Review Tuesday: Fly From Here by Yes

Last year I heard whisperings that one of my favorite bands, YES, was in the studio working on new music without Jon Anderson, I didn't know what to expect. I was starting to get a sinking feeling as I thought through all the YES albums since the reunion of Yes UNION. TALK was an amazing album, but most of the other efforts needed MORE effort. They seemed unpolished and in dire need of either new ideas or better production.

So I was nearly startled when I listened to FLY FROM HERE in it's entirety. It was a perfect blend of YES sounds from what's considered "Old Yes" and "New Yes." To me, it immediately felt very DRAMAtic. I had no idea how right I was!

The entire YES line up from the ill-fated album DRAMA went back into the studio for this effort with new singer Benoit David. Trevor Horn, who sang on DRAMA returns as producer. That would also lead to the return of Geoff Downes to the YES fold! Of course, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, and Alan White are all back.

The record is the perfect blend of new and old YES music, while feeling the impact of modern times, music, and production. Nothing seems off or unfinished. Evertyhing feels organic and polished. It's probably the best YES record since TALK.

Here's your track listing:

1. Fly From Here (Overture, pt. 1-5)

2. The Man You Always Wanted Me To Be

3. Life On A Film Set

4. Hour Of Need

5. Solitaire

6. Into The Storm

I consider this a great record and a must for a fan of good prog rock, and especially YES fans. It may not have Jon Anderson, but the feel is still there. That feeling that's Close to the Edge. Spin that record1 You won't regret it!

The album comes in several bundlings, I got one with the DVD which I have yet to watch.

Find it on Amazon