----------------------------------------------------- SEPTEMBER 12, 2001 ----------------------------------------------------- Source: Rock-E-Zine http://www.rockezine.com/reviews/reviews_main.html Yes - Magnification  By Winston Arntz  Thirty-three years ago a few young musicians formed a group that would change the common perception of Progressive Rock, or Symphonic Rock as you have it. The band named itself Yes, which probably is the most used word in the world. Through many, many line up changes the band survived all those years. The initial recognition came with epic albums like "Close To The Edge" and "Tales From Topographic Oceans" in the early/mid 70's, they scored a worldwide hit with "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" in 1983, after which solo careers and troubles within the group almost put an end to Yes. But they managed through it all to survive and 1991 saw a big reunion. But again several changes happened and it wasn't until 1998 with the release of "Open Your Eyes" that the band seemed to have found a permanent identity. A very succesful world tour made the band really open their eyes (and ears) and the rediscovered enjoyment amounted to a real classic Yes-sounding record called "The Ladder", after which another impressive world tour made it clear to the world that Yes still around and going stronger than ever. Last year they decided to treat the American fans to a Masterworks tour, where each show featured a lot of 15 minute+ songs like "Gates Of Delirium", "Ritual" and "Close To The Edge". The tour never made it to Europe because a new challenge for the band appeared on the horizon: recording a studio album with a symphonic orchestra. September 2001: the album is ready and I must say that "Magnification" really surprised me, as a Yes fan, which I proudly am. The music on "Magnification" is mesmerisingly beautiful. The added orchestra gives the music of Yes a whole new layer of sound. The sound surrounds you and through wonderful melodies and musical harmony this album takes you on one hour drive into the world of Yes music. Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Alan White and Chris Squire, the four remaining members, created something really special. Composer Larry Groupé performed a very impressive job to arrange the orchestra in the songs. A big thumbs up to him because Yes is a very "loud" band, and loud meaning not in volume but instrumently. Squire is the "amazing bassman" that thunders out his parts, drummer Alan White has to hit hard to cut through that wall of bass, and guitar maestro Steve Howe's riffs and solos aren't your usual rock guitar sounds either. On top of that, the singing angel Jon Anderson flies with his mystical lyrics and inimitable clear voice. There simply isn't any other singer who sounds like him, and I dare to say that he is the best singer in Rock ever. He is in his mid 50's and still sounds incredible. Can you name anyone who is also capable of this? Mick Jagger? Yeah right... maybe Ronnie Dio, but he has a few years to go. My initial favorite songs on "Magnification" are "Spirit Of Suvival" and "Dreamtime". In those two songs the new inspiration really shines through the most. Yes indeed, new inspiration... the band even decided not to use Roger Dean artwork anymore (at least not for this record). A sign of self confidence to me... the fourth Yesdecade definately has begun baby, YEAH! Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com