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Rating:
Gradually since 1996 with the two "Keys To Ascension" and "The Ladder", Yes seem to be reaccustoming the public to their much-appreciated classic-style atmospheres. And they are succeeding, putting aside any potential desire for a widely successful radio hit single. The lineup has long since welcomed back Steve Howe, the official minstrel, and for a short time on Keys... sadly, Rick Wakeman. The unforgettable and almost irreplaceable keyboardist.
Here in 2001 comes this "Magnification," released with massive orchestral arrangements. It's also the result of a survey with fans on whether it was indeed appropriate to produce a full work with classical sounds. A sort of concept album with typically Andersonian themes, somewhat cosmic and spiritual. What a perfect opportunity for this lineup, in a moment of creative grace. The following tour will be simply splendid, allowing live enjoyment of some of their masterpieces precisely with the orchestra in tow. Perhaps it's the only band that manages to offer with the same quality, a repertoire ranging from cultured and primal prog-rock to 80s-90s hard rock. Unique.
There are no covers from the past on the album, all new tracks.
The album opens with the beautiful "Magnification", with positive tones and, as always, a rather complex score. There's a bit of everything inside, stylistically speaking. Chorus with unmistakable harmonies. It is an easy listen and very well sets the stage for what will come next.
"Spirit of Survival" seems a bit confused with a rather rhythmical rock beat. There are some standout moments. A bit like a thriller theme. Not very engaging and serious.
"Don't Go" is the typical catchy Yes song that serves as a precursor to "Give Love Each Day".
Here we finally have Yes that remind us of "Close To The Edge." A wonderful intro like a soundtrack full of strings, a beautiful melody with nice openings and changes with some inserts reminiscent of "City Of Love". The more demanding listeners will be quite satisfied.
"Can You Imagine" was the single from the CD. Sung by Chris Squire, it seems like a track pulled from the fortunes of "Drama." Very short and also a bit innovative. Anderson is "relegated" to backing vocals. Alan White drums properly. Howe is replaced entirely by the orchestra. Very beautiful and captivating. Listen to the chorus parts with headphones; they are meticulously crafted. 100% wholesome prog-rock.
"We Agree," is the poor cousin of "Give Love.." with a short classical guitar and oboe intro. Things already heard from the Yes archive. Nice but nothing more.
Follows "Soft as a Dove". An excellent lullaby after the Carosello, but beware, with a medieval and fairy-tale flavor. We are in the court of Sir Steve Howe. It brings back to "Madrigal" from "Tormato."
"Dreamtime" is the result of 34 years of Yes career in a blender. A 10-minute summary of all or almost all the styles proposed by the group. Interesting. From minute "4.00" to "5.00" there is even some exploration. Anthological and confusing. For refined tastes, as always.
"In the presence Of" easily brings back the engaging romance of "And You And I".
It must be listened to seated and attentive. It evokes everything, very beautiful and emotional. Perhaps the best track. Twelve well-spent minutes.
The light-hearted "Time Is Time" serves as the final theme for the beautiful film "Magnification."
An excellent four-star Yes production that gives a kick to the 90125-Talk period, reviving the career from where many hoped it would restart.
Another demonstration that their music perfectly pairs with classical. An example of the highest professionalism without coming across as self-celebratory. Four well-deserved stars. What else could they have in their infinite drawer?
Joe Cavalli
Tracklist Lyrics and Samples
01 Magnification (07:18)
Days that we speak
I believe that you are right
Shouldn't chase the demons and the phantoms of the night
Some treat as lovers
Some treat as slaves
This fusion of insight is all that we imagine
Speak to me clearly
You're the magnet to my soul
I get so distracted to reason with it all
Like the faithful
I'm clinging to the edge of every world
Spinning in creation
So afraid to let my feelings really show
Teach me to teach me
How the keys unlock the door
As we open it we surrender, holding hands with many more
There's a feeling that's coming
There's a feeling so real
To justify, to magnify, to realize that everything is love
Now, after all the love you have
You can always get it back
Knowing how you really see
Knowing it will come to you
Knowing that it can really be
Magnificate, magnification
Magnificate, magnification
First you're smaller being alive
Growing taller learn to survive
Magnificate, magnification
Magnificate, magnification
First you're smaller being alive
Growing taller learn to survive
Perception of living
I realize I'm not alone
The rings that divide
Break again on solid ground
I will show you a necklace
Where the pearls would all be losr
Without the thread between together
This would be the golden thread of trust
Speak to me, teach me
Magnify the truth you are
Waiting for the rebeginning birth of every star
A symbol is planted
On the brow of every child
To justify, to magnify
To realize that everything is love
Now giving all the love you have
You will always get it back
Giving all the love you have
You can always get it back
Giving all the love you have
Giving all the love
Magnificate, magnification
Magnificate, magnification
First you're smaller being alive
Growing taller learn to survive
05 Can You Imagine? (03:01)
Anderson/Howe/Squire/White
September 11, 2001
Can you imagine what it’s like seeing life
From the other side
Do you imagine darkened light, starless night?
You might need a guide
And will the illusion confuse you, play with your thoughts
And alter your mind
Or become a delusion, include you
Change your existence
For another kind
See what you see for yourself, ’til your heart
Is open wide
Wish what you wish for yourself, and you find it there
And you believe it
And you believe it
Can you imagine what it’s like, seeing life
From the other side
Do you imagine light darkened, starless night
You might need a guide
And will the illusion confuse you, play with your thoughts
And alter your mind
Or become a delusion, excuse you
Change your existence
For another kind
See what you see for yourself, 'til your heart
Is open wide
Wish what you wish for yourself, and you find it here
And you believe it
And you believe it
08 Dreamtime (10:43)
Dreamtime begins
Where every song is the perfect place
Words never spoken
Are the strongest resounding
Life force is meant for us
To remember the stars, the earth
Still we forget
So asleep in this dreamtime
Lost in this dreamtime day
Take me up into that freedom place and justify
Electrify the senses sharpen than the soul intensify
Nominate that we can break out take, take, take, take together
Hesitate and you will dance on this earth to, to forever
You are the choice forever trying
Give you wings forever flying
You can fly, you can glide, you can dream
You can see through this interactive vision streaming
You have the faith
So busy trying
So let it go
Forever flying
To the sky, to the earth, to the moon, to the sea
To the sun, to the stars, to the dream you become
Nothing left to lose
Nothing more to prove
With wings of gold
You’ll fly away
Talk among the prophets
Give you something
Talk among the teachers
Tell you something
Talk among your one true self now
Forever, forever, forever, forever
Dreamtime begins
Where every song is the perfect place
Words never spoken
Are the strongest resounding
Life force is meant for us
To remember the stars, the earth
Still we forget
So asleep in this dreamtime
Lost in this dreamtime day
Take me up into that freedom place and justify
On the silent wings of gold my soul intensify
Nominate that we can take, take, take, take, take, together
Demonstrate that we can break it out and take it forever
Here’s what you know
Here’s what you’re asking
The soul is everlasting
Anderson/Howe/Squire/White
September 11, 2001
You can fly, you can glide, you can dream, you can see
Through this interactive vision streaming
You have the faith
So busy trying
So let it go
Fovever flying
To the sky, to the earth, to the moon, to the sea
To the sun, to the stars, to the dream you become
Nothing left to lose, nothing more to prove
When wings of gold will fly away
Talk among the prophets
Give you something
Talk among the teachers
Tell you something
Talk among your one true self now
Forever, forever, forever, forever
09 In the Presence Of (10:25)
AndersonHoweSquireWhite
September 11, 2001
Deeper than every ocean
Deeper than every river
That's what your presence brings to me
Revealing the words I listen
Seeing you in my silence
Learning I'm with you constantly
As I was before
If we were flowers
We would worship the sun
So why not now?
This high is shining brightly
Brighter than before
As the door was open wide
There inside was a diamond chair
Where I sat when I was young
I wrote down the words
Only when the young at heart
Can enter the real world
This chance I've waited for
For you to see
If I had chances I would spend them with you
To hold you close and let your love surround me
Deeper than before
(Deeper than every ocean)
And I know this love is real
(Deeper than every river)
Realize this is meant to be
That's what your eyes they say to me
You are listening to how I feel
So expectedly
(Brighter than every morning)
From the ocean to the sky
(Beautiful as the sunset)
Every river to the sea
Nature surrounds me constantly
We can hear love constantly
This is for you and me
Turn around and come deeper now
So what happens when I touch you there
You feel the words roll over you
Thinking of the better scenes
The memories
As everybody else just
Hasn't got the time
To help you anymore
'Cause if the reason for
The things that pleasure us
To please ourselves
Not pressure us
To give our ego
Some pleasure time
Can you imagine
Any reason
To know you're only fooling yourself
And then you'll unders
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By pier_paolo_farina
I believe this to be, and by far, the best Yes album since 'Going For The One'.
Chris Squire’s white Rickenbacker returns strikingly to shake the very fibers of the Yes animal.
