Magnification

Released in 2001, Magnification is the nineteenth studio album by Yes and represents a unique chapter in their discography. Following the departure of keyboardist Igor Khoroshev, the band elected not to hire a replacement, instead collaborating with conductor Larry Groupé to integrate a sixty-piece orchestra into the core of their sound. This was not a 'band with strings' project, but a fundamental restructuring where the orchestra handled the melodic and atmospheric duties typically reserved for synthesizers. The result is a more organic, symphonic take on their progressive roots. The album features the 'classic' lineup of Anderson, Howe, Squire, and White, showcasing a mature songwriting style that favors long-form suites like 'In the Presence Of' and 'Dreamtime.' It stands as one of their most critically respected late-period works, often cited as their best since the late 1970s due to its cohesive vision and high production values.