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Top 5 Progressive Rock: Yes – Signature and Popular Songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Composer/arranger, guitarist, and bloggerSaitō Ayumu
I started playing guitar in elementary school, and in junior high and high school I played the horn in the concert band. In college I became engrossed in composing and began using DTM. These days, I provide songs to artists as a composer, run a blog under the name “Sakki,” and post music lesson videos on YouTube. My musical roots are in rock, but I also love dance music!

Among the progressive rock bands that Britain proudly boasts, Yes stands out as one of the so-called “Big Four” or “Top Five” of prog, having achieved global success with their powerful yet symphonic ensemble underpinned by advanced technique, artwork that exudes aesthetic sensibility, mystical lyrics, and beautiful melodies.

Over their long career, the band has undergone many lineup changes and even explored more pop-oriented directions at times, so it may take some persistence for newcomers to trace their illustrious history.

In this article, we introduce a number of Yes’s wonderful and representative classic songs.

We hope this serves as a gateway for you to discover their music!

[Top 5 Progressive Rock] Yes: Signature and Popular Songs (11–20)

Starship TrooperYES

Starship Trooper: a. Life Seeker, b. Disillusion, c. Würm (2008 Remaster)

Starship TrooperYES

Their third album, The Yes Album, released in 1971.

With this record, YES moved away from the art rock and psychedelic rock sound of their early days and fully evolved into progressive rock.

One track on the album, Starship Trooper, is an expansive piece running just over nine minutes, divided into three parts.

Remarkably, Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, and Chris Squire each composed a different section.

You can really sense their determined effort to boldly take on the then-novel genre of prog.

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To Be OverYES

To Be Over by Yes in HD

To Be OverYES

After keyboardist Rick Wakeman left due to musical differences, Yes released their seventh studio album, Relayer, in 1974.

The track To Be Over included on the album was inspired by the boathouse on the lake in London’s Hyde Park.

Influenced by new member Patrick Moraz, it features a mix of fusion and jazz elements, resulting in an ethereal and grand piece that is quintessentially Yes.

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Time and a WordYES

Yes – Time and a Word

Time and a WordYES

The title track “Time and a Word,” included on their second album of the same name released in 1970.

It features a rock sound that strongly reflects the influence of popular bands of the time—like the Beatles and Traffic—before YES transitioned into a full-fledged progressive rock band.

It also incorporates elements of art rock, such as the use of orchestral sounds, in an effort to add artistic dimensions to rock.

It’s a song that lets you feel YES’s evolutionary journey, transforming from art rock roots into progressive rock.

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Rhythm of LoveYES

Yes – Rhythm Of Love (Official Music Video)

Rhythm of LoveYES

A track from YES’s second album after their comeback (the 12th overall), Big Generator, which was released in September 1987.

The album was produced following the success of its predecessor, 90125, but the process was fraught with difficulties, including the departure of Trevor Horn—who had also produced the previous album—partway through.

The producer role was instead handled by guitarist Trevor Rabin.

In terms of sound and direction, I think it further refines the pop, modern, and concise pop-song approach established on 90125, achieving a higher level of polish.

However, due to the troubled production, the release was pushed back by nearly a year from the original plan, and perhaps because of that, it didn’t match the sales of its predecessor.

Even so, listening again now, the sound design fully showcases Trevor Rabin’s technical and versatile guitar work and skillful harmonies, and I have no doubt it’s a timeless classic!

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Yours Is No DisgraceYES

Yours Is No Disgrace (2008 Remaster)

Yours Is No DisgraceYES

In 1971, with The Yes Album, YES moved away from their earlier art rock and fully transitioned into progressive rock.

The first track on the album is Yours Is No Disgrace.

It’s YES’s first anti-war song, with lyrics contrasting soldiers suffering and fighting in the Vietnam War with people partying in Las Vegas, expressing the sentiment that “the war is not your young people’s fault.” The album also features the brilliant playing of guitarist Steve Howe, who joined for this record and would go on to have a major impact on the band’s sound!

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