Yes is an English progressive rock band that was formed in London in 1968. The band’s original lineup consisted of singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Bill Bruford. Over the years, the band has had numerous lineup changes, with over 19 musicians being part of the group at various times.
Yes is known for their elaborate songs, mystical lyrics, and live stage sets. Their music blends rock with classical, folk, and jazz elements, making them one of the pioneers of the progressive rock genre. They are particularly well-known for their use of complex song structures, intricate harmonies, and their incorporation of symphonic elements into their sound.
Best YES Songs
18- Yes – Tempus Fugit
17- Yes- To Be Over
16- Yes – Changes
I look into the mirror
I see no happiness
All the warmth I gave you
Has turned to emptiness
The love we had has fallen
The love we used to share
You have left me here believing
In love that wasn’t there
15- Yes – Wonderous Stories
14- Yes – Perpetual Change
13- Yes – Long Distance Runaround
Cold summer listening
Hot colour melting the anger to stone
I still remember the dream there
I still remember the time you said goodbye
Did we really tell lies
Letting in the sunshine
Did we really count to one hundred
12- Yes- The Revealing Science of God
11- Yes- South Side of the Sky
10- Yes – Awaken
Wish the sun to stand still.
Reaching out to touch our own being
Past a mortal as we
Here we can be
We can be here.
9- Yes- I’ve Seen all Good People
Another standout track from “The Yes Album” (1971), it’s actually a suite of two songs: “Your Move” and “All Good People.”
8- Yes – Siberian Khatru
7- Yes- Owner of a Lonely Heart
– From the 1983 album “90125,” this song marked a departure from their traditional progressive rock sound, embracing more of a pop-rock approach. It’s
6- Yes – And You And I
Another standout track from “Close to the Edge,” this song is known for its intricate arrangement and philosophical lyrics.
I listened hard but could not see
Life tempo change out and inside me
The preacher trained in all to lose his name
The teacher travels, asking to be shown the same
In the end, we’ll agree, we’ll accept, we’ll immortalize
That the truth of the man maturing in his eyes
All complete in the sight of seeds of life with you
5- Yes – Starship Trooper
This multi-part composition from “The Yes Album” showcases the band’s virtuosic musicianship and complex songwriting.
4- Yes- The Gates of Delirium
3- Yes – Heart of the Sunrise
From “Fragile,” this song showcases the band’s skill in creating dynamic contrasts and managing the flow of complex, multi-section compositions.
Straight light moving and removing
Sharpness of the color sun shine
Straight light searching all the meanings of the song
Long last treatment of the telling that
Relates to all the words sung
Dreamer easy in the chair that really fits you
2- Yes – Roundabout
From the 1971 album “Fragile,” this song is perhaps their most recognized track and is known for its distinctive opening guitar riff.
Along the drifting cloud
The eagle searching down on the land
Catching the swirling wind
The sailor sees the rim of the land
The eagle’s dancing wings
Create as weather spins out of hand
1- Yes – Close To The Edge
The title track from their 1972 album, this 18-minute epic is broken up into four sections and is considered a landmark of the progressive rock genre.
Close to the edge, down by the river
Down at the end, round by the corner
Seasons will pass you by
Now that it’s all over and done
Called to the seed, right to the sun
Now that you find, now that you’re whole
Seasons will pass you by
I get up, I get down
