Japanese exclusive limited edition remastered reissue of 1987 album, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Album Description
There truly are different opinions about this album. I've heard some fans say the band went to far from the original Yes sound on this record, while others find it more progressive and challenging than the previous 90125. Personally I love 90125; thought it was something really new and fresh for its time, and I also am a big fan of their seventies work. On Big Generator I'd say that you'll find music that goes in two directions; while some songs are more radio friendly and rock influenced than anything from the Yes catalogue some are far more experimental than 90125 when it comes to rhythm changes and song lengths. "Love Will Find a Way" for instance is built up with the classic verse, bridge, chorus and was well suited for radio and MTV where it also staid as a hit for a short while. A very, very good song indeed with wonderful harmonies and a cosmic touch even though you can hear that it originate from the eighties. "Almost like Love" though is closer to the style of bands like Foreigner and Journey and is the only song that, according to me and even to Trevor Rabin in more recent interviews, doesn't really fit on the record or on any Yes record for that matter. The rest of the album mixes edgy and catchy guitar riffs with beautiful harmonies, unpredictable time changes and a cosmic touch. "Rhythm of Love" is a catchy and edgy starter (a classic one), "I'm Running" is starting with Chris Squire's time changing bass riffs leading into unpredictable and progressive melodies. "Final Eyes" also has the progressive tendencies but has a more cosmic vibe to it. The last song "Holy Lamb" is a classic Jon Anderson song with a cosmic and sing a long friendly melody, built from an acoustic and clear guitar riff ending with the entire band finishing the song. Big Generator is a very good record and if you're a fan of Yes music or well written, professional music in general I think you should give it a try.
July 19, 2008 |  | REMASTER THIS IMMEDIATELY! |  |
This is a great album, much loved by Yes completists and fans of excellent 80s music. Unlike a lot of their by-now-ageing contemporares, they knew how to use a studio. But this album requires remastering! ASAP! Why has it been left out of the schedule? The '90125' remaster was colossal!
June 26, 2008To me, Yes are two distinct bands: the somewhat original line-up of Anderson, Squire, White, Wakeman & Howe, and then the version with Trevor Rabin. I think they are both outstanding bands who have produced some excellent music and this cd sits near the top.
The Rabin version only put out 3 discs plus their contributions to the Union cd. Every Rabin cd is excellent and Big Generator is my favorite with 90125 coming a close second.
I love The Yes Album, Close To The Edge and Fragile, but to me their original material mostly dried up long ago. Yes fans should be grateful that the Rabin version brought them back into the popular music world and kept them relevant- as Rick Wakeman has often stated.
Great cd!! Love Will Find A Way is THE perfect pop/rock song.
April 25, 2008 | | A classic well produced album | |
I love this album. Very well produced and full of great songs. Probably my favorite Yes album with Trevor on guitar.
April 21, 2008| | | Five stars for originality | |
By 1987, Yes had moved away from the progressive roots that made them famous and towards the 1980s radio pop-Billboard Hot 100 type of music. And the result of all of that was 'Big Generator,' which is easily their best record of the 1980s.
I did enjoy '90125,' but this record has more songs that I like. 'Rhythm of Love' is a song that features soaring guitar from Trevor Rabin, as well as great backing vocals from him as well. Jon Anderson's vocals are in top shape on this track.
Another great one is 'Shoot High, Aim Low.' The words to this song are meaningful, and it features some great keyboards from Tony Kaye.
'Love Will Find A Way' is easily one of the best songs of the 1980s, in my opinion. It's got great harmonica lines, great vocals from Rabin, Anderson and Chris Squire. Squire's bass lines on this one are great as well.
I have read reviews that feature people complaining about the style of music that Yes plays here. For fans of strictly 1970s Yes, chances are you will not enjoy this record. But for fans of all eras of Yes like me, than you'll love this record.
Overall, I have really enjoyed this Yes record. This is a must-own if you're a die-hard Yes fan like I am.
Highly recommended for the die-hard or 1980s Yes fan. ENJOY!!!
March 15, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(77 reviews)