Fly from Here

iTunes Review

This is the first Yes studio album to feature singer Benoit David. This line-up includes bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Geoff Downes and drummer Alan White. Three tracks — “Fly from Here Pt.1 - We Can Fly,” “Fly from Here Pt. 5 - We Can Fly Reprise,” and “Hour of Need” — feature Oliver Wakeman, the son of legendary Yes-man Rick Wakeman, on additional keyboards. Trevor Horn produces. Yes music has always relied on the virtuosity of its players and the group has had enough member changes to make it important to distinguish which line-up is in service. The “Fly From Here” sequence is surprisingly subdued, considering its multi-part construction. The playing rarely reaches for the full-throttle instrumental attack associated with their ‘70s selves. Instead, the group performs mellow, reflective songs rich in melody. “The Man You Always Wanted Me to Be,” “Life On a Film Set” and “Into the Storm” are brilliant pop-influenced songs that are more reflective of the ‘80s output. “Solitaire” is a gentle acoustic piece.