What is the best Yes album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Fragile" (1971). It's the most representative of what makes Yes worth hearing.

What are the best Yes albums?

The essential Yes albums include "Symphonic Live", "Yes: Live – 1975 at Q.P.R.", "The Word Is Live", "Yes" (1969) and "Time and a Word" (1970).

How many albums does Yes have?

Yes has 98 releases in their discography, including 37 albums and 2 EPs.

Photo: Rick Dikeman · CC BY-SA 3.0

Yes

Q: Who is Yes for?

If you're into progressive rock and art rock, Yes is worth your time. A tapestry of intricate melodies and shifting rhythms creates a dense auditory landscape that pulls listeners into its evolving textures.

A tapestry of intricate melodies and shifting rhythms creates a dense auditory landscape that pulls listeners into its evolving textures.

art rock · progressive rock · symphonic rock

United Kingdom Est. 1968

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Start here

The album

Fragile (1971)

Represents Yes's signature sound with intricate melodies and diverse styles, providing a cohesive listening experience that's approachable for newcomers.

The song

“Roundabout”

Features an engaging hook and showcases the band's distinctive blend of progressive rock elements, making it a solid introduction to their style.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Yours Is No Disgrace" — from Union Live (2011)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Owner of a Lonely Heart" — from 90125 (1983)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Close to the Edge: i. The Solid Time of Change / ii. Total Mass Retain / iii. I Get Up I Get Down / iv. Seasons of Man" — from 50 Live (2019)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Yours Is No Disgrace" — from The Yes Album (1971)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Going for the One" — from Like It Is: Yes at the Bristol Hippodrome (2014)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Parallels" — from Yesshows (1980)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Yes

Yes has carved a crucial niche in the evolution of rock music, serving as a bridge between the grandiosity of classical composition and the visceral energy of rock.

Their ambitious soundscapes and intricate arrangements have not only challenged conventional songwriting but also opened doors for countless artists seeking to elevate their craft beyond traditional pop formats. By prioritizing musicianship and thematic depth, Yes has significantly influenced how rock can embrace complexity while still resonating with audiences. The band's innovative approach lies in their elaborate song structures and virtuosic performances, which often incorporate shifting time signatures and expansive instrumental passages. This commitment to artistry fosters an immersive listening experience that transforms concerts into explorative journeys. The seamless interplay among band members creates a dynamic synergy, allowing for spontaneous moments that captivate audiences and reinforce the communal aspect of live music. Lyrically, Yes frequently explores themes of transcendence, nature, and human experience, often blending poetic abstraction with evocative imagery. Their writing tends to balance sincerity with an impressionistic quality that invites interpretation, prompting listeners to engage deeply. The tone varies from uplifting to introspective, while storytelling elements interweave with philosophical musings, creating layers of meaning that resonate on multiple levels.

37 studio albums· 98 total releases· 5 decades· United Kingdom