Ranking of Popular Songs by YES [2025]

Time and a WordYES29rank/position

Yes – Time and a Word

The title track “Time and a Word,” included on their second album of the same name released in 1970.

It features a rock sound that strongly reflects the influence of popular bands of the time—like the Beatles and Traffic—before YES transitioned into a full-fledged progressive rock band.

It also incorporates elements of art rock, such as the use of orchestral sounds, in an effort to add artistic dimensions to rock.

It’s a song that lets you feel YES’s evolutionary journey, transforming from art rock roots into progressive rock.

To Be OverYES30rank/position

To Be Over by Yes in HD

After keyboardist Rick Wakeman left due to musical differences, Yes released their seventh studio album, Relayer, in 1974.

The track To Be Over included on the album was inspired by the boathouse on the lake in London’s Hyde Park.

Influenced by new member Patrick Moraz, it features a mix of fusion and jazz elements, resulting in an ethereal and grand piece that is quintessentially Yes.

Wonderous StoriesYES31rank/position

Yes – Wonderous Stories (Official Music Video)

Opening with the dreamy tone of a 12-string acoustic guitar, Wonderous Stories is included on the eighth studio album, Going for the One, released in 1977.

Inspired by their stay in Montreux, Switzerland during the recording, the song features a poppy melody and a clear, transparent sound that evokes refreshing alpine scenery.

It was a hit on the UK singles chart and remains highly popular to this day!

Yours Is No DisgraceYES32rank/position

Yours Is No Disgrace (2008 Remaster)

In 1971, with The Yes Album, YES moved away from their earlier art rock and fully transitioned into progressive rock.

The first track on the album is Yours Is No Disgrace.

It’s YES’s first anti-war song, with lyrics contrasting soldiers suffering and fighting in the Vietnam War with people partying in Las Vegas, expressing the sentiment that “the war is not your young people’s fault.” The album also features the brilliant playing of guitarist Steve Howe, who joined for this record and would go on to have a major impact on the band’s sound!

Starship TrooperYES33rank/position

Starship Trooper in 1080p HD by Yes

Their third album, The Yes Album, released in 1971.

With this record, YES moved away from the art rock and psychedelic rock sound of their early days and fully evolved into progressive rock.

One track on the album, Starship Trooper, is an expansive piece running just over nine minutes, divided into three parts.

Remarkably, Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, and Chris Squire each composed a different section.

You can really sense their determined effort to boldly take on the then-novel genre of prog.

The Fish（Schindleria Praematurus）YES34rank/position

Yes ~ The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) ~ Live at Montreux [2003] [HD 1080p]

This is a track from the 1971 album Fragile.

It’s a Yes song that somehow evokes a sense of storytelling.

Like many of their pieces, this one feels like a self-contained tale.

The tense opening makes you hold your breath, and the way it gradually shifts into a driving, exhilarating sound is nothing short of masterful.

You’re sure to be captivated as well.