Going For The One - YES***

Going For The One/Turn Of The Century/Parallels/Wondrous Stories/Awaken

Going For The One was the first album release in nearly three years from the progressive band Yes. With the return of keyboardist Rick Wakeman expectation were high, but with the exception of the UK No. 7 hit Wondrous Stories these songs are fairly uninspired. (US:8 UK:1)

“After releasing some increasingly complex albums, Going For The One sees Yes take a more balanced approach. The band produce a diverse set of tracks that represent their most accessible material, though in this case accessible does not mean poppy.”

“Going For The One reveals a band so anxious to be recording again after a lengthy break that their hyperactive performances managed to overcompensate for the half-formed, hastily cobbled-together material, resulting in a fine but by no means great record.”

“There is plenty of creative inspiration here, but some mediocre songs and an indistinct personality keep the album from measuring up to their real masterpieces.”

“Every song is well thought out and the playing is awesome. Awaken is timeless, and Turn Of The Century a dynamic lesson in creativity. The songs are a nice mix of longer pieces and shorter ones, with a beautiful atmosphere, and solid direction.”

“It has a perfect blend of conventional songwriting and progressive structures. The return of Rick Wakeman to the band seemed to re-invigorate the creativity of the group. Though some may disagree, I see this as the last great Yes epic album.”

“The song structures are still very complex which was typical for this group back then. Parallels is my favourite, but I've never enjoyed the title track that much, it's the weakest part here. Going For The One isn't considered as one of the best releases of Yes and I agree.”

“Yes have given us more than their share of great music, but one song on this album still remains my all time favourite Yes song, the lengthy Awaken. A powerful, beautiful, intricate, haunting and elevating refreshment for the human spirit, mine at least, and it gets better each time I listen. It is the essence of Yes.”