Yes’ Union album is often condemned for the overproduction of the Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe songs and the army of session players.
This criticism tends to overlook that both Yes-West and ABWH came into the project with a strong foundation of songs. “Give and Take,” written by Jon Anderson, Steve Howe and producer Jonathan Elias, is one of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe’s better efforts.
The song’s staccato lead guitar, which sounds more like Jimmy Haun than Steve Howe, is powerful and rocking. There are touches of descending guitars, which again sound like Haun, as Jon Anderson delivers one of his most aggressive vocals on Union.
The production is sympathetic, providing a dry yet direct feel for Bill Bruford’s electronic drums and Squire-like melodic bass passages from Tony Levin. The backing vocals have a Yes feel, but ultimately sound like a blend of Tom Funderburk and the late Michael Sherwood.
The drum and percussion breakdown is also out of character for Yes. The guitar stabs do sound like Steve Howe, but he doesn’t end with a solo. “Give and Take” might have benefitted from a turn by Howe after the drum break down.
There is little if any Rick Wakeman on the song. Perhaps that’s why “Give and Take” only made it on to the version of Union released in the U.K. Too bad; it’s easily one of this album’s better moments.
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