Yes - Big Generator (2013) [Hi-Res]

Yes continued in the synthesizer-laden, production-heavy mode that had made the band's comeback album, 90125, such a success. While some diehard fans found this era of Yes to be in contrast to the band's previous classically influenced art rock, this incarnation of the band had plenty of the strong musicianship and fantastical imagination that had propelled the group to legendary status in the '70s. Indeed, producer Trevor Horn and the band succeeded in creating an intriguing sonic landscape that only Yes could conceive. At first listen, songs like the opening 'Rhythm of Love,' with its ethereal choir introduction and rocking riffs, may seem superficial, but the soaring vocals of Jon Anderson and the inventive orchestration of Rabin make it well worth the effort. Likewise, the disc's title track is the heaviest groove the group ever produced. The song also has enough unusual twists and turns to raise even the most stoic eyebrow. The mysterious 'Shoot High Aim Low' and 'Final Eyes' offer many stunning wonders that uphold the tradition of Yes' music beautifully. Finally, Anderson's superior performance on the closing 'Holy Lamb' leaves listeners with plenty to relish.

Jon Anderson, vocals
Trevor Rabin, vocals, guitar, keyboards
Chris Squire, vocals, bass
Tony Kaye, keyboards
Alan White, drums, percussion

Additional personnel:
James Zavala, harmonica, horns
Lee R. Thornberg, horns
Nick Lane, horns
Greg Smith, horns

Recorded at Lark Recording Studios, Caramati, Italy; Sarm East & West Recording Studios, London; Air Recording Studio, London; Southcombe Recording Studio, Los Angeles; Westlake Audio, Los Angeles; Sunset Sound, Los Angeles
Mastered at Precision Lacquer
Engineered by Paul De Villiers and Alan Goldberg
Produced by Trevor Horn and YES

Digitally remastered