Yes - Aurora (InsideOut)

 

Aurora is the fourth Yes album with Jon Davison on vocals. At this point, Davison has clearly found his place within the band. He wrote or co-wrote the majority of the album's material, and his songwriting partnership with Steve Howe is particularly impressive. Many may question Yes's relevance in 2026, but Aurora possesses a genuine sense of harmony that makes those debates seem almost irrelevant.

Steve Howe is the only original member remaining, but the collective strength of this lineup of outstanding musicians makes the album work. The music flows naturally and is generally gentler than the Yes of earlier decades. What's missing is the unmistakable presence of Chris Squire—his aggressive playing style, distinctive phrasing, and endlessly creative approach to every song. Billy Sherwood does an excellent job on bass, but there was something uniquely natural in Squire's musical DNA that made him an essential part of the band's identity. Geoff Downes also performs admirably on keyboards, although he can never quite recreate the extraordinary musical dialogue that Howe shared with Rick Wakeman.

Aurora contains plenty of great moments and is an enjoyable album from beginning to end. The more you listen, the more you're drawn to the melodies hidden within each track. The songs are intricate and firmly rooted in the classic Yes tradition, enriched by layered vocal harmonies and orchestral arrangements performed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. The result is an ambitious, impressive production that's difficult not to admire.

While the title track stands out with its memorable chorus, it's "Countermovement" that ultimately steals the spotlight. It's a magnificent epic featuring multiple movements, adventurous arrangements, and a compelling sense of momentum. The album is remarkably balanced, and the individual performances are superb throughout. Aurora possesses that special quality longtime Yes fans recognize and appreciate, proving that the band's creative spirit remains very much intact.

Mark Kadzielawa