Is Yesstory a good place to start with Yes?

Yes, Yesstory is recommended as a starting point for new Yes listeners. A sweeping journey through the expansive landscapes of progressive rock, showcasing intricate musicianship and ethereal melodies. Released in 1992, Yesstory marked a retrospective compilation for Yes during a transitional phase following their commercial peak in the 1980s. It came after the band had experienced significant lineup changes and shifts in musical style, as they sought to redefine their identity while celebrating their extensive catalog.

Yesstory works well if you're into dynamic progression with peaks, immersive two-half listening experience and wave-like pacing rewards attention.

How many songs are on Yesstory?

Yesstory has 20 tracks, running approximately 147 minutes.

Yesstory

Yes · 1992

147 min · 20 tracks · progressive rock

A sweeping journey through the expansive landscapes of progressive rock, showcasing intricate musicianship and ethereal melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Something's Coming Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Roundabout — This track exemplifies Yes's signature blend of complex arrangements and melodic hooks, showcasing their technical prowess and ability to engage listeners with dynamic shifts.
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Owner of a Lonely Heart — As one of their biggest commercial hits, this song highlights Yes's successful incorporation of pop sensibilities into their progressive rock foundation, marking a pivotal moment in their career.
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Close to the Edge — This ambitious track is a quintessential representation of progressive rock, featuring intricate structures and philosophical lyrics that exemplify the band's artistic vision.
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Heart of the Sunrise — The song showcases the band's emotive lyrical themes paired with powerful instrumentation, becoming a defining piece within their discography that resonates with both fans and critics alike.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

Yesstory compiles significant tracks that reflect Yes's musical journey but lacks the cohesion of a studio album.

What we noticed

Tracks are sequenced chronologically, reflecting the band's evolution over time, which creates a narrative arc through their career.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

dynamic progression with peaks
immersive two-half listening experience
wave-like pacing rewards attention
cathartic moments of musical release
intricate melodies for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

prefer short standalone tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — Compiles classic tracks, making it accessible for new listeners.
Themes: transitional identity· philosophical exploration· commercial peak nostalgia
Career context: Released in 1992, Yesstory marked a retrospective compilation for Yes during a transitional phase following their commercial peak in the 1980s. It came after the band had experienced significant lineup changes and shifts in musical style, as they sought to redefine their identity while celebrating their extensive catalog.
Stylistic neighbors: Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer