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Após três anos do ousado e complexo Relayer, o Yes retorna em 1977 com Going For The One, marcando também o retorno de Rick Wakeman à banda. Inicialmente o disco pode parecer um desafio para os fãs que esperavam uma continuação do som mais experimental de álbuns anteriores. Confesso que, à primeira audição, me pareceu um tanto difícil de apreciar. No entanto, com o tempo, suas qualidades começaram a se destacar de forma inevitável.
Steve Howe traz um peso considerável aos solos, imprimindo uma energia renovada ao som da banda. Rick Wakeman, por sua vez, assume um papel mais estrutural, moldando a atmosfera das faixas com suas inconfundíveis texturas de teclado. Chris Squire, como sempre, entrega um baixo trovejante, enquanto Alan White desempenha sua função na bateria de forma extremamente competente. Enquanto isso, Jon Anderson, com sua voz etérea, continua a encantar, embora em uma linha mais rock and roll, com uma tonalidade mais aguda que o usual, algo que inclusive dividiu opiniões entre os fãs. Going For The One se revela, em termos de composição, musicalidade e produção, um trabalho bastante coeso e bem estruturado, apesar de se afastar um pouco das complexidades progressivas que marcaram os álbuns anteriores.
A faixa título, que abre o álbum, é uma surpresa. Desde os primeiros segundos, a pergunta inevitável surge: "Mas o que é isso?". A princípio, a música parece estranha, distante do que se espera do Yes. Apesar das mudanças dinâmicas e do forte trabalho de guitarra de Howe, a faixa carece daquela magia característica que a banda exibiu em outrora. Em suma, é um rock direto, sem muitos traços do progressivo que se tornou marca registrada do grupo.
Em seguida, temos "Turn of the Century", uma balada encantadora. Aqui, as guitarras acústicas de Howe brilham em sua delicadeza, complementadas por atmosferas orquestrais que sustentam os vocais angelicais de Anderson. Sua interpretação carrega uma carga emocional tão intensa que mesmo sem compreender plenamente a letra, o ouvinte é levado a sentir profundamente a mensagem. O solo de piano, localizado no cerne da faixa, é uma joia que se alinha perfeitamente com a beleza da composição. Embora siga uma estrutura relativamente convencional para os padrões da banda, a faixa mantém a atenção do ouvinte ao longo de seus quase oito minutos, provando ser uma das pérolas do álbum.
Parallels é a próxima faixa, e traz uma energia contagiante para o disco. Originalmente concebida para o álbum solo de Chris Squire, Fish out of Water, a música foi sabiamente resgatada e incluída aqui. Com influências clássicas, Parallels é uma faixa acessível e divertida, com um órgão estilo igreja que se destaca de forma vibrante. Além disso, os riffs de guitarra de e os backing vocals enriquecem ainda mais a composição. A melodia é fascinante e cativante e a música tem todo o potencial para ter se tornado um clássico nos shows ao vivo da banda.
Na sequência, Wonderous Stories é outra balada, porém mais curta e contida. A faixa se distingue pelas camadas bem encaixadas, melodias agradáveis e arranjos ricos que incluem um trabalho de violão e harpa de tirar o chapéu. Anderson entrega uma interpretação menos emotiva, mas ainda assim, cativante. É uma peça de boa qualidade que mostra a capacidade da banda de absorver complexidade, mesmo em uma canção breve. Apesar de não ser uma faixa impressionante, é competente e agradável.
Porém, o verdadeiro clímax de Going For The One está em sua faixa final, "Awaken". Esta é uma jornada musical épica, onde o Yes demonstra toda a sua maestria. A música começa de forma serena, com um piano sublime e vocais angelicais de Anderson, mas logo se transforma em uma cacofonia frenética de instrumentos. O solo espetacular de Steve Howe e a mudança de tempo que se segue são destaques, mostrando a banda em pleno domínio de suas habilidades. Alan White impulsiona a faixa com uma bateria poderosa, conduzindo a música através de paisagens sonoras que evocam o nascer do sol. À medida que a música se desenrola, cada nota parece preparar o ouvinte para algo grandioso, culminando em um clímax arrebatador. "Awaken" sem dúvida marca um dosgrandes momentos da carreira de toda a carreira da banda, onde cada segundo é pura magia.
Em resumo, Going For The One é um álbum que equilibra virtuosismo e acessibilidade. Embora possa não possuir a complexidade ou a inovação de álbuns anteriores, ainda assim, oferece momentos que são inspiração e musicalidade, consolidando mais uma vez o Yes como uma das bandas mais versáteis e talentosas da era clássica do rock progressiva.
================================After the bold and complex Relayer, Yes returned in 1977 with Going For The One, marking Rick Wakeman’s return to the band. Initially, the album might seem like a challenge for fans who were expecting a continuation of the more experimental sound of previous records. I must admit that on first listen, it felt somewhat difficult to appreciate. However, over time, its qualities began to stand out inevitably.
Steve Howe brings significant weight to the solos, infusing the band's sound with renewed energy. Rick Wakeman, on the other hand, takes on a more structural role, shaping the tracks' atmosphere with his unmistakable keyboard textures. Chris Squire, as always, delivers thunderous bass lines, while Alan White performs his drumming duties with extreme competence. Meanwhile, Jon Anderson, with his ethereal voice, continues to enchant, although in a more rock and roll style, with a higher pitch than usual—something that even divided opinions among fans. Going For The One proves to be, in terms of composition, musicianship, and production, a highly cohesive and well-structured work, despite straying a bit from the progressive complexities that characterized their earlier albums.
The title track that opens the album is a surprise. From the first seconds, the inevitable question arises: "What is this?". Initially, the song feels strange, distant from what one expects from Yes. Despite the dynamic changes and Howe’s strong guitar work, the track lacks the characteristic magic the band once showcased. In summary, it’s straightforward rock, with little trace of the progressive elements that became the group's trademark.
Next is "Turn of the Century," a charming ballad. Here, Howe's acoustic guitars shine with their delicacy, complemented by orchestral atmospheres that support Anderson's angelic vocals. His interpretation carries such intense emotional weight that even without fully understanding the lyrics, the listener is deeply moved by the message. The piano solo, located at the heart of the track, is a gem that aligns perfectly with the beauty of the composition. While it follows a relatively conventional structure for the band, the track keeps the listener's attention throughout its nearly eight minutes, proving to be one of the album’s highlights.
"Parallels" follows, bringing a contagious energy to the album. Originally conceived for Chris Squire’s solo album Fish Out of Water, the song was wisely rescued and included here. With classical influences, "Parallels" is an accessible and fun track, featuring a vibrant church organ. Additionally, the guitar riffs and backing vocals further enrich the composition. The melody is fascinating and captivating, and the song has the potential to have become a classic in the band’s live shows.
Following that, "Wonderous Stories" is another ballad, though shorter and more restrained. The track stands out with its well-layered, pleasant melodies and rich arrangements that include impressive acoustic guitar and harp work. Anderson delivers a less emotive but still captivating performance. It’s a quality piece that shows the band’s ability to absorb complexity even in a brief song. Although not an impressive track, it is competent and enjoyable.
However, the true climax of Going For The One lies in its final track, "Awaken." This is an epic musical journey where Yes showcases its mastery. The song begins serenely, with sublime piano and Anderson’s angelic vocals, but soon transforms into a frenetic cacophony of instruments. Steve Howe’s spectacular solo and the ensuing time changes are highlights, demonstrating the band’s full command of their abilities. Alan White drives the track with powerful drumming, guiding the music through soundscapes that evoke the sunrise. As the music unfolds, every note seems to prepare the listener for something grand, culminating in a breathtaking climax. "Awaken" undoubtedly marks one of the great moments of the band’s career, where every second is pure magic.
In summary, Going For The One is an album that balances virtuosity and accessibility. While it may not possess the complexity or innovation of previous records, it still offers moments of inspiration and musicality, reaffirming Yes as one of the most versatile and talented bands of the classic progressive rock era.
After the bold and complex Relayer, Yes returned in 1977 with Going For The One, marking Rick Wakeman’s return to the band. Initially, the album might seem like a challenge for fans who were expecting a continuation of the more experimental sound of previous records. I must admit that on first listen, it felt somewhat difficult to appreciate. However, over time, its qualities began to stand out inevitably.
Steve Howe brings significant weight to the solos, infusing the band's sound with renewed energy. Rick Wakeman, on the other hand, takes on a more structural role, shaping the tracks' atmosphere with his unmistakable keyboard textures. Chris Squire, as always, delivers thunderous bass lines, while Alan White performs his drumming duties with extreme competence. Meanwhile, Jon Anderson, with his ethereal voice, continues to enchant, although in a more rock and roll style, with a higher pitch than usual—something that even divided opinions among fans. Going For The One proves to be, in terms of composition, musicianship, and production, a highly cohesive and well-structured work, despite straying a bit from the progressive complexities that characterized their earlier albums.
The title track that opens the album is a surprise. From the first seconds, the inevitable question arises: "What is this?". Initially, the song feels strange, distant from what one expects from Yes. Despite the dynamic changes and Howe’s strong guitar work, the track lacks the characteristic magic the band once showcased. In summary, it’s straightforward rock, with little trace of the progressive elements that became the group's trademark.
Next is "Turn of the Century," a charming ballad. Here, Howe's acoustic guitars shine with their delicacy, complemented by orchestral atmospheres that support Anderson's angelic vocals. His interpretation carries such intense emotional weight that even without fully understanding the lyrics, the listener is deeply moved by the message. The piano solo, located at the heart of the track, is a gem that aligns perfectly with the beauty of the composition. While it follows a relatively conventional structure for the band, the track keeps the listener's attention throughout its nearly eight minutes, proving to be one of the album’s highlights.
"Parallels" follows, bringing a contagious energy to the album. Originally conceived for Chris Squire’s solo album Fish Out of Water, the song was wisely rescued and included here. With classical influences, "Parallels" is an accessible and fun track, featuring a vibrant church organ. Additionally, the guitar riffs and backing vocals further enrich the composition. The melody is fascinating and captivating, and the song has the potential to have become a classic in the band’s live shows.
Following that, "Wonderous Stories" is another ballad, though shorter and more restrained. The track stands out with its well-layered, pleasant melodies and rich arrangements that include impressive acoustic guitar and harp work. Anderson delivers a less emotive but still captivating performance. It’s a quality piece that shows the band’s ability to absorb complexity even in a brief song. Although not an impressive track, it is competent and enjoyable.
However, the true climax of Going For The One lies in its final track, "Awaken." This is an epic musical journey where Yes showcases its mastery. The song begins serenely, with sublime piano and Anderson’s angelic vocals, but soon transforms into a frenetic cacophony of instruments. Steve Howe’s spectacular solo and the ensuing time changes are highlights, demonstrating the band’s full command of their abilities. Alan White drives the track with powerful drumming, guiding the music through soundscapes that evoke the sunrise. As the music unfolds, every note seems to prepare the listener for something grand, culminating in a breathtaking climax. "Awaken" undoubtedly marks one of the great moments of the band’s career, where every second is pure magic.
In summary, Going For The One is an album that balances virtuosity and accessibility. While it may not possess the complexity or innovation of previous records, it still offers moments of inspiration and musicality, reaffirming Yes as one of the most versatile and talented bands of the classic progressive rock era.
NOTA: 8.5/10
Tracks
Listing:
1.
Going for the One (5:30)
2. Turn of the Century (7:58)
3. Parallels (5:52)
4. Wonderous Stories (3:45)
5. Awaken (15:38)
Ouça, "Awaken"
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