Top 5 Progressive Rock: Yes – Signature and Popular Songs

Tempus FugitYES

Yes – Tempus Fugit (Official Music Video)

After leaving once in 1974, keyboardist Rick Wakeman rejoined YES in 1976, but in 1979 he left the band again along with vocalist Jon Anderson.

Having lost their core of vocals and keyboards, YES attempted to weather the crisis with a bold move: they essentially brought in the entire electropop duo The Buggles, who were under the same management (The Buggles are known for their hit “Video Killed the Radio Star”).

On “Tempus Fugit,” included on the 1980 album Drama released under this new lineup, they deliver a high-energy sound that rivals their earlier work.

The Gates of DeliriumYES

The Gates of Delirium by Yes in 1080p HD HQ

Relayer, the seventh studio album released in 1974, was created around the theme of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace.

Opening the album is The Gates of Delirium.

Spanning over 21 minutes, its intense midsection represents battle, while the tranquil latter part expresses a prayer for peace.

It’s a fan favorite and, despite its length, is sometimes performed live.

Why not immerse yourself in the grand narrative crafted by YES?

Siberian KhatruYES

Siberian Khatru (2003 Remaster)

Siberian Khatru, included as the final track on the classic 1972 album Close to the Edge.

It’s also known for being quoted in a guitar solo by John Frusciante, guitarist of the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, showing how greatly YES continues to influence contemporary artists.

While it has the complexity characteristic of prog, it also carries the dynamism of a rock band—an energetic track brimming with power!

Time and a WordYES

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.

Starship TrooperYES

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.

Rhythm of LoveYES

Yes – Rhythm Of Love (Official Music Video)

A track from YES’s second album after their comeback (the 12th overall), Big Generator, which was released in September 1987.

The album was produced following the success of its predecessor, 90125, but the process was fraught with difficulties, including the departure of Trevor Horn—who had also produced the previous album—partway through.

The producer role was instead handled by guitarist Trevor Rabin.

In terms of sound and direction, I think it further refines the pop, modern, and concise pop-song approach established on 90125, achieving a higher level of polish.

However, due to the troubled production, the release was pushed back by nearly a year from the original plan, and perhaps because of that, it didn’t match the sales of its predecessor.

Even so, listening again now, the sound design fully showcases Trevor Rabin’s technical and versatile guitar work and skillful harmonies, and I have no doubt it’s a timeless classic!

To Be OverYES

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.