionally moving pop-prog Yessong with the best melody on the album. To each their own.

[@playlistmaker90125]

@@atlasking6110 that was my least favorite on the album. Living Out Their Dream has grown on me though…

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@atlasking6110You are right, in the same sense that Holy Lamb is the perfect closer of my 3rd favorite Yes album. No other song in the Yes catalog could better close Big Generator. And I can see how you feel about Circles Of Time.

[@jamesaka007]

Yes...but no. And , oh yes...everyone's got an opinion, and they're like well, you know, everyone's got one of those too. Without getting into all of what prog is and going through all the great groups of their heyday, I have been a staunch fan since the first Yes album (yeah, I'm that old), so given that this review is so high on nothing but gleaning what we all want to try and hope to to hear from a facsimile group just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Believe me when I say that I could make the case with a huge list of reasons, but then I could also say that what sense would that make? No one wants to hear another argument. Too many of us that were around back then know what I mean. We scraped enough cash to get the tickets, packed a few joints and went to see one of the best bands of our time. We watched the group's achievements, loved the music to death but always remained tuned in through the good changes and the bad. With the passing of three of the core members, the reluctance by Howe to invite Andersen back after he recovered and got his voice back just made me re-think everything about why they would try and carry on. Creating music in the style of Yes is absolutely acceptable for me. But without the right mix of talent that was always what Yes achieved with Andersen, Wakeman, Squire, White and Howe this group should really identify themselves with a different name. Sure, the review mentions that it's good or really good...but the reality is that this group is not the band Yes. Watch the videos of the last great tour with all of the core members from 2002-2003 (Full Circle Tour)...that was the line-up that was Yes.

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes is an idea. It’s more than who’s in the band. We would all love Jon Anderson to come back but Steve was unwilling to give him the 50% cut he demanded…

[@jamesaka007]

@@TheProgCorner Well Mr. Scott...I do have to say I disagree with the first two sentences of your response, and I do hope your viewers read mine. As much as Mr. Howe tries to re-invent the "idea" of the Yes group, he, by employing Mr. Davison to keep the "front man persona" with someone who can only vaguely imitate Mr. Anderson's stellar vocals is a relatively disrespectful chess move. Do you think he likes the "idea" of having to be compared to an original founding member? The real front man and voice of the Yes group that was refused to be allowed back was really a bad "idea", and essentially killed any "idea" of the band returning to a reasonable state. His lyrics, persona and style were are as unique as Mr. Anderson is and continues to be with his humbleness and new group. The new front man only allows for the "idea" to keep the resemblance of the former. The rest of the members of "Yes" may do a decent job of helping to retain that resemblance, and writing some good stuff...but again I do not hear what is the original "idea" of a great group. Maybe you're right about it being an idea, but it needs to be defined by a different name, or a refresh. Go ahead, write and create, play live, whatever...just don't refer to it as "Yes". What will people call the group once Mr. Howe leaves us? Would you really want the group to carry on with the "Yes" title? Maybe call it Jon Davison's Yes Tribute Band.

[@charleswagner2984]

​​@@jamesaka007You misunderstood what Scot meant by "idea". Yes is a mindset of positivity. Much of it is spiritual optimism. I just realized that Relayer is a concept album in the same way that I had discovered in 2003 that Abbey Road is a concept album. Lennon and McCartney are geniuses, and apparently so are Anderson, Squire, and Howe because at least those 3 guys followed Abbey Road like a road map of Yes music for the first 17 albums with new studio tracks. I know that The Beatles intentionally made their last studio recording that way just like all the Paul is dead hoax is deliberately placed as dozens of clues. And just like Abbey Road, Relayer is also a concept album. The finest concept album ever written or recorded in all music history.

[@jamesaka007]

@@charleswagner2984 And you must have misunderstood me...

[@insederec]

I haven't listened to anything after drama. I really hated 90125. But maybe their newer stuff?

[@TheProgCorner]

Try The Ladder from 1999. It’s tremendous!!!

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@TheProgCorner I love The Ladder. Great tour. Great producer with Bruce. Igor on keys, but we won't go there. 😎

[@TheProgCorner]

Igor went there. So long to a great talent.

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@TheProgCorner Easy come, easy go.😎

[@insederec]

@@TheProgCorner Listened, I liked it. But I kinda dug Magnification. Gave me Porcupine Tree/Steve Wilson vibes

[@SalchiKlaus]

It is the result of introduce Yes albums in the Artificial Inteligence and recombinate all,jjjjjjj

[@TheProgCorner]

Exactly.

[@SalchiKlaus]

I also don't think go to assilum

[@TheProgCorner]

❤️❤️❤️

[@markseifert521]

I agree with most of this review. My one disagreement is major. Downes is TERRIBLE, thats why he is turned down so low. He is a very weak link. Please get anyone else!

[@TheProgCorner]

I really would like to hear some isolated tracks…

[@UrielVoltra]

I jumped when i heard you mention Guess Who, i ADORE THEM!!!

[@TheProgCorner]

Me too!!! Burton Cummings might have the best voice I’ve ever heard!!!

[@UrielVoltra]

@@TheProgCorner same, but i also very very love their Chad Allan era

[@TheProgCorner]

I’m not as familiar. Recommendation?

[@KilroyWasHere83]

Thank you for this review, most of the reviews for this album that I've seen, pretty much all of them actually, have been very positive towards the album. Fills me with relief knowing that not everyone in the Yes fanbase are a bunch of whiny crybitches who do nothing but complain that Jon Anderson isn't there anymore.😊

[@TheProgCorner]

They are all idiots and cry babies.

[@TABL3SIX]

Hey, Nice pipes. Who knew. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@TheProgCorner]

I bust ‘em out from time to time.

[@yulog]

This album cured my insomnia.💤

[@TheProgCorner]

It’s not Sound Chaser…

[@yulog]

@@TheProgCorner the last 3 albums have been forgettable, ho hum, lacking replay value. Does the album sound like Yes?...Sorta but so did Starcastle back in the 70's without the magic.

[@TheProgCorner]

The Starcastle comparison is so ironically accurate. Well done…

[@cindydahl9635]

I do not consider myself an idiot or a Cry-Baby, as someone who listens to Yes just about every day I would consider myself a huge Yes fan. I'm sure there are a lot of good tracks on this album but please just call yourself something else besides Yes.

[@TheProgCorner]

I understand but this version of the band once had Squire and White. That still felt legit. And this is what Squire wanted - for Yes to last another 100 years. So changing the name to accommodate a changing lineup has never been in this band’s DNA!!!

[@cindydahl9635]

@@TheProgCorner YES I see what you mean and since Yes has been through so many incarnations why not another one?

[@TheProgCorner]

Yes is ridiculous and pompous and preposterous and I love every era, every incarnation but I can certainly understand the other side here: they are obviously not as good as they once were but who (besides your humble evergreen host) is??!

[@charleswagner2984]

​​@@TheProgCornerand @cindydahl9635 Yes music became it's own genre when Tales was released. Every Yes album since is different than all that preceded it. And that continues with Mirror To The Sky. And Yes will continue creating Yes music that does fit the genre they inadvertently created in 1973 by trying to better Close To The Edge and making the finest music ever written or recorded in all music history.

[@puddleglumsmusiccollection9151]

"YES" SORTA

[@TheProgCorner]

Sorta kinda. But I like it.

[@tatt2499]

hey! its the discord guy, have you got around to checking the email?

[@TheProgCorner]

I just saw it!!!! Look for my email later today…

[@flyjohnson711]

This is not Yes. It’s Steve and pals

[@TheProgCorner]

Whatever they decide to call the band is irrelevant - it’s the music that matters!!!!

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@TheProgCornerAnd it still is Yes music, unlike ABWH. And it's the best Yes music that Anderson was absent.

[@fenner4117]

Are all you people crazy? This is glorified elevator music. Hell, not even very glorified.

[@TheProgCorner]

We all hear music differently. It’s okay though. There’s plenty of it out there!!!

[@atlasking6110]

It's a great album.

[@fenner4117]

@@atlasking6110 If you're happy and enjoying the record, then I'm happy.

[@TheProgCorner]

There you go!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jamesaka007]

Steve Howe and Friends

[@TheProgCorner]

A rose by any other name…

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@TheProgCornerI don't buy that "A rose by any other name is still a rose." applies to Yes as a musical entity. Yes is the Yes that created Yes music. When ABWH was released, everybody was incorrectly saying "A rose by any other name is still a rose." implying that ABWH is Yes. ABWH didn't create any Yes music, so they are not Yes. They are Anderson Bruford Wakeman and Howe. Not Yes. Their music didn't even sound like Yes music. More like an Anderson solo album with Bill, Rick, and Steve on it. I'm sorry to say that only Yes can make Yes music, no matter who is in the band. 50 years from now, There will still be Yes creating new Yes music. And the "idea" that Yes is will live on.