Yesterdays
Yes · 1975
45 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
A reflective collection blending symphonic rock with intimate lyricism, showcasing the band's early explorations in sound and emotion.
Top tracks — play these first
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America Start here — This track stands out as an ambitious reimagining of Simon & Garfunkel's original, transforming it into a sprawling, orchestral journey that epitomizes Yes' progressive vision.
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Survival — As one of the original compositions, this song captures the essence of youthful determination and features intricate harmonies and dynamic shifts typical of Yes' style.
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Dear Father — This track is significant for its poignant lyrical exploration of familial relationships, combined with atmospheric instrumentation that highlights the emotional depth prevalent in Yes' work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends old and new material but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a cover of 'America', which features intricate guitar work and layered harmonies, setting a reflective tone.
- Tracks alternate between previously released material and new compositions, creating a juxtaposition of familiar and fresh sounds.
- Several tracks, such as 'Time and a Word' and 'Survival', incorporate orchestral arrangements that enhance the symphonic rock elements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- wave-like dynamics with resolution
- reflective moments of lush melodies
- engaging narratives through intricate arrangements
- thoughtful listening during quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, immediate tracks
- dislike lengthy song explorations
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A reflective collection showcasing evolving sound but not a standout entry point.
- Themes
- familial relationships· orchestral journeys
- Career context
- Released on February 28, 1975, 'Yesterdays' is Yes' fourth album, coming off the commercial success of their previous release 'Close to the Edge.' This album represents a transitional phase for the band as they began to delve deeper into more complex musical arrangements and personal themes, moving away from their earlier straightforward rock sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Tracklist
- 1 America Start here 10:36
- 2 Looking Around 4:05
- 3 Time and a Word 4:34
- 4 Sweet Dreams 3:52
- 5 Then 5:50
- 6 Survival 6:24
- 7 Astral Traveller 5:57
- 8 Dear Father 4:21
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Selling England by the Pound
Genesis
Both explore intricate arrangements and personal themes with a blend of orchestral and rock elements.
The Snow Goose
Camel
Features lush instrumental passages and a reflective narrative, echoing symphonic rock's emotional depth.
Larks' Tongues in Aspic
King Crimson
Shares a complex musical structure and thematic introspection, merging symphonic elements with progressive rock.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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