Yes is a London-based English progressive rock band that was formed in 1968 and is considered one of the first bands in the progressive rock genre. Over the decades, the band has had several established members with 20 full-time members in total. They had a prominent lineup which included: lead vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and drummers Bill Bruford and Alan White. Regardless of the changes to the roster, Yes maintained bits of identity such ambitious musical compositions and intricate arrangements that were unique in the rock world.
Founded after Jon Anderson met Chris Squire from Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, Yes differentiated themselves through their use of classical stylistic elements that featured vocal harmonic arrangements. Soon after, the remaining part was formed with guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Bill Bruford. Their debut came in 1968 under the same name “Yes” where they performed a combination of original songs and covers. Following that, they released their two albums Yes (1969) and Time and a Word (1970) which fantastically incorporated elements of psychedelic rock as well as symphonic components, but it took until 1970 after Howe replaced Banks for the band to really begin working on their signature style.
Yes gained recognition and acclaim with the release of successful albums. These include: The Yes Album in 1971, followed by Fragile, and later Closing to the Edge in 1972. These records contained intricately long tracks that blended classical music, jazz improvisation, and advanced keyboardist Rick Wakeman’s virtuosity. The band’s double album released in 1973 titled, ‘Tales from Topographic Oceans’ was rooted in Hindu scripture, and though it was very ambitious some members of the band found it divisive. Following this, Wakeman left and was replaced by Patrick Moraz who worked on the album ‘Relayer’ in 1974.
During the late 1970s , the band’s focus shifted to more accessible sounds. Wakeman rejoined for ‘Going for the One’ in 1977 and ‘Tormato’ in 1978, which both achieved commercial success. Despite this, the band struggled with differing internal tensions and underlying musical disagreements, which resulted in multiple lineup changes as well as the temporary suspension of the band after the release of ‘Drama’ in 1980 which featured The Buggles’ Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes.
Yes made a re-entrance in 1983 with a new style,\revamped under the guidance of guitarist Trevor Rabin. The album 90125 marked a dramatic shift towards more radio-friendly sounds and featured the band’s only U.S. Number one single “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” During this period of success, sometimes called Yes-West, was followed by Big Generator in 1987. However, an 1989 reunion project featuring Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, and Howe led to the controversial Union album in 1991. This album merged both lineups for a large scale tour but the album was criticized for its lack of cohesiveness.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Yes released a mix of new studio albums including Talk, The Ladder, and Magnification. The band did several tours during this period and underwent frequent lineup changes. Squire, who passed away in 2015, was the only consistent member during this period and was instrumental in keeping the band active. Anderson was replaced by Benoît David and later Jon Davison as the lead vocalist in the 2000s and 2010s. During this time, keyboardist Geoff Downes returned to the band and after Squire’s death, Billy Sherwood, took over bass duties.
Yes completed full-scale performances of most of their classic albums during the 2010’s and have released these albums: Fly from Here (2011), Heaven & Earth (2014), The Quest (2021), and Mirror to the Sky (2023). Yes received an award in 2017 for being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which solidified their legacy in rock music. Yes is still on tour as of 2023 with Howe, Downes, Sherwood, Davison and drummer Jay Schellen.
Top Songs
- Roundabout – A standout track from Fragile, known for its complex structure and iconic bass intro.
- Owner of a Lonely Heart – From 90125, Yes’s biggest hit and only U.S. #1 single.
- I’ve Seen All Good People – A fan favorite that highlights their harmonic style.
- And You and I – A multi-part suite showcasing their progressive and symphonic leanings.
- Long Distance Runaround – A staple of their live shows and a showcase of their technical prowess.
- Starship Trooper – A three-part composition from The Yes Album that became a live staple.
- Heart of the Sunrise – Another highlight from Fragile, celebrated for its dynamic shifts.
- Leave It – A hit from 90125, notable for its layered vocal harmonies.
- Changes – Featuring a mix of Rabin’s guitar work and Anderson’s vocal performance.
- Going for the One – A powerful track blending rock with classical influences.
Discography (Studio Albums)
- Yes (1969)
- Time and a Word (1970)
- The Yes Album (1971)
- Fragile (1971)
- Close to the Edge (1972)
- Tales from Topographic Oceans (1973)
- Relayer (1974)
- Going for the One (1977)
- Tormato (1978)
- Drama (1980)
- 90125 (1983)
- Big Generator (1987)
- Union (1991)
- Talk (1994)
- Keys to Ascension (1996)
- Keys to Ascension 2 (1997)
- Open Your Eyes (1997)
- The Ladder (1999)
- Magnification (2001)
- Fly from Here (2011)
- Heaven & Earth (2014)
- The Quest (2021)
- Mirror to the Sky (2023)
Top Albums
- Fragile (1971) – Featuring “Roundabout” and individual solo pieces; their first major U.S. success.
- Close to the Edge (1972) – Widely considered their masterpiece of progressive rock.
- 90125 (1983) – Their most commercially successful album, blending pop and rock with prog elements.
- The Yes Album (1971) – Marked a turning point with the addition of Steve Howe.
- Going for the One (1977) – A strong comeback with Rick Wakeman returning on keys.
- Tales from Topographic Oceans (1973) – Ambitious and polarizing, a defining work of the prog era.
- Drama (1980) – Showcased a new wave influence and remains a fan favorite.
Awards
- Grammy Award (1985) – Best Rock Instrumental Performance for “Cinema”.
- Grammy Nomination – Multiple nominations, including Best Rock Performance and Best Pop Performance.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Inducted in 2017, honoring their classic-era members.
- Platinum Certifications – Fragile, Close to the Edge, Going for the One, and 90125 achieved multi-platinum or platinum status.
- VH1 Ranking – #94 on their “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock”.
Song List
| Beyond and Before |
| I See You |
| Yesterday and Today |
| Looking Around |
| Harold Land |
| Every Little Thing |
| Sweetness |
| Survival |
| No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed |
| Then |
| Everydays |
| Sweet Dreams |
| The Prophet |
| Clear Days |
| Astral Traveller |
| Time and a Word |
| Yours Is No Disgrace |
| The Clap |
| Starship Trooper |
| I’ve Seen All Good People |
| A Venture |
| Perpetual Change |
| Roundabout |
| Cans and Brahms |
| We Have Heaven |
| South Side of the Sky |
| Five Per Cent for Nothing |
| Long Distance Runaround |
| The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) |
| Mood for a Day |
| Heart of the Sunrise |
| Close to the Edge |
| And You and I |
| Siberian Khatru |
| The Revealing Science of God (Dance of the Dawn) |
| The Remembering (High the Memory) |
| The Ancient (Giants Under the Sun) |
| Ritual (Nous sommes du soleil) |
| The Gates of Delirium |
| Sound Chaser |
| To Be Over |
| Going for the One |
| Turn of the Century |
| Parallels |
| Wonderous Stories |
| Awaken |
| Future Times / Rejoice |
| Don’t Kill the Whale |
| Madrigal |
| Release, Release |
| Arriving UFO |
| Circus of Heaven |
| Onward |
| On the Silent Wings of Freedom |
| Machine Messiah |
| White Car |
| Does It Really Happen? |
| Into the Lens |
| Run Through the Light |
| Tempus Fugit |
| Owner of a Lonely Heart |
| Hold On |
| It Can Happen |
| Changes |
| Cinema |
| Leave It |
| Our Song |
| City of Love |
| Hearts |
| Rhythm of Love |
| Big Generator |
| Shoot High Aim Low |
| Almost Like Love |
| Love Will Find a Way |
| Final Eyes |
| I’m Running |
| Holy Lamb (Song for Harmonic Convergence) |
| I Would Have Waited Forever |
| Shock to the System |
| Masquerade |
| Lift Me Up |
| Without Hope You Cannot Start the Day |
| Saving My Heart |
| Miracle of Life |
| Silent Talking |
| The More We Live – Let Go |
| Angkor Wat |
| Dangerous (Look in the Light of What You’re Searching For) |
| Holding On |
| Evangeline |
| The Calling |
| I Am Waiting |
| Real Love |
| State of Play |
| Walls |
| Where Will You Be |
| Be the One |
| That, That Is |
| Mind Drive |
| Foot Prints |
| Bring Me to the Power |
| Children of Light |
| Sign Language |
| New State of Mind |
| Open Your Eyes |
| Universal Garden |
| No Way We Can Lose |
| Fortune Seller |
| Man in the Moon |
| Wonderlove |
| From the Balcony |
| Love Shine |
| Somehow, Someday |
| The Solution |
| Homeworld (The Ladder) |
| It Will Be a Good Day (The River) |
| Lightning Strikes |
| Can I? |
| Face to Face |
| If Only You Knew |
| To Be Alive (Hep Yadda) |
| Finally |
| The Messenger |
| New Language |
| Nine Voices (Longwalker) |
| Magnification |
| Spirit of Survival |
| Don’t Go |
| Give Love Each Day |
| Can You Imagine |
| We Agree |
| Soft as a Dove |
| Dreamtime |
| In the Presence Of |
| Deeper |
| The Solution (Hidden Track) |
| Fly from Here – Overture |
| Fly from Here Pt I – We Can Fly |
| Fly from Here Pt II – Sad Night at the Airfield |
| Fly from Here Pt III – Madman at the Screens |
| Fly from Here Pt IV – Bumpy Ride |
| Fly from Here Pt V – We Can Fly (Reprise) |
| The Man You Always Wanted Me to Be |
| Life on a Film Set |
| Hour of Need |
| Solitaire |
| Into the Storm |
| Believe Again |
| The Game |
| Step Beyond |
| To Ascend |
| In a World of Our Own |
| Light of the Ages |
| It Was All We Knew |
| Subway Walls |
| The Ice Bridge |
| Dare to Know |
| Minus the Man |
| Leave Well Alone |
| All Connected |
| Cut from the Stars |