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!
- Ranking of Popular Songs by YES [2025]
- Masterpieces and popular songs by Pink Floyd
- Emerson, Lake & Palmer Popular Song Ranking [2025]
- A classic hard rock masterpiece. A must-listen recommended album.
- King Crimson Popular Song Rankings [2025]
- [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame] Queen’s iconic songs: must-hear signature tracks chosen by fans
- Electric Light Orchestra Popular Song Rankings [2025]
- Led Zeppelin Popular Song Rankings [2025]
- Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.
- Masterpieces of progressive rock. Recommended popular songs.
- Genesis Popular Song Rankings [2025]
- A collection of classic progressive rock albums: popular records you should listen to at least once.
- Rush Popular Song Ranking [2025]
[The Big 5 of Prog] Yes – Signature and Popular Songs (21–30)
Don’t Kill The WhaleYES
It’s a bright-sounding track with a restrained technical vibe for Yes.
Still, when you hear the brilliantly constructed solo section, you realize it’s a piece only Yes could create.
It’s included on the 1978 album Tormato.
Leave ItYES
A song released as a single in 1984 by the British rock band Yes.
It is the follow-up to their hit song “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” The music video, directed by Godley and Creme, was produced in 18 different versions.
[Big 5 of Prog] Yes - Signature and Popular Songs (31–40)
Love Will Find A WayYES
A track from the album Big Generator.
It’s a catchy pop song that follows in the footsteps of “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” the number from the previous album that hit No.
1 in the U.
S.
Although it didn’t become a massive U.
S.
hit, I feel it deserves to be considered one of their signature songs.
This beautiful, more pop-leaning sound is quintessentially them.
MagnificationYES
Between 2005 and 2008, Yes went on hiatus.
Before that break, they created an album called Magnification with a lineup that, remarkably, omitted keyboards and featured a full orchestra.
Its title track is a masterpiece where the grandeur of orchestral sound merges with progressive rock.
Saving My HeartYES
A track from the 1991 release “Kesshō” (Crystal).
Many people probably love its pleasant, laid-back medium tempo.
Their beautiful harmonies are quintessentially the “Yes” sound.
It’s a number that just feels great to listen to.
Be sure to pay close attention to the chorus, too!
Beyond and BeforeYES
Yes is a British rock band formed in 1968.
Although none of the original members remain, the band is still active and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
“Beyond and Before” is included on their debut album, Yes, released in 1969.
SweetnessYES
Included on the 1969 album “Yes.” A five-piece rock band from London formed in 1968, they are one of the leading bands in progressive rock.
This is their debut single.
The song features a mid-tempo, light and refreshing melodic line that resonates impressively.