Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Yes: Open Your Eyes
Yes: Open Your Eyes
ByIn 1982, when guitarist Trevor Rabin joined the band, Yes morphed into a high-end pop-rock unit, and enjoyed extensive radio airplay with the hit "Owner of a Lonely Heart." Personnel shifts once again followed, leading to this outing, primarily designed on solid backbeats and a few odd-metered diversions. However, the prog factor faintly underscores the majority of the program.
"Fortune Seller and "Man in the Moon" are noteworthy compositions, borrowing from pop and featuring vocalist Jon Anderson's tuneful overtones and catchy lyricism. But filler material such as the 23-minute "The Solution" is little more than an electronic backwash, treated with the sounds of nature and vocal choruses that weave in and out every five minutes or so.
The only saving grace pertains to the musicians' superior chops amid Howe, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Tony Levin / David Torn / Alan White's enviable technical faculties and signature stylizations. Unfortunately, this isn't enough to keep the album from sinking into murky waters.
Track Listing
New State of Mind; Open :Your Eyes; Universal Garden; No Way We Can Lose; Fortune Seller; Man In The Moon; Wonderlove; From the Balcony; Love Shine; Somehow…Someday; The Solution.
Personnel
Yes
band / ensemble / orchestraJon Anderson: lead vocals; Chris Squire: bass, harmonica, vocals; Billy Sherwood: guitars, keyboards, vocals; Alan White: drums, percussion, vocals; Steve Howe: guitars, steel, mandolin, banjo, vocals.
Album information
Title: Open Your Eyes | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Sireena Records
Comments
About Yes
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To