YES

In their long career span of more than 50 years, YES best period in terms of musical creativity and the depth of their composition in my opinion was the first 8-10 years, in which most of their quintessential works were in the first half of that period. This makes every early YES album important, at least in the development of what would YES become. The characteristic of early YES represent more or less the British music period of folk rock and psychedelic, even make reference of band like Beatles, but the root of the YES sound is already set.

The line-up for the first two albums (1969-1970) are Squire, Anderson, Banks, Kaye, and Bruford. They started to build the unique character of the band sound, like vocal harmony, fluid and dominating bassline, complex keyboard and guitar works and unconventional fills and time signature of the drums.

This debut album has some strong compositions that I think should be among YES best repertoires. 'Looking Around' has a strong rock feel, and a showcase of the level of musicianship of each of the band member: great guitar riffs, dynamic bassline and great keyboards. 'Survival' is a really great composition, very fluid, well-structured from intro to ending, and has a beautiful and catchy theme. Jon Anderson angelic voice and Peter Banks guitar works really fit on this song.

There are two cover songs: 'I See You' (The Byrds' 1966 Fifth Dimension) and 'Every Little Thing' (The Beatles' 1964 Beatles for Sale). Worth to mention is the complex intro arrangement in 'Every Little Thing' that is ended by Peter Banks' playful phrase from well-known riff of antoher Beatles song 'Day Tripper' before entering to the song.

This album, although not a masterpiece, is important for those who love YES (particularly their earlier and more progressive works) or generally progressive music. Here we go, the nascent giant of progressive rock.