Though Yes's name quickly became synonymous with '70s prog rock, their 1969 debut is a far cry from the epic vistas they would later explore. Like many '60s bands, they covered the Byrds (the metaphysical "I See You") and the Beatles ("Every Little Thing"). Inspired by the likes of Vanilla Fudge and Rotary Connection, they turned these songs inside out, radically changing the tempos and creating their own elaborate arrangements. The end results often bore little similarity to the songs' original versions.
Guitarist Peter Banks (who eventually formed the very Yes-like aggregation Flash with Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye) has a much less cerebral approach than his successor Steve Howe. Though not as facile, Banks is alternately subtle and jazzy ("I See You") and electrifyingly riff-oriented ("Looking Around"). All the elements that would soon make Yes a household name were already in place, but YES is the sound of a great band gearing up for greater things. It's nevertheless an ultimately substantive and satisfying debut.
2003 remastered reissue of 1969 debut album includes six bonus tracks, 'Everydays' (Single Version), 'Dear Father' (Early Version #2), 'Something's Coming', 'Everydays' (Early Version), 'Dear Father' (Early Version #1), & 'Something's Coming' (Early Version). Elektra/Rhino.
Originally released on Atlantic (8243).
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Recorded at Advision and Trident Studios, London, England in Spring 1969.
Yes: Jon Anderson (vocals, percussion); Peter Banks (guitar, background vocals); Tony Kaye (piano, organ); Chris Squire (bass, background vocals); Bill Bruford (drums, vibraphone).
Personnel: Peter Banks (vocals, guitar); Jon Anderson (vocals, percussion); Chris Squire (vocals); Tony Kaye (piano, organ); Bill Bruford (vibraphone, drums).
Audio Remasterers: Dan Hersch; Bill Inglot.
Liner Note Authors: Mike Tiano; Tony Wilson .
Recording information: Advision Studios, London, England (1969); Trident Studios, London, England (1969).
Photographer: David Gahr.
Yes: John Anderson (vocals, percussion); Peter Banks (guitar, background vocals); Tony Kaye (piano, organ); Chris Squire (bass, background vocals); Bill Bruford (drums, vibraphone).
Great music Great early music of Yes. It shows the listener how this unique band's music has progressed over the years. Submitted by chetdavs (Old Town, Maine) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Yes beginnings A very good version of early Yes. Still one of the best recordings of 1969. Submitted by lexter13 (Iowa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
An interesting beginning for a great band Yes (the album), the first effort by the prog rock band, offers hints of the grand harmonies and arrangements which would soon follow their more popular works (Fragile, Close to the Edge).
The guitar and bass work are edgy, almost grunge-like on songs like "Beyond and Before" and "Every Little Thing", while more dated tunes such as "Survival" and "Sweetness" remind you that this is essentially a late sixties album with touches of brilliance, especially on "I See You".
Bruford's jazz drumming takes a front seat on most of the tunes, and Tony Kaye's Hammond organ licks are well-placed. It's too bad it wasn't produced as well as it could have been, but for a first album it's not all bad.
The bonus tracks on the remastered edition don't offer much, although "Something's Coming" is somewhat entertaining. Submitted by a reviewer (Lake Mary, FL 32746) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
unique debut The original line up with Peter Banks on guitar crafted a sound that is like no other, even other albums by Yes. When you hear this you'll know where Steve Howe got a good piece of his guitar sound from. Excellent arrangments and vocals, their version of everydays is better than Buffalo Springfields. Loaded with bonus tracks that stand on their own, rather than useless filler. This disc is loaded- nearly 80 minutes of superb music for a great price. Over time this has become a favorite, regardless of what critics or even the band themselves think about it...I like every song on it, there is an energy and a sound here that no other studio yes record has. Rhino did a fine job with the remastering and packaging as well. review by Chris Henrici Submitted by a reviewer (washington, DC) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Cant get enough of YES! I really havent listened to the band as long as most YES fans, maybe four years tops, but let me tell you, there is not a day that goes by that I dont listen to at least one YES song. The world would just be too bland. This album is a great start to a great career for YES. I would put this album up against any other that came out in 1969. If you love to get away from the boring stuff everyone else puts out in the world, than start buying some YES, cuase you cant go wrong!!!! Submitted by J.T. (Indiana) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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An interesting beginning for a great band
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