THE YES ALBUM

The Yes Album sees Yes continue to sculpt both the band and its music. We're closer to what the band would eventually come but still a little while and a key lineup change a way. Musically, the album is a very solid effort that still contains the basic elements that make up Yes and their music. It was commercially successful as well as it holds their first big radio hit in "I've Seen All Good People". Many of the songs shine in parts but most seem to not be as strong as a whole. "I've Seen All Good People" features strong vocal harmonies and an interesting concept (it's about chess if you don't know). But as soon as it turns electric it loses its charm and just becomes a boring rocker. "Yours is no Disgrace", despite being strong from the beginning, seems to just drag on with no direction.

Final analysis: As much as "The Yes Album" shows Yes' strengths, it exposes their weaknesses. They digress often and sometimes let their ideas run stale. Still definitely worth having but not essential.

Highlights:"Starship Trooper", first half of "I've Seen All Good People"

Rating: 3 stars