THE YES ALBUM

The Yes album is really the first essential album. The previous two had some moments, but this one is more refined and focused, mostly due to the acquisition of Steve Howe, whose unique guitar sound is all over this album.

Yours Is No Disgrace' (10/10) is a very good intro to the album. It's super upbeat and centered around a really driving bass.

'Clap' (5/10) is an acoustic instrumental. It's not bad, but it's nothing special.

'Starship Trooper' (8/10) is another upbeat number with heavy bass and a few acoustic moments. I especially like the buildup that occurs around five minutes.

'I've Seen All Good People' (6/10) is a cheery, if slightly poppy tune. It's a bit too simple for me, but a good song nonetheless.

'A Venture' (4/10) is another song that simply doesn't go anywhere and isn't very interesting.

'Perpetual Change' (7/10) ends the album on a high note with some rather jazzy guitar bits and a chaotic middle section in 7/4.

Overall, this is the first decent prog record from Yes. Vocally it's fine, but instrumentally the sound is slightly immature compared to their later efforts in Relayer and Close to the Edge.

7/10