Aurora by Yes

I'm listening to Aurora (Bonus Tracks Edition), and the first (and title) track is very good indeed. The band are in fine form. I question slightly the mix of band and occasional orchestra, which sounds a bit odd to me, but it essentially works. The lyrics are suitably mystical nonsense, and the vocal melodies compete with the best Jon Anderson ever did with the added advantage of being in tune (see previous reviews of 'classic' Yes). Overall, a very strong start. I get the sense that Steve Howe is now the dominant instrumentalist - the keyboards are more supporting than front and centre.

Turnaround Situation, the second track, suffers from that 'awkward lyric' syndrome which has afflicted Yes at times in recent years. To my ears, it sounds like a contrived set of words over an unimaginative song. That one's a miss for me.

As the third song starts, I'm beginning to wonder if Yes are largely now a pastiche of themselves, but actually I think that's unfair. They seem to have settled into a polished simplified version of prog with nice tunes and excellent musicianship, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. But they don't do anything unexpected. They are harmonically clever, but they've done it all before.

But then, why do we expect innovation and originality in music? Isn't it OK for a band to keep largely repeating a formula, but still do great songs within that formula? I would argue that innovation was one aspect of what makes a new album good, but it's only one aspect. Well, Yes are not innovating or original any more, but I don't think that matters.

The fourth track, however, clocks in at over 13 minutes and promises to be a bit different, not least because Steve Howe starts the lead vocal. About four and a half minutes in we have a classic bit of Steve Howe guitar and for a while it sounds like old Yes - but it's sanitised, clean, polished, and I long for a bit of roughness. I almost wish Jon Anderson could turn up and sing some out of tune vocals, but he doesn't.

I'm being mean. I'm being really mean, because compared to 99.9% of other music which is available to me this is way better. It's very listenable. It's perfectly crafted and expertly produced. The musicianship is excellent. But somehow, it all leaves me feeling that something has been lost by Yes along the way.

Reasons to listen:

  • It's Yes. It's not going to surprise you.
Reasons not to listen:
  • It's Yes. It's not going to surprise you.

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