Rick Wakeman indicated that the studio songs on 1997’s Keys to Ascension 2 were much better than those on the first Keys album. Part of the reason may be due to the writing, which seems more focused.
Another large factor is the production and engineering provided by Billy Sherwood. The Keys songs sound crisp and modern yet free of studio trickery. Wakeman in particular sounds much more at ease on Keys 2 compared to the first Keys with more fully fleshed out keyboard parts.
Since Keys to Ascension 2 is essentially the keyboardist’s final Yes studio album, then this is a fine way to leave the band.
The Steve Howe / Jon Anderson composition “Bring Me to the Power” may be the weakest studio song on Keys 2, but that is a testament to the strength of the other material. The song, which also appears on Steve Howe’s Anthology 2, was arranged by Yes in the studio, and unlike some of the other studio Keys material, was totally new.
The presence of Chris Squire is striking as he and his partner in rhythm, Alan White, shine from the start. Howe employs many of his familiar guitar tactics and a few new ones, while Wakeman is prominent with organ, synth and programming.
Anderson and Howe employ time-signature changes and harmony passages which are daring and intricate. Only the bridge of the song fails to ascend the heights of Yes’ surrounding music.
If we don’t give them the keys
How are they supposed to be ready?
If we don’t give them the keys
How are they to devine?If we don’t give them the keys
How are they supposed to be ready?
If we don’t give them the keys
How are they to survive?
Not bad stuff. It’s just that the music deserves a little better.
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