Yes, Yes's debut album from 1969
A good album that certainly holds great historical value, being the first album from a great band.
The initial lineup remained the same until the subsequent Time and a Word, and still featured Peter Banks on guitar.
A truly good first album, whose overall sound and especially vocals already reveal what Yes could become, particularly with the song "Harold Land." In some of its moods, I consider it a splendid debut.
"Le Melodie" is influenced by the great bands of the time, particularly the Beatles and the Byrds, but with already top-notch harmonies and a wealth of rhythm and power in the performances. An already solid album.
The complexity of the later albums isn't there yet; the changes and the great masterpieces will come later, with Steve Howe replacing Peter Banks on The Yes Album, and then later with Rick Wakeman replacing Tony Kaye on the immense Fragile. The rest is history.
It's, however, a sunnier album that delivers positive emotions. And it's beautiful to listen to.
So I recommend it, not only for the album's historical value or as a way to complete your Yes collection, which are also excellent reasons, but simply because it's truly beautiful.
So: recommended!
Tracklist
1. Beyond and Before (4:50)
2. I See You (6:33)
3. Yesterday and Today (2:37)
4. Looking Around (3:49)
5. Harold Land (5:26)
6. Every Little Thing (5:24)
7. Sweetness (4:19)
8. Survival (6:01)
Duration 38:59
Line-Up
- Jon Anderson - lead vocals, percussion
- Peter Banks - guitars, vocals
- Tony Kaye - Hammond organ, piano
- Chris Squire - bass, vocals
- Bill Bruford - drums, vibraphone
