What does Union sound like?

A fusion of soaring melodies and intricate arrangements that blend the band's classic sound with contemporary influences. Rooted in progressive rock and art rock. Start with "I Would Have Waited Forever".

Is Union a good place to start with Yes?

Yes, Union is recommended as a starting point for new Yes listeners. A fusion of soaring melodies and intricate arrangements that blend the band's classic sound with contemporary influences. Released in 1991, Union marked Yes's return after a tumultuous period following the departure of several key members. This album attempted to unify different lineups from the band's history, featuring contributions from both classic members and newer collaborators.

Union works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Union?

Union has 15 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Union

Yes · 1991

69 min · 15 tracks · progressive rock

A fusion of soaring melodies and intricate arrangements that blend the band's classic sound with contemporary influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Would Have Waited Forever Start here — This opening track exemplifies the band's signature blend of complex time signatures and melodic hooks while exploring themes of patience and longing.
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Lift Me Up — A powerful anthem with uplifting lyrics, this track showcases strong vocal performances and serves as a testament to resilience amidst change.
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The More We Live - Let Go — This song encapsulates the essence of collaboration within the band, featuring intricate harmonies and a reflective message about letting go of the past.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

40 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

Union blends various eras of Yes's sound but struggles with cohesion and consistency.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth introduces a more upbeat rhythm that contrasts with the preceding songs.
The album features vocal harmonies that shift between different members, creating a varied texture across the tracks.

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

Influence 3/10

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
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Attempts to blend various eras of Yes's sound, showcasing a diverse approach.
Themes: musical collaboration· 90s rock revival· longing for unity
Career context: Released in 1991, Union marked Yes's return after a tumultuous period following the departure of several key members. This album attempted to unify different lineups from the band's history, featuring contributions from both classic members and newer collaborators.
Stylistic neighbors: Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Lift Me Up

The chorus shifts into an uplifting declaration of strength and support, resonating with a sense of hope.

This moment contrasts earlier verses filled with doubt, creating a dynamic uplift that emphasizes the thematic journey from despair to empowerment.