The fact that Yes’ Keys to Ascension 2, the last album from the classic lineup of the world’s greatest progressive rock band, wasn’t a hit is more due to the changing music environment that the material.
The studio tracks from the Billy Sherwood-produced, -engineered and -mixed Keys to Ascension 2 add a contemporary sheen to the classic Yes sound while not attempting to chase trends and airplay – unlike the next album, 1997’s Open Your Eyes, perhaps?
“Mind Drive,” the first new song on Keys to Ascension 2, should be considered among the band’s best epic classics. “Foot Prints” while not as great, is a worthy addition to Yes canon. Written by the entire band, sans Rick Wakeman, the song opens with an anthemic Civil Rights chant.
“My eyes see the coming revolution
My eyes see the glory of the world
My eyes see the coming revolution
My eyes see the glory of the world”
Heady stuff, indeed, but supported by clear production which features the Yes choir as it has not appeared since the Tormato album. Chris Squire’s vocals sound more assured and complimentary to Jon Anderson’s voice than Trevor Rabin’s ever did. Also returning are Squire’s distinctive bass lines, which were muted during the Rabin era. Squire’s four-string Tobias bass dances in 5/4 rhythm with drummer Alan White’s precise backbeat.
Steve Howe provides multiple overdubbed guitar parts, which gives us a taste of what was sorely missed on 1991’s Union. Here, Sherwood is able to create harmony out of the various guitar parts, while allowing both Howe and Wakeman to shine.
In fact, Wakeman’s organs and synthesizers – another casualty of producer Jonathan Elias’ work on Union – are quite prominent on “Foot Prints.” Wakeman’s synth solos are brief, yet his presence is strong throughout. There is even a recapitulation, just like the old days, to bring back the main theme to go with tasty Steve Howe steel and acoustic guitar solos.
At more than nine minutes, “Foot Prints” still seems to fly by, leaving the listener on the edge of their chair, ready for what comes next.
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