Any fans of YES?

I thought there were threads mentioning YES but when I try to search, nothing comes up.  Strange (did I miss something?).

Anyway, anyone into them?   I am venturing into their catalog beyond the usual albums.  Any songs or albums you would recommend beyond the obvious (early) popular ones?   

So far on my Spotify list I've placed the following in an "underrated Yes Songs" playlist:

The Ice Bridge (The Quest)
Shoot High, Aim Low  (Big Generator)
Awake  (Going For The One)
The Calling  (Talk)
State of Play  (Talk)
Changes  (90125)
Leave It  (90125)
Fly From Here, Part II:  Sad Night At The Airport  (Fly From Here: The Return Trip)

I LOVE this band. 

The Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge and Drama are all some of my absolute favorite albums.

Aside from their '69-'80 period, Talk and Fly From Here are the best IMO.

I haven't heard the last 2, so I can't comment on them yet.

No. But tbh, I don't think I've ever listened to them. I need to remedy this situation.

MagnusPrime wrote:Aside from their '69-'80 period, Talk and Fly From Here are the best IMO.

I haven't heard the last 2, so I can't comment on them yet.

I was listening to The Quest earlier today....after the opening song "The Ice Bridge" (which is really good) it gets really dull and saccharine and was hard to listen to, but I did not hear the whole thing yet.  Have not heard the album before or after it.

I did like the "Talk" album.  Have not heard "Fly From Here" yet.

I like some songs but I actually prefer the Trevor Rabin albums. The Quest is okay but I can't make it all the way through.

"Ice Bridge" ... definitely underrated

I also love "Survival" and "Tempus Fugit".

I toyed with the idea of recording a speed metal cover of "Heart of the Sunrise" and recorded the intro for fun.  Might revisit this one day.

Close to the Edge is an absolute masterpiece. Such weird melodies but it still flows together so naturally.

I’m not very familiar with their pure prog stuff… but I love the song “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. The quirky production and studio tricks were way ahead of its time. It’s also a very catchy song and forever memorable. Trevor Rabin had an incredible clean guitar tone (and a very unique and experimental style). 

I also like Roundabout. Chris Squire’s bass lines were amazing.


Yes’s album “90125” is great! Along with the first couple albums from The Fixx.

For the most part, I'm a hits guy. I tried digging deeper, but can't really get into them.

TZ75 wrote:Yes’s album “90125” is great! Along with the first couple albums from The Fixx.

When The Fixx hit the mark, they are brilliant.  Otherwise they have put out a lot of filler over the years too, which sort of tarnishes their legacy.   My favorite album of theirs is actually "Elemental."  It came out in 1998 and has been out of print for awhile due to CMC Records going under.   The album is a bit different for them - it's got more of a traditional rock groove and has a more varied sound and great production.   Great song-writing too.   It's not on Spotify ( a few songs are within a compilation) but it is on You Tube if you ever want to check it out.

deathisgain wrote:For the most part, I'm a hits guy. I tried digging deeper, but can't really get into them.

That's me as well.  I really dig "Round a Bout", "I've Seen All Good People", "Rhythm Of Love", nearly all of the 90210 album and a few others songs.  But I'm not a huge prog fan, so never got into them too much.

Staybrite wrote:

deathisgain wrote:For the most part, I'm a hits guy. I tried digging deeper, but can't really get into them.

the 90210 album

Is that anything like their 90125 album?

I don't think anything off of Fragile can be considered underrated, but songs don't get much better than "South Side of the Sky." 

"Into the Storm" off Fly From Here is a really good tune.  So is "Open Your Eyes."

Agree with the suggestions off of Talk along with "I Am Waiting."

"Siberian Khatru" really jams with a nice groove.

MagnusPrime wrote:

Staybrite wrote:

deathisgain wrote:For the most part, I'm a hits guy. I tried digging deeper, but can't really get into them.

the 90210 album

Is that anything like their 90125 album?

Oh gosh, what an idiot.  Someone stop that Staybrite character before he says something else dumb!