MUSIC REVIEW: Yes - The Yes Album

"Prog greatness begins."

With this album, Yes asserted itself as a band that would quickly become one of the most important progressive rock bands ever. The Yes Album was the first in a string of stunning progressive albums (that ended with Going for the One) that all merit deference. While The Yes Album is not as experimental as Relayer, or as epic as Close to the Edge, the songwriting, while progressive, is still accessible and engaging. The addition of guitarist Steve Howe was significant, for he became one of the band's most important songwriters. Chris Squire's bass guitar is unique in sound and use. Is it a rhythm or a lead instrument? It's both, really. At the same time, Bruford's jazzy drumming, and Anderson's catchy vocals contribute to this great disc. And while keyboardist Tony Kaye isn't the virtuoso that is Rick Wakeman, his contributions work effectively in context with these songs, which are more subtle than, say, "The Revealing Science of God."

The album has its share of classics, from the grandiose and mesmerizing "Starship Trooper" to the hook-soaked "I've See All Good People." (Most people know the latter because Part I gets a lot of classic radio play...but they're missing the great jamming in Part II.) The songs are all fairly in-depth compositions but they are catchy as well. "Yours Is No Disgrace," with crazy lyrics and rockin' prog-i-tude, is one of the most exciting opening prog tracks of the 70s. More than 30 years after this album was recorded, I can listen to these songs and they still sound fresh. It really hasn't dated at all.