THE YES ALBUM

This is it. This should be the starting point for people who have never heard Yes. This is the album that introduced legendary guitarist Steve Howe to the world, and the album that introduced me to Yes and prog rock. I heard "Owner of a Lonely Heart" on the radio, looked for records by Yes at a used LP store, and bought "The Yes Album". Organist\pianist Tony Kaye is sort of underrated, he is overshadowed by his succeeder, Rick Wakeman, who takes his place on the next album, "Fragile". (Kaye didn't leave immediately after this album, he left amidst ) I own the LP so I will include sides.

SIDE ONE:

"Yours is No Disgrace": This opener is awesome, Yes has always been great with openers. The rocking chords at the beginning immediately pull you in. The first time I heard it I was hooked and I wanted to dance. (I didn't, however) Great, great song. A personal favorite.

"Clap": Renamed "THE Clap" by a mis-introduction by Jon Anderson at the concert where this song was recorded, this track's chief purpose is to show off the mad guitar skills of Steve Howe. Nothing special though.

"Starship Trooper: a. Life Seeker b. Disillusion c. Würm": An awesome track, one of the three focal points of this album. Great vocals from Jon Andreson, this entire song has a great surrealistic feel. The ending part is one of the best parts of this track, "Würm", it is a great jam-like tune.

SIDE TWO:

"I've Seen All Good People: a. Your Move b. All Good People": The third of the three focal points of the album (the first being "Yours is No Disgrace"). This may be the best song on the entire record. A great pounding drum from Bill Bruford, awesome organ from Tony Kaye, and Jon Anderson's vocals are so melodic, especially when paired with the perfect acoustic guitar of Steve Howe. Brilliant track. It is also the most played Yes song, according to a radio interview with bassist Chris Squire, if I remember correctly.

"A Venture": A nice tune with a great beat, I don't think I can really put it into words.

"Perpetual Change": Not one of my favorites, but decent.

Overall, this is not a masterpiece, but it sure almost came close to one, and besides, this is only a warmup for what would come two albums and one year later. This is an excellent addition to any progressive music collection, and an excellent starting point for anybody who is new to Yes and looking for a first album from the band.