YES

I am usually not very enthusiastic about the first works of giants from the seventies (late sixties in this case). I have to admit though that this "Yes" one, is a noticeable exception. The core trio (Anderson, Bruford and Squire) is very present and well supported by Kaye and Banks. The opener "Beyond And Before" has already all the ingredients of a classic YesSong : great vocals, good background guitar and of course the great bass playing from Chris. A very melodic tune full of poetry. The extended "I See You" is too jazzy for my taste. The second part sounds like pure impro. Quite dispensable. "Yesterday & Today" is a folky-jazz little tune. A bit better than the previous track, but far from being a highlight. With "Looking Around", we got another very good YesTrack. Beautiful vocal harmonies, vigorous keyboards and a very good rythmic section. An abrupt end though (they could have made it longer ...). "Harold Land" is another well elaborated song : emotional voice from Jon and great backing vocals as well (it is in the vein of "Time & A Word" on their next album). A very interesting track. A long psychedelic instrumental intro starts "Every Little Thing"; then we get a few seconds of "Day Tripper" and then the cover song effectively starts. An OK track. As the title indicates "Sweetness" is a ... sweet tune. Full of innocence and quietness. Good vocal harmonies and really smooth. Listen to it while you are angry to cool down! The more elaborate "Survival" closes the album. Very nice accoustic guitar play and wonderful vocals. Jon is already at his best and sounds like he will do for another ... 40 years or more. In many aspects this album announces the great work to come and paves the way for the masterpieces we all know. Three stars.