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Produced by Joseph Cottrell, Wayne Hall, Ken Fuller and Jeffrey Crecelius
It’s time to post our full review of the latest Yes album, Aurora. Mark and I spoke – quite a lot – about the record and our reactions to it. As you will hear, we both like it a lot and we go into depth about why. There are a couple of aspects I’m not so keen on and there is even a [Shock! Horror!] minor disagreement between your two favourite podcast co-hosts!
However, we agree that Aurora has some wonderful features and it’s a hugely enjoyable record.
- What are the best features of this new album?
- Does it feel like a Yes album?
- Are there any less enjoyable aspects?
Please do add your own comments below.
Yes – The Tormato Story & Tales from Topographic Oceans – Yes Album Listening Guide
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Producers:
- Joseph Cottrell
- Wayne Hall
- Ken Fuller
- Jeffrey Crecelius
Patrons:
| Aaron Steelman | Steve Luzietti | Lind |
| Al Dell’Angelo | Terence Sadler | Lobate Scarp |
| Barry Gorsky | John Thomson | Mark Baggs |
| Bill Whittaker | Steve Perry | Mark James Lang |
| Bob Martilotta | Thomas DeVries | Mark Slater |
| Brian Harris | John Viola | Martin Kjellberg |
| Brian Sullivan | Steve Rode | Michael Handerhan |
| Chris Bandini | Tim Stannard | Michael O’Connor |
| Craig Estenes | Steve Scott | Miguel Falcão |
| Dave Owen | Chip Palmer | Paul Hailes |
| David | Guy DeRome | Paul Tomei |
| David Heyden | Steve Moss | Rachel Hadaway |
| David Pannell | Geoffrey Mason | Robert Nasir |
| David Watkinson | Henrik Antonsson | Robert Vandiver |
| Declan Logue | Hogne Bø Pettersen | Ronnie Neeley |
| Dem | Steven Roehr | Scott Colombo |
| Doug Curran | Todd Dudley | Simon Barrow |
| Fergus Cubbage | John Holden | Stephen Lambe |
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| Geoff Bailie | Ray Riethmeier |
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6 replies on “Our Aurora review – 727”
To me, Aurora is the best Yes album in 15 years, since Fly From Here. The music, arrangements and vocals are top notch. This is Yes in 2026, so while there are moments that evoke their 70s & 80s heyday, some intentional for longtime fans to hear, Yes is a progressive rock band, so this music is a progression as they move forward, with some musical surprises. Kudos to guitarist Steve Howe’s work as producer, to Curtis Schwartz for his excellent engineering, mixing and mastering, Paul K Joyce for his marvelous orchestrations on 2 songs with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and to the Gottlieb Brothers, Doug and Glenn, for their fantastic package design, liner notes and photos, as always.
I remain part of the minority that ranks THE QUEST as my favorite of the three most recent albums, but at this point I acknowledge that AURORA may overtake it at some point (still too early to say). I hear an enthusiasm in the band on THE QUEST that sounded lacking on MIRROR TO THE SKY, at least to my ears (as if they were being too cautious with that album). I like what seems to be a more adventurous spirit in AURORA, but it will need a few more spins for me to appreciate its subtleties. Great stuff all around, though!
Hi Guys,
Many thanks for your review of Aurora. I think I agree with you on pretty much every point ….most of the songs are very enjoyable, and there is an energy and joyfulness that is wonderful. I still am not that much a fan of Love Lies Dreaming and Countermovement is a mess. Both songs have good bits, but I don’t like them as complete songs.
Anyway cheap up the good work
After a few listens, this is my favorite Yes album in quite a while. Am I the only one who heard a bit of a Citizen vibe in Ariadne? (Not a criticism; I like Billy’s Citizen albums.)
For All Hands on Deck, I think Mark nailed it when he said the end of the song brings to mind the pieces of wood floating on the water after the ship has gone down.
I disagree a bit with the review with respect to Jambustin. It’s a really good song, and the fact that it is different is a reason to celebrate it. Prog is about trying new things. Part of what makes this album great is the combination of continuity with the past and experimentation going forward. (Plus, if there is a US southern rock vibe, is it possible to say that some southern rock is proggy?)
Looking forward to Simon’s review now that Kevin and Mark have had their say!
Thanks for including my 2 cents and my sort of apology to Yes. For those who want to read my interview with Jon Davison in English, you can do so here -> https://www.hbpmedia.no/jon-davison-yes-feels-very-much-alive-these-days
Hi Kevin and Mark
Very much agree with you review of Aurora. Its by far (to me anyway) the best of the three. Unlike the other two albums from this line up, I will listen to this again and again, already listened to it many more times than the other two put together. Musically its far superior. Also the vocals are less falsetto and more mellow and easier on the ear. I like all the songs. Like you I am very confused as to why Geoff Downes appears to play a bit part. If I have one criticism ….I love the art work but on my cd booklet there are many errors, the odd back slash with nothing to follow, but worst is the big sticker on the back where the first 8 songs are listed – a bit of a basic error….I am also confused when they list the band and what they play only to find inside its very different. Minor points but a very enjoyable album worth of the Yes name.
Keep up the good work.