250. Yes - Close To The Edge

Release Date: 1972
Label: Atlantic

Yes (known as Oui in France) come at us with this relatively short (for Prog) album of three songs. They are all very good in their own right, especially the first two and this is great record for the boys from Birmingham. The music is, as always, highly ambitious - ranging from 'gothic organs to furious jazz to rock grooves.' to quote the book.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Close To The Edge

218. Yes - Fragile

Release Date: 1971
Label: Atlantic

With Rick Wakeman now in the band, the brilliant and occasionally pretentious music continues with 'Fragile'. This is a better album than the previous one and the opening track, 'Roundabout' is especially wonderful. None of the songs are too long, and some even clock in at less than forty-seconds. This is one for the shelves, definitely.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Roundabout

209. Yes - The Yes Album

Release Date: 1971
Label: Atlantic

Prior to listening to this album, the only thing I knew about Yes was that Rick Wakeman was in them. I knew no songs and couldn't name a single tune. I have now listened to this and discovered Rick Wakeman wasn't even in the band at the time.

This record was pretty good actually, and I can hear myself listening to it again. There is ambition, pretentiousness and ridiculous lyrics but on the whole, I liked this.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Yours Is No Disgrace