This series started back on February 17, 2015, as a prelude to the Yes/Toto U.S. tour. I initially proclaimed in my review of the song “Beyond and Before”: “Yes, the world’s greatest progressive rock band, has long been in a state of perpetual change. That starts with their 1969 self-titled debut, a promising blend of jazz, rock, and folk that only hints at the greatness to come.”
“The Gift of Love,” the last song on the the latest original release from Yes, may not be the greatness I had in mind in 2015. It’s still a fine song from a band that, despite its perpetual changes, continued to progress.
The final song on 2019’s From a Page is also the only group composition. Unlike the prior song, which were expertly produced, arranged and written by Oliver Wakeman, “The Gift of Love” seems to tie together from all the members into a mid-tempo near epic. Lyrically, “The Gift of Love” is direct and polished. Benoit David sounds self-assured and natural singing his own lyrics in a range which is comfortable.
Wakeman’s keyboard intro harkens back to early ’90s prog-rock songs, yet is entirely fitting in its chordal textures. The background vocal arrangement, which contrasts with the optimism of the main theme, is perhaps the only let down to the song. Yes borrowed it from Chris Squire’s vastly superior “The Game” on 2014’s Heaven and Earth, and it worked better in that setting.
The mid-song verses take a break from the main theme, allowing touches of Steve Howe dobro and Oliver Wakeman’s piano to embrace the listener. Building on Wakeman’s piano and synthesizer, the ending musical themes offer Howe’s assertive lead playing and Wakeman recapitulation of the initial theme.
Just when you think the song might not ascend, “The Gift of Love” takes flight, providing a satisfying end of the song, the From a Page EP and the last released recording of co-founder Chris Squire with the world’s greatest progressive rock band.
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