July 1969 - King Crimson's debut is 3 months away so prog hadn't been invented yet (debatable, I know!) but psych was pretty old hat, so what does a new band do to get noticed? They come out with a well-crafted collection of songs (including some unusual covers) bearing a Vanilla Fudge influence and perform them with striking guitar-work, idiosyncratic bass, solid drums and organ and the pretty (no other word for it) vocals of Mr Jon Anderson. Interesting to speculate whether Yes would have had the line-up changes and taken the same risks that led to success had this record been a huge hit. It wasn't but it's still a very good record that repays regular listens. Enjoy the rest of it.
When you listen to that powerful bass, you can figure they're going far. In establishing a sound, an identity and an influence. In this case, that worked out very very well and true!
They started with a bang not a whimper 😊. All the elements are there that make Yes great, power and virtuosity, light and shade with smooth transitions, stacked vocal harmonies, inventive arrangements and cool rhythms, and that bass already breaking all the rules, and then that voice ... And this was just the beginning.
I have said many times, here and elsewhere, that it's difficult to improve on a Beatles version of a Beatle song. The only two instances such a thing has happened are Earth, Wind & Fire's version of "Got to Get You Into My Life", which is understandable because it's an RnB song being played by a superb RnB band, and Yes' version of "Every Little Thing". The Byrds are one of my two favorite American bands from the 60s, and "I See You" is as good an original song by that band as any. That Yes were able to turn it into a modern jazz gem is one of the wonders of this band.
I totally disagree with those who say they sort of only became truly “Yes” on The Yes Album. This first era is as important as the rest. It’s not a dress rehearsal for Close to the Edge. It’s creative, impressive, melodic music played brilliantly and with Jon and Chris at the heart: what’s not “Yes” about it? I’m really looking forward to more. I can’t fault any of the tracks fron this time ❤
The Yes debut is a good record. Looking back, you can see the seeds of much of what was to come. You are in for a treat. Ditto for the second album, too.
Looking Around should have been the first single to be released in the U.S., but unfortunately the first 2 Yes albums were not well known yet. They wouldn't break in here until 1971 with "Your Move" from The Yes Album!
Chris Squire was always a "go for the throat" bass player, and how fitting is it that the very first song on Yes' debut album opens with "an unaccompanied bass solo". 😎 "Beyond and Before" IS the most overtly psych track on the debut, but there's no denying that it kicks serious ass. It's one of those songs that makes you go "Why isn't everyone aware of this?" Squire would always claim that his aggressive bass sound didn't come about until the next album (and was a production accident), but no -- it was clearly already fully formed here. BTW, you can find a good quality 1969 French TV live performance of this song on YT.
Take a listen to the non album track "Something's Coming". It should have been included on the album. The first two albums with Peter Banks are very underrated. The harmony vocals are more pronounced on these albums and Bruford's jazz influences are also more on display.
My Dad had this album before I was born and it's one of the first songs I can remember. It's a brilliant track, as is the whole album (except 'Sweetness', which is a bit too diabetic for me). Fast forward to the 90's when I was heavily into electronica, this song came on the radio and I had to go out and buy it. I have the vinyl, signed by Bill Bruford too. What is a bit disappointing is that the band members distanced themselves from this album. I think its rawness gives it an edge and is demonstrative of the band's hunger for recognition. Great review Justin.
Hi Justin. Dave from The London I Love, which is where Yes established their reputation on the gigging circuit. I was too young to see them then - had to wait until 1971 on The Yes Album tour. This isn't a first listen, but it's been so long since I last heard it, and you're right, it's quite an entrance. We'll have to wait a while for my favourite track from the album, Survival. P.S. my song ref The London I Love is by Vera Lynn.
It’s fitting that the first track of the first album starts with only Squire’s bass. It’s an excellent debut. Make sure you also dig up the B-side not originally released on the album “Something’s Coming.” th-cam.com/video/D-YRK3jU3DY/w-d-xo.html The original lineup is fantastic, but I think it’s Bruford and Squire that really highlight how different this band was from everybody else at the time.
Glad you liked this track. I bought their back catalogue after Fragile and have loved this album ever since. Great debut album. I hope you enjoy the rest of the album. It was good to hear you say you would go back to Yes, Genesis and Jethro Tull. That must mean War Child is on the horizon. Cheers.
Saw Jon Anderson this past Saturday (June 1) and although not Yes...was as close as we're going to get in 2024 (because of the vocals, of course). Great show. They nailed "Close To The Edge" and many other peak Yes tracks. Highly recommend seeing him and his band, to those that can see it.
this was the very first song of YES I heard in spring 1969 ; and immidiatly captured by the band ........ for the life living + my elder brother took me to the Festival d'Amougies ( kind of French Woodstock festival ) to see the band live end of october 1969 ( Frank Zappa was presenting the jazz scene ... and also had played there with Pink Floyd ) The second song of Yes that " killed " me was : " No opportunity necessary no experience needed " ( second album ) AND THEN .............. THE YES ALBUM ! ! !
Yeah, used to be they could do no wrong - straight out the gate! Glad you're doing this, it's a fantastic listen, and a real history lesson. But don't forget The Ladder next, it also won't disappoint...
I bought this album years later than the others. Everything is fresh and new and it creates cohesive feel over the album. The last track of the album is arguably the best.
Great album. There's a touch of Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije towards the end of this opening track (or reminds me of it anyway). Knowing Yes it may well be, it's the sort of thing the would do.
Said it before many times, their first two albums are brilliant in their own way even though Yes had yet to fine tune their “signature“ sound and vocal arrangements. Each musician displaying their proficiency melds into a cohesive whole.
I _love_ this song. In fact, the first three songs of this album make up for one of my favorite sequences of any album that I like. Usually I listen to them as an extended, compound song. Sort of like I always listen to Prince's "Beautiful Ones", "Electric Blue" and "Darling Nikki" back to back to back. Back to the song. It's not a shame that Peter Banks was eventually replaced by Steve Howe in the band, but it is a shame that he never reached the notoriety his successor has achieved. He played beautifully in here. If you decide to continue with this record, do yourself a favor and listen to the Byrds' original version of "I See You" before you venture into Yes' interpretation of it. Banks _kills it_ on it.
Peter Banks is Yes's forgotten man, forever punished for the terrible crime of not being Steve Howe. Unlike Anderson, Kaye and Bruford, he was the only original member to quit and never return. Listening to his later solo albums shows that his talent had a different trajectory than what the others wanted.
I need to write before I read any comments or hear your opinion. Beyond and Before is one of the best yes songs of all time. It is a perfect introduction to the things to come. It is more Progrock than any Genesis track. Cheers, Herb
Here's an admission. I've always loved Yes, but.... I don't know a note of the debut album. Fraglie onwards I know really well, up and including Relayer. Plus I excluded Yessongs too. After Relayer I started listening to other things. But I said that one day I would listen to the debut album. My mate still has it from 1969 and he would lend it to me. Do you reckon it's time? 🥴😁
For me, their debut album is a patchy affair - although the opening two tracks were both strong. This one motors along nicely introducing the epic Squire bass and Yes harmonies to the world.
"Yes... Genesis... Jethro Tull...". Van der Graaf you're going to say it, I know that. Don't forget... Peter Hammill! In Camera, you know? And so on. on You're just holding the surprise! 😅😅
Pert durn smart beginning, enjoying listening to this archeological dig. Dig the dig mahn. Let’s move some earth and not drag this out too long. No means.
@@KhunHan1998 Wonderful intro to the album, enjoying this vintage version of Yes… I enjoy delving into musical history man. Let’s not dilly dally and keep it coming fast. No what I mean?
I much prefer the Mabel Greer's Toyshop arrangement and recording from 2016. Tony Kaye is featured on keys, and Billy Sherwood plays bass and contributes some of the backing vocals. Jon Anderson even shows up briefly for a little vocal reprise.
This debut album isn't unpleasant, but it's very anecdotal and inconsistent. It sounds like a kind of psychedelic pop-rock, mixing influences from The Beatles, The Byrds, Simon And Garfunkel and even The Nice at times. What sets it apart is Jon Anderson's distinctive vocals and Chris Squire's throbbing bass and backing vocals. For originality, that will come later...
@@charleswagner2984 You forgot Arthur (Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire) by The Kinks and In The court of the Crimson King by King Crimson, as well as Tommy by The Who. For me these three plus Abbey road are way above Yes' debut album!
Yeah the first two albums are a mess with average songwriting, lacklustre covers, and sometimes badly shoehorned orchestration. I do like Survival though, but pretty much just that track.
@@pentagrammaton6793 I still think that Time and a Word, with its additional orchestra, is a clear departure from their debut album, although I have to admit that the mix and arrangements are a bit of a mess at times.
Glad you enjoyed it. Believe it or not, Jon didn't think he sounded good on this album, and I'm like Jon, what are you thinking? You sound great. Sadly, this album didn't even chart. Can't wait til you hear their Beatles cover, which is the only Beatles cover that I've heard that I think is better than the original.
There are a couple of songs on this album where the writing - as opposed to the arrangement and musicianship - is noticeably inferior to the rest, and this is one of them. The melody is trite, the lyrics barely above the level of adolescent 'poetry'. It's a credit to the band that their proficiency and enthusiasm not only prevented it from being a complete disaster but turned it into an enjoyable if forgettable opening track.
I think the 1st Yes album is grossly underrated
Wonderful debut album every track on it is excellent
The first two Yes albums are underrated as they get overshawdowed by what follows.
I agree
July 1969 - King Crimson's debut is 3 months away so prog hadn't been invented yet (debatable, I know!) but psych was pretty old hat, so what does a new band do to get noticed? They come out with a well-crafted collection of songs (including some unusual covers) bearing a Vanilla Fudge influence and perform them with striking guitar-work, idiosyncratic bass, solid drums and organ and the pretty (no other word for it) vocals of Mr Jon Anderson. Interesting to speculate whether Yes would have had the line-up changes and taken the same risks that led to success had this record been a huge hit. It wasn't but it's still a very good record that repays regular listens. Enjoy the rest of it.
I think it's better than all the debut albums that year, including Led Zeppelin.
When you listen to that powerful bass, you can figure they're going far. In establishing a sound, an identity and an influence. In this case, that worked out very very well and true!
They started with a bang not a whimper 😊. All the elements are there that make Yes great, power and virtuosity, light and shade with smooth transitions, stacked vocal harmonies, inventive arrangements and cool rhythms, and that bass already breaking all the rules, and then that voice ... And this was just the beginning.
I can't imagine wwhat listeners in 1969 would have thought of those first notes before realizing it's a bass guitar.
Wait until you hear the 2 covers on the album…I See You (Byrds), Every Little Thing (Beatles). Audacious for a young band.
I have said many times, here and elsewhere, that it's difficult to improve on a Beatles version of a Beatle song. The only two instances such a thing has happened are Earth, Wind & Fire's version of "Got to Get You Into My Life", which is understandable because it's an RnB song being played by a superb RnB band, and Yes' version of "Every Little Thing".
The Byrds are one of my two favorite American bands from the 60s, and "I See You" is as good an original song by that band as any. That Yes were able to turn it into a modern jazz gem is one of the wonders of this band.
They were a very good cover band indeed. Of course, they were just a great band.
I totally disagree with those who say they sort of only became truly “Yes” on The Yes Album. This first era is as important as the rest. It’s not a dress rehearsal for Close to the Edge. It’s creative, impressive, melodic music played brilliantly and with Jon and Chris at the heart: what’s not “Yes” about it? I’m really looking forward to more. I can’t fault any of the tracks fron this time ❤
Agreed! Lots of great songs to enjoy.
Agree
The Yes debut is a good record. Looking back, you can see the seeds of much of what was to come. You are in for a treat. Ditto for the second album, too.
Yes ..... going back to the beginning 👍 🎼🎶
It's about time you listened to this album, JP! You are going to be pleasantly surprised!
When it comes to their early work, "Looking Around" is among my favorites.
Looking Around should have been the first single to be released in the U.S., but unfortunately the first 2 Yes albums were not well known yet. They wouldn't break in here until 1971 with "Your Move" from The Yes Album!
The guitarist is Peter Banks. 'The Two Sides of Peter Banks' is my drive to work sound track.
Chris Squire was always a "go for the throat" bass player, and how fitting is it that the very first song on Yes' debut album opens with "an unaccompanied bass solo". 😎 "Beyond and Before" IS the most overtly psych track on the debut, but there's no denying that it kicks serious ass. It's one of those songs that makes you go "Why isn't everyone aware of this?" Squire would always claim that his aggressive bass sound didn't come about until the next album (and was a production accident), but no -- it was clearly already fully formed here. BTW, you can find a good quality 1969 French TV live performance of this song on YT.
Take a listen to the non album track "Something's Coming". It should have been included on the album.
The first two albums with Peter Banks are very underrated. The harmony vocals are more pronounced on these albums and Bruford's jazz influences are also more on display.
Hi Justin, There's some great songs on that album. Survival, Yesterday And Today, Looking Around are my favorites from 1969 Yes.
My Dad had this album before I was born and it's one of the first songs I can remember. It's a brilliant track, as is the whole album (except 'Sweetness', which is a bit too diabetic for me). Fast forward to the 90's when I was heavily into electronica, this song came on the radio and I had to go out and buy it. I have the vinyl, signed by Bill Bruford too.
What is a bit disappointing is that the band members distanced themselves from this album. I think its rawness gives it an edge and is demonstrative of the band's hunger for recognition.
Great review Justin.
Hi Justin. Dave from The London I Love, which is where Yes established their reputation on the gigging circuit. I was too young to see them then - had to wait until 1971 on The Yes Album tour. This isn't a first listen, but it's been so long since I last heard it, and you're right, it's quite an entrance. We'll have to wait a while for my favourite track from the album, Survival.
P.S. my song ref The London I Love is by Vera Lynn.
For those that DO like early Yes i recommend the BBC sessions 2-cd.
Hey Justin! Hope you are doing well my friend?
YES❣️❣️❣️The greatest band on this or any other planet❗️❗️❗️🪐🪐🪐🛸🛸🛸⭐️⭐️⭐️👍😎
Spot on Jeff
@@TheAlbumReviewchannel Thanks Dave!👍😎
It’s fitting that the first track of the first album starts with only Squire’s bass. It’s an excellent debut.
Make sure you also dig up the B-side not originally released on the album “Something’s Coming.”
th-cam.com/video/D-YRK3jU3DY/w-d-xo.html
The original lineup is fantastic, but I think it’s Bruford and Squire that really highlight how different this band was from everybody else at the time.
A great debut from a brilliant band!
Glad you liked this track. I bought their back catalogue after Fragile and have loved this album ever since. Great debut album. I hope you enjoy the rest of the album. It was good to hear you say you would go back to Yes, Genesis and Jethro Tull. That must mean War Child is on the horizon. Cheers.
You’re going to love the rest of the album
Love the first Yes album. Kind of like prog-pop.
I really love this album. In my opinion, it is #3 in my ranking of their best work.
Interesting that it's your 3rd favorite Yes. I have Big Generator at #3.
Yeeeeeaaaaahhhhhhhh. Letsa go!
Hope all is well JP :)
Saw Jon Anderson this past Saturday (June 1) and although not Yes...was as close as we're going to get in 2024 (because of the vocals, of course). Great show. They nailed "Close To The Edge" and many other peak Yes tracks. Highly recommend seeing him and his band, to those that can see it.
this was the very first song of YES I heard in spring 1969 ; and immidiatly captured by the band ........ for the life living
+ my elder brother took me to the Festival d'Amougies ( kind of French Woodstock festival ) to see the band live end of october 1969 ( Frank Zappa was presenting the jazz scene ... and also had played there with Pink Floyd )
The second song of Yes that " killed " me was : " No opportunity necessary no experience needed " ( second album )
AND THEN .............. THE YES ALBUM ! ! !
This gem of an album never gets the attention it deserves. Wall to wall bangers!
Yeah, used to be they could do no wrong - straight out the gate! Glad you're doing this, it's a fantastic listen, and a real history lesson. But don't forget The Ladder next, it also won't disappoint...
I’m not really familiar with The Ladder. If you like this, it’s a strong recommend 👍
@@mattleppard1970 Thanks Matt, it's one of my favorites from later years. I think you'll like it - let me know when you get to it.
The Ladder is a very strong album
I bought this album years later than the others. Everything is fresh and new and it creates cohesive feel over the album. The last track of the album is arguably the best.
I think Bruford was only 18 years old when this was recorded…! Great reaction! It’s an awesome 1st track and first album!
Wait until you hear everydays
Next album.
Next album. It's a great cover, I love that version by Yes.
And Yesterday And Today, the song that got me into Yes. Sounds like it was written by McCartney.
He's heard Everydays. He loved it. Go watch his reaction to it. It's great.
I love the first two Yes albums, maybe more then the third.
Great album. There's a touch of Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije towards the end of this opening track (or reminds me of it anyway). Knowing Yes it may well be, it's the sort of thing the would do.
Said it before many times, their first two albums are brilliant in their own way even though Yes had yet to fine tune their “signature“ sound and vocal arrangements. Each musician displaying their proficiency melds into a cohesive whole.
I _love_ this song. In fact, the first three songs of this album make up for one of my favorite sequences of any album that I like. Usually I listen to them as an extended, compound song. Sort of like I always listen to Prince's "Beautiful Ones", "Electric Blue" and "Darling Nikki" back to back to back.
Back to the song. It's not a shame that Peter Banks was eventually replaced by Steve Howe in the band, but it is a shame that he never reached the notoriety his successor has achieved. He played beautifully in here. If you decide to continue with this record, do yourself a favor and listen to the Byrds' original version of "I See You" before you venture into Yes' interpretation of it. Banks _kills it_ on it.
Peter Banks is Yes's forgotten man, forever punished for the terrible crime of not being Steve Howe. Unlike Anderson, Kaye and Bruford, he was the only original member to quit and never return. Listening to his later solo albums shows that his talent had a different trajectory than what the others wanted.
This album from 1969 is unusual, it is ideal for listening, I recommend stopping by it!
I need to write before I read any comments or hear your opinion. Beyond and Before is one of the best yes songs of all time. It is a perfect introduction to the things to come. It is more Progrock than any Genesis track. Cheers, Herb
Not too shabby, huh? Glad you enjoyed it. I always have. The album is really good.
Yes, really was Chris Squire's band. 🎸
Here's an admission. I've always loved Yes, but....
I don't know a note of the debut album. Fraglie onwards I know really well, up and including Relayer. Plus I excluded Yessongs too. After Relayer I started listening to other things. But I said that one day I would listen to the debut album. My mate still has it from 1969 and he would lend it to me. Do you reckon it's time? 🥴😁
I think its time Randy :)
Just revisited the Johnny guitar watson album " ain't that a bitch" highly recommend it
For me, their debut album is a patchy affair - although the opening two tracks were both strong. This one motors along nicely introducing the epic Squire bass and Yes harmonies to the world.
A really good album. Yesterday And Today sounds like McCartney wrote it for the white album, and gave it to Anderson instead.
"Yes... Genesis... Jethro Tull...". Van der Graaf you're going to say it, I know that. Don't forget... Peter Hammill! In Camera, you know? And so on. on
You're just holding the surprise! 😅😅
Pert durn smart beginning, enjoying listening to this archeological dig. Dig the dig mahn. Let’s move some earth and not drag this out too long. No means.
???
@@KhunHan1998
Wonderful intro to the album, enjoying this vintage version of Yes… I enjoy delving into musical history man. Let’s not dilly dally and keep it coming fast. No what I mean?
I much prefer the Mabel Greer's Toyshop arrangement and recording from 2016. Tony Kaye is featured on keys, and Billy Sherwood plays bass and contributes some of the backing vocals. Jon Anderson even shows up briefly for a little vocal reprise.
This debut album isn't unpleasant, but it's very anecdotal and inconsistent.
It sounds like a kind of psychedelic pop-rock, mixing influences from The Beatles, The Byrds, Simon And Garfunkel and even The Nice at times.
What sets it apart is Jon Anderson's distinctive vocals and Chris Squire's throbbing bass and backing vocals. For originality, that will come later...
I think it's a good album for, 1969 Yes. It's a better album compared to everything else that year except Abbey Road.
@@charleswagner2984 You forgot Arthur (Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire) by The Kinks and In The court of the Crimson King by King Crimson, as well as Tommy by The Who. For me these three plus Abbey road are way above Yes' debut album!
Yeah the first two albums are a mess with average songwriting, lacklustre covers, and sometimes badly shoehorned orchestration. I do like Survival though, but pretty much just that track.
@@pentagrammaton6793 I still think that Time and a Word, with its additional orchestra, is a clear departure from their debut album, although I have to admit that the mix and arrangements are a bit of a mess at times.
Love this album bro, just think this album was almost put on the shelf Because sonically it was too harsh for the executives 🤦🏾♂️ 7:37
Wasn't it Clive Davis that signed Yes to Atlantic? Ahmet wasn't paying much attention to English bands until Led Zeppelin.
@@charleswagner2984 I think it was ahmet from what I read, if you pick up the remastered expanded edition from music on vinyl you'll find that info
@@melvinwomack3717 I only have the British import record. That doesn't have that info in the liner notes.
Glad you enjoyed it. Believe it or not, Jon didn't think he sounded good on this album, and I'm like Jon, what are you thinking? You sound great. Sadly, this album didn't even chart. Can't wait til you hear their Beatles cover, which is the only Beatles cover that I've heard that I think is better than the original.
Yes, Justin needs to listen to every little thing on this album. 😉
@@cybore213 he will 🙂
Hmmm...in which case he should of asked for "Why don't we do it in the road?" instead!
Their own sound right off.
Fantastic tune…though they were finding their way the Banks era put out some strong stuff…
The Beatles.
Of course, this was the main influence on Yes in their early phase. Besides, who hasn't been influenced by the fab-four? (even if unintentionally😉).
Maybe a bit of Byrds. Yesterday And Today sounds like it could have been on the white album.
@charleswagner2984 Well there is a Byrds cover on this album.
Now if it's a top-notch debut album you're after... Look no further than, 'Songs To Remember' by Scritti Politti. A debut of the highest calibre.
There are a couple of songs on this album where the writing - as opposed to the arrangement and musicianship - is noticeably inferior to the rest, and this is one of them. The melody is trite, the lyrics barely above the level of adolescent 'poetry'. It's a credit to the band that their proficiency and enthusiasm not only prevented it from being a complete disaster but turned it into an enjoyable if forgettable opening track.
It's best to ignore the first two Yes albums, for yea they did suck mightily until 1971.
I think their first two albums are pretty good. Looking Around, Yesterday And Today, and Survival are great Yes songs. Especially for 1969.
I prefer these to Heaven and Earth or Big Generator.
That's pretty harsh. They certainly don't suck. It's better than the crap they are making now. They should have called it quits after Squire died.
@@krisdoggett483 for me they do suck, but yes they should've quit when he went.
This album s*cks lol
Why hyphenate sucks? It's hardly an offensive word!
@@Owlstretchingtime78 Yep, It seems people like to self-censor these days!🙄
For 1969, Yes is a great album. Even compared to other Yes albums, it's pretty good. I rank it in the tweens.
It’s great
It socks? With power?