THE YES ALBUM

Yes made a major jump from their previous album and created this amazing (creatively titled) album. The presence of Steve Howe as guitarist enhanced their sound and helped to create this prog rock classic.

Yours Is No Disgrace is an epic cosmic rocker with Steve Howe noticably rocking hard with all sorts of playing: jazzy solos, acoustic bits, rhythm, wah wah, the volume effect, fills, and just normal solos; showcasing what he has to offer for Yes in the future. Everyone else's contributions are great as well with the usual unique bass sound, the synth and organ, complex drumming and the 'out there' lyrics with great harmonies. The main theme is catchy and the structure is spot on. 9.5/10

Then there's Clap (not 'The Clap'). Yeah it's a good, fun, live song but I don't love it. It's just an acoustic guitar and I lose interest because it goes for too long and feels a little out of place. 6.5/10

Now another full band epic and they somehow exceed the heights of the first song. Starship Trooper contains three parts, all which connect nicely and make a good complete piece. It doesn't feel as 'in your face' as the first song, but it's better. The first part is pleasant and rocking, the second is an excellent mix of acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies, also with a recurring part from the first, and the third is a build up of a few chords which climaxes and fades out with a great guitar solo. This is definitely one of the best Yes songs and also one of my favourites. 10/10

I've Seen All Good People is a more commercially friendly song in two parts. It begins pleasant with recorder, nice guitar strumming and chess themed lyrics. Eventually an organ comes in and changes nicely onto a more upbeat rock / pop song. It's a good addition to the album but nothing incredible. The repeated lyrics of the chorus can get a little annoying though. 7/10

A Venture is an average song and arguably the worst on the album. It begins promisingly but turns into a simple lyrical song with a sort of quirky sound and beat. Not great but not terrible either. 6.5/10

Perpetual Change is a great song but not an 'epic'. It's a pleasant song, not very technical. But then out of nowhere comes this fast music is played and put onto one side of the speaker. Then music at half speed is brought in on the other side and the result is a blown mind. This play on stereo effects is a definite highlight. Then the main song comes back and fades out very nicely, creating a good close to a good album. This song doesn't disappoint. 8/10

So all in all an amazing album from the Yes catalog. It's the six minutes of Clap and A Venture that weigh it down though. I highly recommend this. 4 stars.