What's the best album by prog rock band Yes?
Yes is one of the best-loved prog rock bands and was, for a time, the world's most popular band. Although subtlety and restraint weren't their strongest suits, Yes albums are recognized by many as being some of the best in the progressive rock genre.
As prog-rockers and Yes began to experience their inevitable fall in popularity, critics were quick to target them. Why would they? The songs were often longer than 20 minutes, Jon Anderson’s lyrics explored vaguely spiritual topics, and the album art resembled pulp sci-fi novels.
Take a look below at their best albums. A full article with Yes albums ranked can be found here.
- "Going for the One (1977)"
When punk was the rage, Yes released the album "Going for the One." Unfortunately, this made the band look uncool in "The Year of Punk." It's still important to remember that, despite not getting the reception they wanted, Yes was still a group of talented and adventurous musicians. Rick Wakeman, Alan White and others were still in the band. It felt as if they'd already performed their most impressive tricks, like the magicians of old.
Anderson was aware that this would happen, and the album only contained five songs. This is a change from previous albums. "Wonderous Stories" was the standout song, a hippie-style ballad.
"Going for the One", as it turned out, didn't get the reception that Yes hoped for. The band soon realized their goal was not to die on the Prog-Rock hill. Although Yes's music was daring, it wasn't by accident that they are now considered representatives of spoiled classical rock.
After the huge success of "Fragile", Yes believed they could take on any music genre. The band continued the same path as its predecessor, "Close to Edge", but were now more confident about their ability to write songs.
Yes was always ambitious, exploring orchestral arrangements as well as combining elements of classical and jazz music long before they were given much notice. Close to the Edge was an ambitious move, even by their own standards. The album featured just three songs, a pattern that continued on subsequent releases. Five musicians were all trying to establish themselves.
Some band members felt drained by the sheer volume of work. Bill Bruford, the drummer, left in 1972 to join King Crimson. He claimed that no band would be able to satisfy both his musical aspirations and his financial needs.
Anderson's pseudo-mystical lyrics and daring musical concepts were seamlessly blended in the title track. The album's title track, "Siberian Khatru", provided the much-needed musical conclusion.
Close to the Edge propelled Yes into enormous success but also dangerously close their limits. This led to their eventual downfall because of their extremes.
- "Fragile (1971)"
"Fragile", is an album that has all of the elements necessary to make a good Yes album in perfect harmony. The album is both entertaining and complex.
Rick Wakeman was the new keyboardist who took over from Tony Kaye. He made a significant contribution towards this balance. Wakeman's appearance was reminiscent of a medieval character, and his playing reflected that.
It was made in a hurry to pay for Wakeman's expensive equipment. Bill Bruford on drums, Rick Wakeman at keyboards, and Steve Howe, guitarist, all contributed instrumental pieces to this recording.
The album was a surprise hit, with the song "Roundabout", a good pop track that featured Howe's guitar and Chris Squire’s bass.
A standout was the epic rock song "Heart of the Sunrise", which brilliantly demonstrated Yes' unique ability to create music.
Roger Dean's fantasy-futuristic artwork was also featured on "Fragile", similar to Pink Floyd and Storm Thorgerson. Dean's artwork helped to establish Yes as a distinct visual brand.
Overall, the song "Fragile", embodies Yes' mastery over prog rock. This marked their start to a surprising rise in the world of rock.
- The Yes Album (1971).
"The Yes Album", combining Jon Anderson’s innovative concepts with the group's skilled playing, is the first big triumph of the band. It combines a bucolic, charming atmosphere and Jon Anderson’s brilliant visions. It is one of their most accessible progressive records.
It can be seen as a conservatory-approved version of Pink Floyd, with a distinctively British sound. While Syd Barrett expressed his visions through surrealist colors, Anderson's lyrics were hippie-like and positive, evident on tracks such as "Yours is No Disgrace", "I've seen all good people" or "I've Been Around All the Good People".
This album's performance was more tight and efficient than their other albums. Steve Howe's background as a classical guitarist and jazz musician blended seamlessly with the other members of the group.
In a similar way to thrash metal bands such as Metallica or Megadeth, Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer and Jethro Tull competed in technical ability. In 1971, Yes was the most talented band in their quest to beat the competition.
Yes was known for their ambition, musical experimentation, and distinctive style. They were both loved and criticised. They faced many challenges but their albums "Fragile", "Close to the Edge", "Going for the One" and "The Yes Album", which showcased their music prowess, contributed to the band's rise to the top of the rock world.