Yes is a British progressive rock band that formed in 1968 and has been captivating audiences with their intricate and dynamic music ever since. With a career spanning over five decades, Yes has released 21 studio albums and established themselves as one of the most influential and innovative bands in the history of rock music.
Throughout their career, Yes has produced a vast array of songs that showcase their virtuosic musicianship and experimentation with various genres and styles. From their early psychedelic rock tracks to their later, more polished progressive compositions, the band has left an indelible mark on the music industry and inspired countless musicians in their wake.
Choosing the best songs from Yes’ extensive catalog is no easy task, as the band’s discography is filled with complex and unforgettable tracks that have stood the test of time. However, certain songs stand out as highlights of the band’s career, showcasing their mastery of melody, harmony, and technical proficiency.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best songs from Yes, exploring the reasons why they continue to resonate with fans and music lovers alike. We’ll examine the band’s evolution over the years and highlight the tracks that best represent their unique sound and vision. Whether you’re a diehard Yes fan or a newcomer to the band’s music, this article is sure to provide insights and inspiration into the brilliance of this legendary group.
1. Starship Trooper
“Starship Trooper” is an epic progressive rock song by the British band Yes, originally released in 1971 on their album “The Yes Album.” Clocking in at just over nine minutes, the song is divided into three distinct sections: “Life Seeker,” “Disillusion,” and “Würm.”
The song features intricate instrumental passages, soaring vocal harmonies, and powerful lyrics that touch on themes of individuality, freedom, and the struggle against oppressive forces. The opening section, “Life Seeker,” features an uplifting melody and lyrics that celebrate the joys of life and the pursuit of happiness.
The middle section, “Disillusion,” takes a darker turn, with more ominous instrumentation and lyrics that speak to the disillusionment and disappointment that can come with the search for meaning and purpose in life.
The final section, “Würm,” brings the song to a climactic finish with an intricate instrumental passage that showcases the band’s virtuosic musicianship and ability to craft complex and compelling arrangements.
“Starship Trooper” has become one of Yes’ most beloved and enduring songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its powerful message and stunning musicality continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
2. Roundabout
“Roundabout” is a classic progressive rock song by the British band Yes, originally released in 1971 on their album “Fragile.” The song is known for its intricate instrumentation, complex time signatures, and memorable melody.
“Roundabout” opens with a driving bassline and acoustic guitar riff that sets the stage for the rest of the song. The verses feature poetic lyrics that paint a vivid picture of a journey through nature, while the chorus showcases the band’s signature harmonies and catchy melody.
The instrumental sections of “Roundabout” are some of the most iconic in progressive rock history, with intricate guitar and keyboard solos that showcase the virtuosic musicianship of the band’s members. The song’s use of odd time signatures and unconventional song structures set it apart from other rock songs of the time, and helped to establish Yes as one of the leading bands in the progressive rock genre.
“Roundabout” remains one of Yes’ most popular and enduring songs, and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and video games over the years. Its unique blend of musicality, creativity, and technical proficiency continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
3. Heart of the Sunrise
“Heart of the Sunrise” is an iconic progressive rock song by the British band Yes, originally released in 1971 on their album “Fragile.” The song is known for its intricate instrumentation, complex time signatures, and emotional lyrics.
“Heart of the Sunrise” opens with a powerful and dramatic instrumental section that features frenzied guitar riffs, soaring keyboard melodies, and driving percussion. The verses feature poetic lyrics that explore themes of hope, redemption, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life.
The song’s instrumental sections are some of the most impressive in the progressive rock genre, with intricate solos and complex rhythms that showcase the virtuosic musicianship of the band’s members. The song’s use of odd time signatures and unconventional song structures set it apart from other rock songs of the time, and helped to establish Yes as one of the most innovative and influential bands in the genre.
“Heart of the Sunrise” is widely considered to be one of Yes’ greatest and most beloved songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its powerful message, stunning musicality, and emotional impact continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
4. And You And I
“And You and I” is a classic progressive rock song by the British band Yes, originally released in 1972 on their album “Close to the Edge.” The song is known for its poetic lyrics, intricate instrumentation, and emotional depth.
“And You and I” is divided into four distinct sections, each of which showcases the band’s musical and lyrical prowess. The opening section features gentle acoustic guitar and delicate vocals, setting the stage for the rest of the song. The second section features a soaring guitar solo and epic instrumentation, while the third section is more contemplative and introspective, with lyrics that touch on themes of spirituality and personal growth.
The final section brings the song to a climactic finish, with intricate guitar and keyboard solos that showcase the band’s virtuosic musicianship and ability to craft complex and compelling arrangements.
“And You and I” is widely regarded as one of Yes’ greatest and most enduring songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its poetic lyrics, stunning musicality, and emotional impact continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day, cementing its place as one of the defining songs of the progressive rock genre.
5. The Gates of Delirium
“The Gates of Delirium” is an epic progressive rock song by the British band Yes, originally released in 1974 on their album “Relayer.” The song is known for its complex instrumentation, ambitious song structure, and powerful themes of war, peace, and the human condition.
“The Gates of Delirium” is divided into several distinct sections, each of which showcases the band’s musical and lyrical prowess. The opening section features a driving rhythm and intricate guitar and keyboard solos that set the tone for the rest of the song. The middle section features lyrics that speak to the futility and destructiveness of war, while the instrumental sections showcase the band’s virtuosic musicianship.
The final section of “The Gates of Delirium” brings the song to a cathartic conclusion, with lyrics that speak to the hope and possibility of peace and reconciliation. The song’s use of unconventional time signatures and ambitious song structure set it apart from other rock songs of the time, and helped to establish Yes as one of the leading bands in the progressive rock genre.
“The Gates of Delirium” is widely regarded as one of Yes’ most ambitious and powerful songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its themes of war and peace, combined with its stunning musicality and emotional impact, continue to resonate with audiences to this day, cementing its place as one of the defining songs of the progressive rock genre.
6. Parallels
“Parallels” is a classic progressive rock song by the British band Yes, originally released in 1977 on their album “Going for the One.” The song is known for its intricate instrumentation, driving rhythm, and optimistic lyrics.
“Parallels” opens with a powerful and driving rhythm that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The verses feature lyrics that speak to the power of perseverance and the possibility of personal growth and transformation. The chorus features soaring harmonies and a catchy melody that have made the song a fan favorite.
The instrumental sections of “Parallels” are some of the most impressive in the progressive rock genre, with intricate guitar and keyboard solos that showcase the virtuosic musicianship of the band’s members. The song’s use of unconventional time signatures and complex song structure set it apart from other rock songs of the time, and helped to establish Yes as one of the most innovative and influential bands in the genre.
“Parallels” is widely considered to be one of Yes’ greatest and most beloved songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its powerful message of perseverance and personal growth, combined with its stunning musicality and emotional impact, continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
7. Don’t Kill the Whale
“Don’t Kill the Whale” is a classic rock song by the British band Yes, originally released in 1978 on their album “Tormato.” The song is known for its catchy melody, socially conscious lyrics, and the use of a killer whale as a metaphor for environmental conservation.
“Don’t Kill the Whale” opens with a memorable keyboard riff and features a driving rhythm that carries the song along. The verses feature lyrics that urge the listener to take action to protect the environment and preserve the natural world. The chorus features soaring harmonies and a catchy melody that have made the song a fan favorite.
The song’s instrumental sections showcase the virtuosic musicianship of the band’s members, with intricate guitar and keyboard solos that build to a powerful and emotional climax. The song’s use of a killer whale as a metaphor for environmental conservation is both powerful and effective, helping to bring attention to an important social issue in a creative and compelling way.
“Don’t Kill the Whale” is widely regarded as one of Yes’ most socially conscious and impactful songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its message of environmental conservation, combined with its memorable melody and powerful instrumental sections, continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
8. Machine Messiah
“Machine Messiah” is a progressive rock song by the British band Yes, originally released in 1980 on their album “Drama.” The song is known for its powerful and dark lyrics, intricate instrumentation, and the band’s use of new wave and punk rock influences.
“Machine Messiah” opens with a haunting keyboard riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The verses feature lyrics that speak to the dangers of technology and the human desire to create artificial intelligence. The chorus features soaring harmonies and a memorable melody that have made the song a fan favorite.
The instrumental sections of “Machine Messiah” are some of the most impressive in the progressive rock genre, with intricate guitar and keyboard solos that showcase the virtuosic musicianship of the band’s members. The song’s use of unconventional time signatures and complex song structure set it apart from other rock songs of the time, and helped to establish Yes as one of the most innovative and influential bands in the genre.
“Machine Messiah” is widely considered to be one of Yes’ most ambitious and powerful songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its themes of technology and artificial intelligence, combined with its stunning musicality and emotional impact, continue to resonate with audiences to this day, cementing its place as one of the defining songs of the progressive rock genre.
9. Changes
“Changes” is a classic rock song by the British band Yes, originally released in 1983 on their album “90125.” The song is known for its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and positive lyrics.
“Changes” opens with a memorable guitar riff and features a driving rhythm that carries the song along. The verses feature lyrics that speak to the power of personal growth and transformation, urging the listener to embrace change and take control of their own destiny. The chorus features soaring harmonies and a catchy melody that have made the song a fan favorite.
The song’s instrumental sections showcase the virtuosic musicianship of the band’s members, with intricate guitar and keyboard solos that build to a powerful and emotional climax. The song’s use of uplifting lyrics and positive messages has made it a popular choice for motivational and self-help seminars and workshops.
“Changes” is widely regarded as one of Yes’ most accessible and uplifting songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its message of personal growth and transformation, combined with its memorable melody and powerful instrumental sections, continue to inspire and motivate audiences to this day.
10. Mind Drive
“Mind Drive” is a progressive rock song by the British band Yes, originally released in 1997 on their album “Keys to Ascension 2.” The song is known for its complex instrumentation, intricate melodies, and soaring vocal harmonies.
“Mind Drive” opens with a powerful and driving rhythm that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The verses feature lyrics that speak to the power of the human mind and the limitless potential for personal growth and transformation. The chorus features soaring harmonies and a complex melody that showcase the vocal range and ability of the band’s members.
The instrumental sections of “Mind Drive” are some of the most impressive in the progressive rock genre, with intricate guitar and keyboard solos that showcase the virtuosic musicianship of the band’s members. The song’s use of unconventional time signatures and complex song structure set it apart from other rock songs of the time, and helped to establish Yes as one of the most innovative and influential bands in the genre.
“Mind Drive” is widely considered to be one of Yes’ most ambitious and powerful songs, and has been featured in numerous live performances and recordings over the years. Its themes of personal growth and transformation, combined with its stunning musicality and emotional impact, continue to resonate with audiences to this day, cementing its place as one of the defining songs of the progressive rock genre.
April Johnson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
