THE YES ALBUM

Yes

Symphonic Prog

4.31 | 3303 ratings

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Easy Livin
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin

Bonanza!

This is in reality where it all began for Yes.

The previous two albums were good, but they were made by a band finding their feet. When it came to making the Yes album, Steve Howe came on board, and the band had suddenly discovered their direction. Thus they confidently set about recording what was to be one of their finest albums.

"Yours is no disgrace" is a superb opener, dynamic guitar, beautiful vocals, and a driving rhythm. According to Bill Bruford (speaking on the "YesYears" video), the main theme was inspired by the TV programme "Bonanza"! The following track, Clap" is often unfortunately named "The clap", even on the original sleeve. It is a brief acoustic interlude by Steve Howe which still features in the live set from time to time.

"Perpetual change" is one of the many under-rated Yes tracks. It has a classic prog structure, and a strong melody. While the song was perhaps slightly overshadowed by other tracks on this album, it became one of the highlights on the "Yessongs" live collection.

A venture" is the only average track, being pretty much dispensable. The remaining two tracks, "I've seen all good people" and "Starship trooper" are well known, and remain standards to this day. "All good people" is a two part number the opening section "Your move" being an acoustic section with Anderson singing chess related lyrics. If you listen carefully during the transition to the second part, you can hear the strains of "All we are saying is give peace a chance" (the John Lennon song) which the band simply felt "sounded good" there. "Starship Trooper" has three fairly distinct sections, cumulating in the closing repetitive instrumental refrain. The track has been developed in live performances over the years but the original retains its vitality.

In all, a great album, and one of the milestones in the development of prog rock. If you have the first remastered version of the CD, there's little on the expanded remaster to justify another purchase.

Easy Livin | 5/5 | 2004-3-8

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