Is Tormato a good place to start with Yes?

Yes, Tormato is recommended as a starting point for new Yes listeners. A vibrant blend of progressive rock intricacies and melodic accessibility, reflecting a transitional phase for the band. Released on September 20, 1978, Tormato was Yes's eighth studio album and followed the commercially successful Going for the One. This album marked a pivotal moment as the band's experimentation with sound began to clash with their earlier progressive roots, signifying a shift towards a more radio-friendly approach amidst internal tensions and lineup changes.

Tormato works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, layered, dense sonic textures and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Tormato?

Tormato has 7 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Tormato

Yes · 1978

34 min · 7 tracks · progressive rock

A vibrant blend of progressive rock intricacies and melodic accessibility, reflecting a transitional phase for the band.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Future Times / Rejoice Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Don't Kill the Whale — This track stands out by merging catchy hooks with a poignant environmental message, showcasing Yes's ability to address serious topics within their music.
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Onward — A reflective ballad, this song highlights the band's softer side while encapsulating themes of hope and resilience, making it a fan favorite.
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Release, Release — With its dynamic shifts and intricate arrangements, this track exemplifies the band's progressive roots while introducing an emotional intensity that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

42 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate arrangements with accessible melodies but lacks strong cohesion throughout.

What we noticed

Each track varies significantly in tempo and mood, with 'Madrigal' presenting a softer, more melodic contrast to the heavier 'Release, Release'.
The final track, 'On the Silent Wings of Freedom', features an extended instrumental section that showcases the band's progressive rock roots.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

long, immersive listening sessions
layered, dense sonic textures
dynamic emotional journeys
reflective and contemplative moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a transitional phase with bold thematic explorations and musical experimentation.
Themes: environmental awareness· radio-friendly experimentation· internal band tensions
Career context: Released on September 20, 1978, Tormato was Yes's eighth studio album and followed the commercially successful Going for the One. This album marked a pivotal moment as the band's experimentation with sound began to clash with their earlier progressive roots, signifying a shift towards a more radio-friendly approach amidst internal tensions and lineup changes.
Stylistic neighbors: Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer