Top 5 Progressive Rock: Yes – Signature and Popular Songs
Among the progressive rock bands that Britain proudly boasts, Yes stands out as one of the so-called “Big Four” or “Top Five” of prog, having achieved global success with their powerful yet symphonic ensemble underpinned by advanced technique, artwork that exudes aesthetic sensibility, mystical lyrics, and beautiful melodies.
Over their long career, the band has undergone many lineup changes and even explored more pop-oriented directions at times, so it may take some persistence for newcomers to trace their illustrious history.
In this article, we introduce a number of Yes’s wonderful and representative classic songs.
We hope this serves as a gateway for you to discover their music!
[Top 5 Prog] Yes — Signature and Popular Songs (1–10)
RoundaboutYES
This is a track included on their fourth album, Fragile, released in 1971.
Starting with this album, keyboardist Rick Wakeman joined the band.
It’s known as a signature work by YES that showcases their peak-era performances, so it’s a great recommendation for beginners to start with this album.
The song Roundabout was written based on their experience of passing through many roundabouts while on tour.
Released as a single in the United States, it became a hit, and more recently it was used as the ending theme for the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
It’s a piece where you can fully enjoy the complex song structures typical of a prog band and their exceptional musicianship.
Close To The EdgeYES
Following their previous album Fragile, the 1972 release Close to the Edge is also renowned as one of YES’s signature works.
At the time of its release, it was a major hit in their home country of the UK, cementing the band’s reputation.
Remarkably, it consists of only three tracks, and even within the entire progressive rock genre, it stands as one of the most famous and beloved masterpieces.
As you can hear on Close to the Edge, despite the lengthy and complex song structures, the band’s energetic sound—paired with Jon Anderson’s soaring high-tenor vocals—keeps listeners fully engaged.
Owner of A Lonely HeartYES
A track from YES’s first reunion album, 90125, released in 1983, it was issued as a single and became a major hit.
Prior to this album, YES was known as a progressive rock band with a penchant for long-form epics, but on this comeback they brought in producer Trevor Horn and pivoted to a compact, pop-oriented, modern sound—a move that shocked many longtime fans.
I experienced the release of this song in real time, and I remember that the orchestra hit sound used extensively in the track became widely recognized by the general public following its success.
The tight and versatile guitar work by Trevor Rabin, who joined the band as a member starting with this album, is another big part of the song’s appeal!
Wonderous StoriesYES
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!
Heart Of The SunriseYES
This is “Heart of the Sunrise,” the final track that closes out the classic album Fragile, released in 1971.
With shifting time signatures and tightly interwoven performances from each member, the piece elevates into a fierce, dynamic sound.
It’s a band favorite as well, and is often performed live.
In the latter half, there’s a brief, elegant piano section by keyboardist Rick Wakeman—who joined the band for this album—letting you enjoy the superb technique of a musician with a strong classical background.
And You And IYES
And You And I opens with the memorable tones of Steve Howe’s 12-string acoustic guitar.
It’s one of the tracks on Close to the Edge, YES’s landmark 1972 album.
Spanning a little over ten minutes and divided into four parts, the song—enhanced by its literary lyrics—creates an expansive, majestic world.
Centered on a relaxed rhythm, it clearly shows influences beyond rock, such as folk and classical music.
It’s a piece that lets you fully savor the complexity of YES’s sound!
AwakenYES
Awaken begins with an elegant piano tone reminiscent of classical music.
It appears on their eighth studio album, Going for the One, released in 1977.
This 15-minute epic was created with inspiration drawn from books about the life of the Dutch painter Rembrandt, among other sources.
With its rapidly shifting tempos and melodies, it blends elements of classical music with an energetic rock sound—quintessentially YES.