After almost single-handedly rescuing
Yes from obscurity in the 1980s, South African guitarist
Trevor Rabin recorded the solo album
Can't Look Away. On this album,
Rabin demonstrates all the qualities that helped bring
Yes back to commercial success -- a great sense of melody and layered guitars to create an arena rock sound. The title track opens the album with epic grandeur, as
Rabin tackles the then-hot topic of apartheid with passionate vocals and fiery guitar playing. Although the album loses a bit of steam in the second half, the first half includes great pop/rock tunes, including the minor hit "Something to Hold on To," which received some radio airplay. Given the catchy melodies and the supreme musicianship demonstrated throughout, it is surprising that
Can't Look Away did not fare better commercially. Fans of latter-day
Yes should definitely check out this album. ~ Vik Iyengar