Yes, an open discussion-how not to do it!

I can safely say that Yes is my favorite band, the

“classic symphonic: period of the band’s career

receives a lot of attention from people on this site,

I admit that it is their best period (“The Yes album through

To Relayer”) and most of their masterpiece works

emerged from this time.

“Close to the edge”, “Relayer” and “Tales from

Topographic Oceans” are true masterpieces,

While the others, like “Fragile” are very good

But are not master works.

Other albums (from different periods) I hold

high in regard are “Drama” and “Keystudios”

both of which are different in sound and

song structure. Even without front-man

Jon Anderson on “Drama” the band still delivered

record worthy of their early work, while

“Keystudios reflected on their “Symphonic”

period and displayed many likenesses while

also combining some of their modern sound as well.

I found it interesting when they released

“Magnification” which features an entire Orchestra,

just think their whole career they nave been a band

that copy the sound of orchestras and here they

are with a real one in their music.

I am still discovering them

however, whatever I have heard until now, makes me think that their first albums are unique...

I’ll be the round about
The words will make you out ’n’ out.... what a magnificent song

Yes, in my opinion is the very best symphonic/classical prog band.

I agree that their first two albums were the tip of the iceberg, a glimpse of thinks to come. The addition of Steve Howe, & then Rick Wakeman, solidified the lineup & their best work was the happy result.

Starting with The Yes Album & going all the way through Keys (1 & 2), the only one I absolutely cannot listen to is Big Generator, although, unlike a lot of Yes fans, Tales & Relayer are a challenge to me.

As a departure, Drama was an excellent prog album. I even like Talk & The Ladder, although I know a lot of people don't.

Best albums:

Close To The Edge

Fragile

The Yes Album

Yessongs

Drama

(Insert your next favorite Yes album (that I haven't listed) here)

I remember being about 8 or 9 years old and listening to my older bro's "Relayer" record back in the mid 1970's and being completely blown away by it. Thats when I knew I was a Yes fan.

Does anyone remember a TV show called "Nightflight" on the USA cable channel? in the early 1980's they were my source for prog rock videos and concert footage. They used to play "Yessong" frequently and that was magical for me.

Then around 1986-1987 I bought TFTO on used vinyl. Being the full-blown prog junky like I am now, I instantly loved the whole of TFTO. I am glad I am not the only one who appreciates it.

Currently I am struggling with "Going for the one" So far it hasn't really grabbed hold of my interest. I am sure it is my fault though and it must be something I am doing wrong.

Close To The Edge is my favourite prog album if you take ELP out of the equation! Yes hit on the perfect prog formula with that album and never reached such a peak again IMHO. Relayer has its fans but its nowhere near as even a quality album overall.

All their releases from The Yes Album(1971) up to Tormato (1978) are worth getting.After that it gets a little sketchy.The only other Yes album I dig out occasionally is Talk which was a nice later album featuring Trevor Rabin and much better than their dull 90125.

I love Yes. For me their music is the most beautiful and uplifting. Jon's voice is really angelic and otherwordly. Their glory days are probably gone, but they managed to bounce back after the blunders of the 80's. Nevertheless I haven't completely given up my hopes for a powerful new Yes album.Well, it's still more realistic than a new Genesis album of the Foxtrot niveau.

My fave Yes albums are Tales and Relayer, but all of their albums before 1983 are at least good.