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Yes | Yes is an English progressive rock band that formed in London in 1968. Renowned for their intricate musical compositions, virtuosic instrumental performances, and ethereal vocal harmonies, Yes became one of the most influential and enduring bands in the progressive rock genre. Their music is characterized by complex arrangements, extended song lengths, and a blend of rock, classical, and jazz influences.

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Yes

By W. Noble (echoesofemotionspast@gmail.com) 📅 2025-03-30
Yes is an English progressive rock band that formed in London in 1968. Renowned for their intricate musical compositions, virtuosic instrumental performances, and ethereal vocal harmonies, Yes became one of the most influential and enduring bands in the progressive rock genre. Their music is characterized by complex arrangements, extended song lengths, and a blend of rock, classical, and jazz influences.

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Throughout their long and evolving career, Yes has seen numerous lineup changes, but the core essence of their sound has remained. Key figures such as vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and drummer Bill Bruford have all contributed to the band's distinctive sonic landscape. Iconic albums like "Fragile," "Close to the Edge," and "Tales from Topographic Oceans" are considered masterpieces of progressive rock, showcasing the band's musical prowess and creative ambition.



Despite shifts in musical trends, Yes has continued to tour and release new music, maintaining a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Their legacy as pioneers of progressive rock is firmly established, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless contemporary musicians.


Playlist "Yes"
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Roundabout

"Roundabout" is a quintessential progressive rock song by the English band Yes, featured on their 1971 album "Fragile." It's renowned for its intricate musical structure, blending elements of classical music, rock, and jazz. The song's iconic opening, with Steve Howe's distinctive acoustic guitar introduction, immediately captivates listeners. The complex interplay between the band members, particularly Rick Wakeman's keyboard work and Chris Squire's bass lines, contributes to the song's enduring appeal. The lyrics, penned by Jon Anderson, evoke a sense of journey and wonder, complementing the music's expansive and dynamic nature.
Band:Yes
Genre:Progressive rock
Year:1972

The song's impact extends far beyond its initial release. "Roundabout" achieved significant commercial success, particularly in the United States, and has become a staple of classic rock radio. Its enduring popularity is also evident in its presence in popular culture, including its use in films, television, and internet memes. The song's complex musicality and memorable melodies have cemented its place as a landmark achievement in progressive rock, and it continues to be celebrated by music enthusiasts worldwide.

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"Roundabout"

Siberian Khatru

"Siberian Khatru" stands as a cornerstone of Yes's progressive rock legacy, a vibrant and complex track from their seminal 1972 album, "Close to the Edge." The song is celebrated for its intricate musical arrangements, showcasing the band's virtuosity. From Steve Howe's dazzling guitar work to Rick Wakeman's ethereal keyboard textures and the powerful rhythm section of Chris Squire and Bill Bruford, the song is a masterclass in progressive rock composition. Jon Anderson's enigmatic lyrics, coupled with the band's dynamic interplay, create a captivating and immersive listening experience.
Band:Yes
Genre:Rock
Year:1972

The track's impact extends beyond its studio recording, becoming a staple of Yes's live performances. Its energetic opening and the shifting musical landscapes within the song have consistently thrilled audiences. The song's influence can be heard in the work of subsequent musicians, with artists like John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers citing Steve Howe's guitar solo as a direct inspiration. "Siberian Khatru" remains a testament to Yes's innovative spirit and their ability to craft music that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.

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"Siberian Khatru"

To Be Over

"To Be Over" is a captivating and intricate piece from Yes's 1974 album, "Relayer." It stands out as a testament to the band's progressive rock mastery, showcasing their ability to blend complex musical arrangements with ethereal atmospheres. The song is notable for its dynamic shifts, transitioning from delicate, acoustic passages featuring Steve Howe's steel guitar and electric sitar, to powerful, soaring sections driven by Patrick Moraz's synthesizers and Alan White's driving percussion. Jon Anderson's lyrical contributions, combined with the vocal harmonies, create a sense of both introspection and grandeur.
Band:Yes
Genre:Progressive rock
Year:1974

The track's unique sonic landscape is further enhanced by Chris Squire's distinctive bass lines, which provide a crucial foundation for the song's evolving textures. "To Be Over" represents a high point in Yes's creative output during that period, and it remains a beloved piece among fans of the band. It is also noted that this album and song was during Patrick Moraz's time with Yes. The song itself is a perfect example of the fusion of sounds that Yes created during that era.

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"To Be Over"

Starship Trooper

"Starship Trooper" is a cornerstone of Yes's progressive rock legacy, featured on their 1971 album, "The Yes Album." This epic composition is divided into three distinct movements: "Life Seeker," "Disillusion," and "Würm." The song showcases the band's musical virtuosity, blending intricate instrumental passages with Jon Anderson's ethereal vocals. It's a testament to Yes's ability to craft complex and captivating soundscapes, solidifying their place as pioneers of the progressive rock genre.
Band:Yes
Genre:Progressive rock
Year:1971

The song's construction is a fascinating blend of individual contributions from band members. "Life Seeker" carries Jon Anderson's lyrical and vocal hallmarks, while "Disillusion" bears Chris Squire's bass-driven influence, and "Würm" features Steve Howe's exceptional guitar work. The "Würm" section especially, with its building intensity and Howe's memorable guitar solo, is often cited as a highlight of Yes's musical achievements. "Starship Trooper" remains a beloved and influential piece, celebrated for its innovative structure and enduring musical power.

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"Starship Trooper"

Machine Messiah

"Machine Messiah" is a prominent track from Yes's 1980 album "Drama." 1 This period marked a significant shift for the band, as it followed the departure of Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. The song itself is a complex and ambitious piece, showcasing the band's continued exploration of progressive rock. It features intricate instrumental passages, dynamic shifts in tempo, and a blend of hard rock and art rock elements, reflecting the new lineup's sound. The song's lyrics and overall atmosphere evoke a sense of futuristic unease, fitting with the album's darker, more industrial tone.
Band:Yes
Genre:Progressive rock
Year:1980

The track "Machine Messiah" is notable for its extended length and its technical complexity, features that are hallmarks of Yes's work. The song highlights the guitar work of Steve Howe, which is particularly prominent in this era of Yes, as well as the strong rhythm section of Chris Squire and Alan White. The addition of Trevor Horn on vocals and Geoff Downes on keyboards brought a new, more modern sound to Yes, and "Machine Messiah" is a prime example of this transition. The song remains a favorite among many Yes fans, representing a unique and powerful chapter in the band's long and varied history.

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"Machine Messiah"

Gates of Delirium

"The Gates of Delirium" is a monumental piece of progressive rock from the band Yes, featured on their 1974 album "Relayer." 1 This nearly 22-minute epic is a sonic journey that explores themes of conflict and peace, loosely based on Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace." 2 Musically, the composition is incredibly complex, shifting through various moods and textures. It is known for its intense instrumental passages, including a chaotic and dissonant section that vividly portrays the horrors of battle, before transitioning into the serene and hopeful "Soon" section.
Band:Yes
Genre:Progressive rock
Year:1974

The song's impact extends beyond its musical complexity. It's a testament to Yes's artistic ambition and their ability to create deeply immersive and emotionally resonant music. The track showcases the virtuosity of each band member, particularly Alan White's powerful drumming and Chris Squire's distinctive bass playing. "The Gates of Delirium" remains a highlight in Yes's discography and a revered piece within the progressive rock genre, celebrated for its daring composition and lasting emotional power.

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"Gates of Delirium"

Into the Lens

"Into the Lens" is a notable track from Yes's 1980 album "Drama," and it holds a unique place in the band's history. The song's origins trace back to Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, who initially developed it for their project, The Buggles. Upon joining Yes, they brought the composition with them, and it was then reshaped with the input of Steve Howe, Chris Squire, and Alan White. This transformation resulted in a more pronounced progressive rock sound, distinguishing the Yes version from its later Buggles iteration, "I Am a Camera."  
Band:Yes
Genre:Progressive rock
Year:1980

The track is significant for its role within the "Drama" album, which marked a period of transition for Yes. With the departure of Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman, Horn and Downes stepped in, bringing a different musical sensibility. "Into the Lens" showcases this shift, blending the band's characteristic complexity with elements of the newer, more streamlined approach that Horn and Downes introduced. The song, and the album as a whole, remain a point of discussion among Yes fans, highlighting the band's ability to evolve and experiment with its sound.

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"Into the Lens"

Close to the Edge

"Close to the Edge," released in 1972, stands as a monumental achievement in progressive rock, solidifying Yes's place as genre pioneers. The album's centerpiece, the 18-minute title track, is a complex and ambitious composition that weaves together intricate instrumental passages, soaring vocals, and philosophical lyrics inspired by Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha." This epic track, alongside the equally impressive "And You and I" and the energetic "Siberian Khatru," showcases the band's exceptional musicianship and their ability to create expansive and immersive sonic landscapes. The album is a testament to the bands willingness to push musical boundaries.
Band:Yes
Genre:Progressive rock
Year:1972

The album's impact extends beyond its musical complexity. It was a critical and commercial success, reaching high positions on both UK and US charts, and has since become a cornerstone of progressive rock history. The album production, and the bands performance, shows the level of dedication that the band had to their craft. The album also marks the last Yes album to feature drummer Bill Bruford before he departed to join King Crimson. "Close to the Edge" remains a timeless masterpiece, celebrated for its artistic vision and enduring influence on generations of musicians.

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"Close to the Edge"

Yours is No Disgrace

"Yours Is No Disgrace" stands as a pivotal track in the Yes discography, notably opening their 1971 album, "The Yes Album." This nearly ten-minute composition is a testament to the band's burgeoning progressive rock style, showcasing the intricate musicianship and complex arrangements that would become their hallmark. The song's creation involved all five band members—Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Tony Kaye, and Bill Bruford—contributing to its layered sonic landscape. Steve Howe's guitar work, in particular, is a highlight, featuring a blend of staccato rhythms and soaring lead lines that add both tension and dynamism to the piece.  
Band:Yes
Genre:Progressive rock
Year:1971

Beyond its musical complexity, "Yours Is No Disgrace" also carries significant lyrical weight. It's often interpreted as an anti-war song, reflecting the socio-political climate of the time. Jon Anderson's lyrics contrast the realities of war with scenes of carefree indulgence, creating a poignant commentary on human experience. The song's structure, with its shifting moods and instrumental passages, allows for a deep exploration of these themes, making it a powerful and enduring piece within Yes's extensive catalog. Its consistent presence in Yes's live performances underscores its importance to both the band and their devoted fanbase.

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"Yours is No Disgrace"

About "Yes" 🡃
Category:All Time Favorite Music
Active:1968–1981, 1983–2004, 2009–present
Band:Yes
Genre:Progressive rock, Rock
Year:1971, 1972, 1974, 1980
#AllTimeFavoriteMusic #ProgressiveRock

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