Surprisingly, Yes performed “To Ascend” live six times according to forgotten-yesterdays.com.
It’s not that Alan White’s only composing credit on 2014’s Heaven and Earth isn’t good. “To Ascend” seems to have all the essential elements of a mostly acoustic Yes ballad. Co-writer Jon Davison’s lyrics are melancholy yet hopeful. His vocal is an incredibly strong point, as is Chris Squire’s backing vocals.
Steve Howe makes Portuguese guitar and acoustic guitar contributions, which are pristine. Geoff Downes’ piano parts are also perfectly cast – but too low in the mix. Unfortunately, the synthesizer overdubs are also characterless. Alan White’s drumming lacks nuance.
Like the preceding “Step Beyond,” “To Ascend” seems half-heartedly arranged and uninspired, a common theme for Heaven and Earth – and one which repeats on the next two tracks on this album, as well. That’s a pity, as Heaven and Earth started with promise.
The Japanese import edition of this project includes an acoustic bonus version of “To Ascend,” which benefits from a more direct, stripped-down approach. It should have been included in place of the full-band version.
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