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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[Top 5 Progressive Rock] Yes: Signature and Popular Songs (11–20)
I’ve Seen All Good PeopleYES
I’ve Seen All Good People begins with a beautiful chorus.
It appears on the 1971 release The Yes Album.
The song has two parts, and the first part, Your Move, was released as a single and became a hit.
Even today, it is known as one of YES’s most famous songs.
Its appeal lies in its bright harmonies and a sound that reflects influences from country rock and folk.
Although this was before YES had fully established their direction as a progressive rock band, it’s interesting that you can already sense prog-like elements.
Homeworld (The Ladder)YES
After experiencing member departures, hiatuses, and splits, YES resumed activity in the 1990s.
“Homeworld (The Ladder),” included on their 1999 album The Ladder, is a song crafted by vocalist Jon Anderson around themes such as science fiction and space, showcasing the grand, quintessential YES sound.
The album was produced by the renowned Bruce Fairbairn, known for his work with Bon Jovi and AC/DC.
He died of a heart attack during the final mixing of the album, and it is known as his posthumous work.
RitualYES
The track Ritual (Japanese title: Gishiki) closes out the sixth studio album, Tales from Topographic Oceans, released in 1973.
As its name suggests, it’s distinguished by an oriental, mystical sound driven by the timbre of the electric sitar and lyrics imbued with religious and philosophical overtones.
Crafted under a grand concept, this over-20-minute epic is packed with quintessential prog elements.
It’s a piece that lets you forget the real world and immerse yourself in a completely different worldview.
The Ancient (Giants Under The Sun)YES
The highly artistic and dreamlike track “The Ancient (Giants under the Sun)” appears on their sixth studio album, Tales from Topographic Oceans, released in 1973.
The album was inspired by Hindu scriptures that Jon Anderson read during YES’s tour of Japan.
Comprising four tracks of around 20 minutes each, it shows the band’s pursuit of even greater musical complexity.
Despite its challenging content, the album topped the UK charts for two weeks after its release—a testament to YES’s enduring popularity.
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.