Top 5 Progressive Rock: Yes – Signature and Popular Songs
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!
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[The Big 5 of Prog] Yes – Signature and Popular Songs (21–30)
Brother of MineAnderson Bruford Wakeman Howe
Vocalist Jon Anderson, who left the band because he disliked Yes’s pop direction, gathered members who had previously been in Yes in 1988 to recreate the band’s 1970s musical style.
Although they couldn’t use the name “Yes” due to rights issues, the band Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe effectively operated as Yes.
From this track on their sole album, “Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe” (released in Japan as “Senkō”), you can clearly sense the aroma of 1970s progressive rock.
Going For The OneYES
The album produced after keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who had temporarily left, returned is 1977’s “Going for the One.” The track that opens the album starts with an intro that’s almost like surf rock, but once it enters the A section, it’s quintessential Yes.
You can only admire their mastery of structure.
Into The LensYES
A track from the 1980 studio album Drama.
It’s one of the works on which Jon Anderson does not handle vocals.
The quietly sung opening phrase leaves a strong impression, and the gradual build in layers and intensity draws you in.
The beautiful harmonies also help give the song a vivid, blossoming quality.
Owner Of Lonley HeartYES
Yes is a British rock band that helped lay the foundation of progressive rock and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
“Owner of a Lonely Heart,” the title track from their 1983 album, was used in Japan in commercials for Nissan Basara, Sanyo’s eneloop, and UCC Ueshima Coffee’s Clear.
Its simple yet unforgettable introductory guitar riff delivers the perfect impact to kick off the album.
If you play guitar, it’s a highly addictive rock tune you’ll definitely want to try covering.
Endress DreamYES
It’s a complex piece from the 1994 album Talk, in which tense sections and more relaxed passages unfold in alternation.
There was a theory that it was a sequel to the band’s signature song “Close to the Edge,” but that is said not to be true.
Even so, this superbly constructed track can rightly be considered a signature song of Yes in the 1990s.
Don’t Kill The WhaleYES
It’s a bright-sounding track with a restrained technical vibe for Yes.
Still, when you hear the brilliantly constructed solo section, you realize it’s a piece only Yes could create.
It’s included on the 1978 album Tormato.
Open Your EyesYES
This is the title track from the 1997 album Open Your Eyes.
On this song, Steve Porcaro of TOTO appears as a guest, stepping in for departing keyboardist Rick Wakeman.
As a huge Yes fan, Steve delivers a performance brimming with his love for the band, making it a track you can truly enjoy.