THE YES ALBUM

I am convinced that Steve Howe is the missing piece in the musical puzzle of Yes'the one that gives the band its unmistakable sound. He is the key member of Yes. While Peter Banks was a great guitarist in his own right, Steve Howe is something else entirely: not just a great guitarist, but a genius. His unique tone, phrasing, and ability to move between classical, jazz, and rock styles with total fluidity defines the sound of Yes for all time.

From the moment Howe joined the band, the entire dynamic shifted. The Yes Album is the proof'a transitional work that bridges the gap between the early, more conventional Yes and the modern progressive powerhouse they would soon become. After two earlier albums that were mostly uneven' with a few flashes of brilliance'this release marked a leap forward in every way. The compositions became more ambitious, the arrangements more cohesive, and the band began to explore new sonic territory with confidence.

All you can hear from Yes in the past'despite moments of promise'now sounds naive and inoffensive compared to what's presented here. This album feels bolder, more alive, and far more focused. The band found its voice, and from here onward, they wouldn't look back.

One of the keys to that evolution was Howe's use of a wide variety of stringed instruments'not just electric guitar, but also mandolins, classical guitars, and 12-string acoustics. That diversity in timbre added richness and character to Yes's music that hadn't been there before. He didn't just shred or solo'he told stories with each instrument. Tracks like 'The Clap,' a solo acoustic piece recorded live, showcase not only his technique but also his humor and inventiveness.

His use of the 12-string acoustic on 'I've Seen All Good People' gives the song a baroque, folk-like texture that contrasts beautifully with the heavier rock sections. And in 'Starship Trooper,' his layered guitars' including slide, electric, and acoustic'create an atmosphere that's lush and otherworldly. The mandolin and other unconventional string instruments became part of the Yes vocabulary from this point forward, thanks to Howe.

Another major step forward on this album is the vocal work. The combination of Jon Anderson's clear, high tenor with Chris Squire's strong harmonies and Steve Howe's supporting vocals created a vocal blend that was fuller and more dynamic than ever before. You can especially hear it in tracks like 'Yours Is No Disgrace' and 'I've Seen All Good People.' This vocal teamwork became a defining feature of the Yes sound 'rich, layered harmonies that gave the music emotional weight and melodic complexity.

Bill Bruford also became more noticeable on this album. While he had always been technically proficient, here his drumming takes on a more assertive and creative role. His playing isn't just about keeping time' it's about adding texture, unpredictability, and even a sense of narrative to the music. Listen to the off-kilter accents in 'Perpetual Change' or the tight rhythmic interplay in 'Starship Trooper''this is where Bruford begins to truly show his personality behind the kit. His jazz background, combined with a precise and cerebral approach, gave the band a rhythmic complexity that elevated the entire sound.

However, while The Yes Album shows incredible growth, it also reveals one important limitation: the need for a truly virtuosic keyboard player. Tony Kaye does a solid job, and his Hammond organ adds warmth and punch, but he lacked the range and daring of someone like Keith Emerson or Tony Banks. The band was ready to go farther, to explore more complex and symphonic textures, but Kaye wasn't the man to take them there. That tension'between ambition and limitation'would soon lead to his departure and the arrival of Rick Wakeman, who would unlock the full potential of the band's progressive vision.

The Yes Album is more than just a strong collection of songs'it's the foundation of the Yes sound. Every member shines, but it's Steve Howe's arrival that lights the spark. With his arsenal of stringed instruments, bold musical vision, and synergy with Anderson, Squire, and Bruford, Howe brought color, depth, and sophistication to Yes, helping them find their true identity.

The record also consolidated Yes as a band with real commercial potential. It was their first real success, reaching a wider audience and finally convincing Atlantic Records that the band was worth backing long- term. Without this album's success, the classic era of Yes might never have happened.

Contemporary reception was very positive. The album climbed to No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart and even cracked the US Billboard Top 40'a first for the band. Critics praised the album's ambition and musicianship, especially the bold arrangements and Howe's standout guitar work. For fans and press alike, it was clear that Yes had finally arrived, no longer just a band with potential, but one ready to lead the progressive rock movement.

More importantly, The Yes Album marked the moment Yes fully became a progressive rock band'no longer a pop act trying to sound serious, but a serious group with a bold artistic identity. This wasn't just a stylistic shift; it was a declaration of intent. From this point on, Yes would be at the forefront of the genre, shaping it rather than chasing it.

At the end, The Yes Album was the first major step for Yes'where everything finally began to make sense.

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to Stoneburner
• Report this review (#3189674)
• Buy YES music online with PA partners
• Show all YES MP3/Stream
• Go to YES page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to The Yes Album page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for YES related discussions