Why would anyone review an album that’s over 30 years old? Let’s just say it’s because I loved it then and I love it now. If you want to check out a [then] young & masterfully creative musical tour de force, The YES Album is a must have. All the band does here is to tastefully combine five legitimate soloists into one nice package. It’s complex rock (when compared to most groups) that works exceedingly well. Not too trippy or so fusion-laden that only a techno-nerd could love it. Singer Jon Anderson ties it all together with his always melodious tenor. The words may be a little over-the-top sometimes, but it’s exciting stuff. Guitarist Steve Howe amazes, bassist Chris Squire is way more than a background prop, drummer Bill Bruford is a master of timing, and Wakeman-predecessor Tony Kaye keys the critical YES-sound synthesizer.

The YES Album features the classic YOURS IS NO DISGRACE, STARSHIP TROOPER, and I’VE SEEN ALL GOOD PEOPLE. It rocks and it should be part of your collection! GD