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Yes - Yes CD (album) cover

YES

Yes

 

Symphonic Prog

3.29 | 1591 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

ProgBagel
Prog Reviewer
3 stars Yes - 'Yes' 3.5 stars

A solid start.

The amount of criticism I can develop for this album is very minuscule. This was a generally liked album at the time, but lacked the exposure because of the juggernaut (Led Zeppelin) that took the world by storm that same year. Founding members Jon Anderson and Chris Squire created something beautiful from the start.

The Yes sound on this album is brought out through a team effort. Jon Anderson's vocal work is probably the most recognizable in all of music history due to the description of it being 'angelic' for his clarity in the higher registers. Co-founder Chris Squire decided to go against the populace and create melodious hooks rather than just sticking to the typical bass job. Recruit Bill Bruford would obviously become more recognized by his talents in the likes of King Crimson and solo-work, but he dedicated a solid performance on every Yes album due to his superiority in jazz leanings. Peter Banks guitar work was essential to the Yes sound to a degree of where it was during this period. Yes was not even close to a progressive band at this time, but was tons more sophisticated then the whole lot. Peter's eclectic guitar sound made a simple album given a lot more energy and diversity to it. Tony Kaye's work is the only criticism I could draw, it just wasn't too noticeable.

The album can be described as fast-tempo and upbeat. It is made up entirely of short songs that each have their necessary catchy moments and clever hooks. The debut album is very fitting for a party or a night at the bar after a tough day at work. Recommended for the prog fan that can take the occasional pop album and to virtually all Yes fans. A fine album indeed.

ProgBagel | 3/5 |

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