"Sun, smiling sun, through the cave of your hair / Wind washing tulips out of space sitting there / I love you, too"
Yes is easily my favorite album on the list so far. i'll just get right into it, if you'll allow me! i'm a really big fan of the guitar work. the influences that Yes had on later prog rock projects and even Yes's later work (lookin' at you, Roundabout) is clear. this isn't exactly prog rock: it's more like a mix of different genres. there's obvious prog rock influence, but there's also elements of more upbeat and high-energy rock and pop a la The Beatles but actually good. it feels to me like it might be more in line with the early 60s than the late 60s—unlike other prog rock acts like King Crimson or even bits and pieces of Queen. the whole album takes on an almost jazzy swing feel to it, especially songs like Looking Around and Beyond and Before. Harold Land in particular uses the keyboard as an almost guitar-like melodic instrument, even complete with recognizable riffs.
the album feels almost transatlantic: there's clear influences from both the united states and the united kingdom (although the band came from the latter). the transition into a slower sound during Harold Land and the subsequent transition back into the faster sound at the beginning of the song isn't jarring in the slightest and helps solidify the feel of the album as a predecessor to later prog rock projects. i really can't over how much i love the use of keyboard in particular throughout the album: it's a very distinct instrument that helps the album as a whole stand out. unfortunately, that same distinct sound kinda carries the album on its back. the instrumentation is wonderful and makes this incredibly unique and memorable sound, but it's overlaid with rather forgettable lyrics. jon anderson's voice in particular is not particularly noteworthy throughout the album, which is a shame compared to other albums of the same caliber released around the same time.
nevertheless, Yes is a fantastic album that i recommend you listen through if you get the chance. it's a wonderful piece of music that's definitely been overshadowed by Fragile due to Roundabout's being used in jojo's bizzare adventure. if you like that song then there's a 10000% chance you'll like the debut album of the band who made it. seriously, give this album a chance! it's great and charming in a very unique way.
