The Ultimate Yes: 35th Anniversary Collection cover

The Ultimate Yes: 35th Anniversary Collection

Yes · 2003

179 min · 31 tracks · progressive rock

A sweeping anthology that showcases Yes's evolution through intricate arrangements and dynamic melodies across decades of progressive rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    Time and a Word Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Roundabout — The track exemplifies Yes's signature sound with its complex structure, blending intricate guitar work with harmonious vocals, making it a defining anthem of progressive rock.
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    I've Seen All Good People — This song showcases the band's ability to merge lyrical storytelling with vibrant instrumentation, encapsulating the essence of their early 70s style and appeal.
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    Owner of a Lonely Heart — As one of their most commercially successful singles, this track melds pop sensibilities with progressive elements, highlighting the band's adaptability in the evolving music scene of the 1980s.
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    Heart of the Sunrise — With its dramatic shifts between powerful crescendos and delicate passages, this song is a hallmark of Yes's artistic ambition, epitomizing their innovative approach to composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 14% of albums we've rated

This compilation highlights Yes's evolution but lacks the cohesive narrative of a traditional album.

What we noticed

  • The album features a chronological selection of tracks from Yes's discography, spanning their early work to later hits.
  • Several tracks are presented in edited or remixed forms, such as 'America' and 'Owner of a Lonely Heart', which alters their original structure.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration of themes
  • wave-like pacing throughout
  • sweeping melodies for reflection
  • extended tracks for deep immersion
  • acoustic versions for intimate moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A comprehensive collection that introduces new listeners to Yes's influential career.
Themes
1970s progressive evolution· acoustic reinterpretations· musical legacy celebration
Career context
Released in 2003, The Ultimate Yes: 35th Anniversary Collection comes as a retrospective celebration during a period of renewed interest in classic progressive rock. The compilation includes pivotal tracks from their extensive catalog, marking the band's enduring legacy as they navigated lineup changes and evolving musical landscapes since their formation in 1968.
Stylistic neighbors
Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer
New to Yes? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Time and a Word Start here 4:33
  • 2 Starship Trooper 9:29
  • 3 Yours Is No Disgrace 9:42
  • 4 I’ve Seen All Good People 6:56
  • 5 Roundabout 8:32
  • 6 Long Distance Runaround 3:33
  • 7 Heart of the Sunrise 10:37
  • 8 South Side of the Sky 7:55
  • 9 And You and I 10:08
  • 10 America (single edit) 4:11
  • 11 Wonderous Stories 3:49

Disc 2

  • 1 Siberian Khatru 8:56
  • 2 Soon (new edit) 5:45
  • 3 Going for the One 5:31
  • 4 Don’t Kill the Whale 3:57
  • 5 Tempus Fugit 5:16
  • 6 Owner of a Lonely Heart 4:27
  • 7 Leave It 4:14
  • 8 It Can Happen (single edit) 4:18
  • 9 Rhythm of Love 4:52
  • 10 Big Generator (remix) 3:39
  • 11 Lift Me Up 6:30
  • 12 The Calling (single edit) 4:40
  • 13 Open Your Eyes 5:15
  • 14 Homeworld (The Ladder) (radio edit) 4:40
  • 15 Magnification 7:19

Disc 3

  • 1 Roundabout (acoustic) 4:18
  • 2 Show Me 3:38
  • 3 South Side of the Sky (acoustic) 4:28
  • 4 Australia (solo acoustic) 4:12
  • 5 New World Symphony 3:33

What to play next

Fly from Here
Listen next

Fly from Here

2011

Continues the rich progressive sound with fresh elements and engaging compositions.
Magnification
Go back to

Magnification

2001

Serves as a bridge with orchestral influences and a similar vibe to the current collection.
Full Yes discography Where to start with Yes Artists like Yes Which Yes albums to start with
art rock progressive rock symphonic rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Selling England by the Pound

Selling England by the Pound

Genesis

Shares intricate melodies and theatrical storytelling within the progressive rock landscape.

The Snow Goose

The Snow Goose

Camel

Features lush instrumental compositions and a strong narrative, echoing Yes's melodic sophistication.

Moving Pictures

Moving Pictures

Rush

Combines complex arrangements with dynamic rhythms, showcasing a similar evolution in progressive rock.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata