First time hearing Yes "Roundabout" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@rpminc1974]

I have heard this song for 50 years now and still get the same thrill listening to it !!

[@bethmiller1840]

Me, too!!

[@timpwhit]

@@bethmiller1840 Me, three!!

[@markmcintosh2737]

This song got me and my first serious girlfriend to gather!

[@coolhandluke3223]

That’s Beautiful

[@Astraltraveller05]

Me four, still fantastic..

[@bguenther6304]

I enjoy watching young black people hearing Yes for the first time. The ladies always react when Mr. Wakeman gets going on the keyboards. I once saw Yes from the front row of a revolving stage and was about 10 feet from Mr. Wakeman, and he made me smile as well.

[@maryrini8719]

Saw them 3 times in Cleveland.

[@victorjohnson7512]

The late Chris Squire was one of the best Bass players of all time.

[@imweakfordeaky]

Absolutely!

[@loadedorygun]

And one of the only ones to get his way at the mixing board. Nobody else was turnt to 11 like Chris lol

[@TRob_1964]

The bass lines in this song are legendary!

[@bethmiller1840]

The bass on this song is SICK. Brilliant.

[@michaelasay8587]

Victor everybody's dyin on us.... guess we're getting old

[@danielolson5378]

This was recorded in 1971 when music still could be very experimental and psychedelic! It's a true masterpiece this song!

[@urex1717]

When it comes to pure musicianship, it is hard to top Yes from this period.

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

Emerson, Lake, and Palmer.

[@marksummers1700]

in terms of pure musical talent, this version of Yes was definitely the best assembling ever...

[@concise707]

@@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time The only response worthy of consideration! Two wonderful collectives - you can't get a cigarette paper between them with regards to talent, musicianship and professionalism.

[@balderdashpoppycockwellmay9498]

Tight, syncopated magic!

[@jackieyo6128]

Nah, Genesis or King Crimson or half of the italian prog scene would match this like PFM, Le Orme, Area or Il Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso (too bad it was heavily underrated, even if it's considered the only nation to match british prog).

[@richardbrown6781]

This level of talent is a dying art

[@sseltrek1a2b]

yup...was playing in a top 40 band one time that covered music from the 40s through today...when we got to Taylor Swift's, "Shake It Off", it was immediately clear how much lower the quality of the writing and musicianship was...(no offense to "Swifties" - it's just a fact...)...

[@dcmanuel7232]

This level of talent only exists a few times in history.

[@polyscroll]

Dying art? It is already dead. The music industry doesn't want just talent... they want money... lots of it.

[@petenrita]

@@polyscroll virtually gone. So rare nowadays that it immediately causes one to pause.

[@vincentharris7854]

Yes is one of the quintessential 70s progressive rock bands. They are quite a rabbit hole. "Close to the Edge" is their 18 minute epic. "Awaken" is (in my view) their masterpiece. I recommend "Long Distance Runaround/The Fish". They go one into the other & shows what one man can do with the bass guitar.

[@lorenzsabbaer7725]

well not only in the 70s they had a couple of raritys in the 80s and 90s aswell, not so commonly known, but they expanded their knowledge about music and learned some crazy stuff, so one time they were challenged that one of the hardest tasks is to make a song that changes its takt every takt, and they made a song called changes, this is one of the most influential songs all time which nearly no one that is not deeply into music knows about, even kaney west covered it on his latest album and no one seems to notice

[@LJA46]

I saw them in 1980 and oh my God! The 70's spawned so many different genres that many people don't realize.

[@FrenzVorstellen]

sir you said everything I want to say about them, really love YES because how they sounds

[@rogerk55]

Agree 100%. After hearing "Awaken" you will be under the spell of Yes forever. "And You and I" also pulls you into a new musical dimension that there is no escapeing from. Not to mention "The Gates of Delirium", especially the "Soon" portion.

[@Dooklawz]

Yes indeed. Agreed Vincent. Love their track Starship Trooper as well. As for their unique style and sound, to me, it's almost as if back sometime in the early 70's or so, someone told the band Yes " ok, here are the general guidelines and rules to music " ....and the collective members of the band shook their heads like " ok but... here's what we do ....." :)

[@dalecross6888]

Asia got it right! I first saw YES as the opening Band for Jethro Tull. June 28, 1971 We sat in our seats in stunned ammizement! All through the History of music, They were taking Us to a higher level! I have seen YES 8 times in Concert. Each one a Blessing!

[@KarenGoodwin-ud3gr]

❤

[@simonesays7222]

Yes!!!!! Thank you so much 🙏🏼 We want more! "Heart of the Sunrise" , "Yours is No Disgrace" "Starship Trooper" "Long Distance Runaround" "Close to the Edge" "Owner of a Lonely Heart" Yes! Yes! Yes! ❤ Oh and the lyrics are a mystery to most people, probably even to the writers 😜

[@RicoBurghFan]

Yes were the masters of the genre called progressive rock or prog rock, seamlessly incorporating many different textures, rhythms and sounds into one finished product. Definitely kind of a jazzy feel that fuses with the rock elements. Your Move/All Good People and Yours Is No Disgrace and other great examples of their classic rock fusion. Thanks for bringing light to my lunch hour, y'all!

[@bramcurtis6900]

I was a teenager when this came out. It became a summer anthem. I saw Yes in concert. The singer Jon Anderson can sing live exactly like he does on record. One of THE best concerts I ever saw.

[@christinerobinson9372]

Don't be afraid to jump down this rabbit hole. The lyrics don't make literal sense, they create a mood. It's a nice, deep rabbit hole! And a good intro to Prog. Getting lost in the music is actually a good thing. It means you will come back to this song to hear the lyrics, multiple times, really, and you will keep coming back to this song to listen to Virtuoso Steve Howe on lead guitar, and come back again to hear the bass, the keyboards. So this is a song, and this is a band that you will never get tired of hearing. It's good for the rest of your life.

[@billseely991]

Every member is insanely talented

[@scientruths]

They changed music, how it sounds, how its played. That's how profound their contribution is.

[@johnnelson3869]

Yes - groundbreaking musicians. This band influenced Rush, Kansas, Dream Theater and Tool (along with many other musicians). You can hear the lineage. My favorite type of music. This is a deep rabbit hole, but it's not for everyone. There's so much happening, and the songs ebb and flow. You'll hear different parts each time you listen to a song. Enjoy!

[@scottlaughlin9897]

They did indeed influence Rush. But it was Rush who influenced Dream Theater.

[@michaelasay8587]

@@scottlaughlin9897 who the hell was Dream Theatre?

[@johnnelson3869]

@@scottlaughlin9897 Dream Theater had many influences from Iron Maiden to Metallica, and Elton John to Led Zeppelin. Yes has influenced almost all Prog bands since the early 1970's.

[@davidminervino9230]

Very true

[@scotttimothy64]

The greatest set of musicians ever assembled. You could argue they had the greatest lead guitarist, bass guitarist, drummer (Bruford) and synth guy during the decade of the 70s. Just incredible. Top it all off with the magical voice of Jon Anderson. Greatest band ever.

[@Mikeluvdrums]

That whole album is an incredible musical journey ..

[@nordogvids]

Progessive rock...YES, the masters!

[@donlowe105]

I'm almost 63 yrs old I feel very lucky to have grown up with most of the best music of all time, 😃 the bass in this song is killer, the music from the 60s and 70s is the bench mark for all music today.

[@chellj8175]

Me as well! Ahh the music we had and witnessed that continues today bc it was real music w true musicians!!

[@TheGreatGig73]

Same here.

[@kd8199]

Agree. Soon to be 63 myself.

[@Chris-wp3ew]

62 here and agree 100%... Great music was all around us growing up

[@stevenspringer1599]

My own hypothesis is that most of the excellent musicians of this era grew up with and started by studying classical music. Those techniques and dynamics applied to 'no rules' created some of the most glorious sounds ever heard. Popular music today sounds like people grew up listening to A.M. radio.

[@jessepinkman7349]

Growing up listening to all kinds of music I always believed the musicianship level of YES was A+++++++ I could keep going.

[@ricknbacker5626]

Arguments have been made that Roundabout was the song that put Progressive Rock on the map. Making Prog Rock acceptable to more 'main stream' music fans. I would agree. Whether it's Chris Squire's crunchy bass guitar entry on the 3rd measure of the first chorus, Rick Wakeman's blistering distorted B3 organ solo towards the end of the song (shortly after the stripped down half time chorus that Jon Anderson sings so amazingly). My personal favorite is drummer Bill Bruford's use of milk bottles as percussion instruments during the middle section of the song. Each filled with different amounts of fluid to change there tones, BRILLIANT!! Asia and BJ, that was an awesome reaction. Welcome to the world of Progressive Rock. You are in for quite a ride. Best wishes, RNB

[@neshobanakni]

I must agree! While Genesis was my top band (because of lyrical accessibility), This song was the the amazing breakout for Prog Rock, making Yes my number two.

[@ricknbacker5626]

@@neshobanakni No objections from these quarters. Trick of the Tail is in my favorite Prog Rock LP. I know Phil became the voice and their music from here on became more commercial. But T of the T still holds up incredibly well With songs like Dance On A Volcano, Ripples and my all time favorite Genesis song Squonk. Have a great week Neshobanakni,. Cheers, RNB

[@neshobanakni]

@@ricknbacker5626 Funny, how I was one of those fussy old farts who (strangely) looked down upon any Genesis without Pete Gabriel. Seems like pretty weak beer, fifty years on. Older = Smarter = Able to enjoy more music. "Your Mileage May Vary."

[@ricknbacker5626]

@@neshobanakni I've had discussions with my veteran musician buds about whether Steve Hackets decision to leave was as important as Peters. We agree (mostly) that Peters leaving was more immediately a thing. Whereas Steves leaving had further long term side effects to the bands eventual direction. RNB Fussy Old Farts Unite!!

[@chellj8175]

👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@randybaker6042]

we're talking 1971. this song was revolutionary with it's accessible progressive composition.imagine being 12 years old and listening to this on the radio. this song was on the top 100 billboard list. we grew up listening to this and the albums.

[@lorenzsabbaer7725]

they did that stuff in the 90s also, but no one seemed to notice, only the studio musicians, they cover their stuff till today

[@toddstevens13]

And it gloriously allowed us to leave most other types of music behind, most of the time. Oh what a rush it was.

[@jessegreen6138]

I was 12 too in 1971.

[@Lige]

@@jessegreen6138 Same here, brother!

[@alanpeterson4939]

I was 16. Y’all are just kids.

[@jflinn2010]

Love to watch people's faces (Asia!) when that bassline pops in for the first time. One of the most famous basslines in rock history. The song features short solos/riffs by each of the band members. Prog rock at its finest. (And don't get 'lost' in the lyrics; Jon Anderson, lead singer, said the vocals are little but a fifth instrument, used to fill gaps and create a constant vibe throughout.)

[@Lisa-dn2gx]

Agree! You should let the different sounds sweep you away cause there's so much going on and the way they brought it all together is just magic. I was at this concert when they did the Round about tour and absolutely loved it

[@mikecaetano]

Awesome! "Roundabout" is a masterpiece. It's been one of my favorite songs ever since I first heard it as a kid back in the seventies. That bass line. Those drums. The organ runs. The change ups. The guitar flourishes. And the harmonized tip of the hat to "Carry On" by Crosby, Stills and Nash at the end before the final classical guitar lick. WOW! A roundabout, in case you're wondering, is a type of circular intersection or junction in which road traffic is permitted to flow in one direction around a central island aka roundabout. It works great for intersections in the country side. "Call it morning driving through the sound and In and out the valley..."

[@jonstiner3424]

Geddy Lee once said, " without Yes, there would be no Rush". My favorite Yes song is "Starship Troopers". The 90125 album is also very good, the 2nd generation of Yes.

[@joelliebler5690]

That is the legendary bass of Chris Squire, not a distortion.

[@russellmorgan5611]

Ironic. Steve Howe used less distortion than any guitarist from the period.

[@montalbans]

@@russellmorgan5611 But Chris Squire is blasting some distortion out of that Rickenbacker bass for sure.

[@russellmorgan5611]

@Thom Imp. Agreed.

[@michaelbentley5429]

In the original recording Chis actually doubled up his bass line on the bass strings of an electric guitar to give it that distorted sound.

[@joelliebler5690]

@@michaelbentley5429 Awesome!

[@z-man2343]

I could see that Asia, although at times bewildered, really got into the music, especially @9:21 when the drums, organ and bass just dropped that killer groove. And don't worry about trying to understand the lyrics. Singer/lyricist Jon Anderson wasn't even slightly literal, more stream of consciousness and imagery.

[@vincentharris7854]

1970s Progressive rock is an evolution off-shoot of 1960s psychedelic rock. The genre is about expansion & pushing the limits (lyrically, musically & production-wise). Prog also incorporates many European musical influences (classical, Celtic, Euro folk music, etc.) A hint with Yes, don't try too hard to make sense of Jon Anderson's lyrics. He's more into playing the sounds of words as much as their actual meanings. Other prog bands: ELP, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Genesis & Rush,

[@Pixelologist]

RE: Jon Anderson's lyrics - exactly. There usually IS a meaning - steeped in mysticism though it may be - but he's often said that, most importantly, the sung words are essentially an additional instrument in the mix.

[@marthaz]

Legendary, never imitated, expert musicianship, all words that still cannot describe accurately the pioneering sound and spirit of Yes. All hail 🙏 love Asia's description of all the flavors in their music. 👍 Love you two 💞

[@walterkahler1224]

The sound is from keyboards. They are innovators of musical compositions. Masters at mixing different instruments with excellent results.

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

Isn't it Rick Wakeman?

[@martinreed5964]

@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 yes, the maestro

[@kens32052]

Rick Wakeman is one of the best rock keyboardists ever.

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

@@kens32052 I remember Rick Wakeman's "War of the World," narrated by Burton.

[@robertpearson8798]

@@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344 I believe that was Jeff Wayne.

[@toddstevens13]

Welcome to "Music For Adults", no matter ones age, when this style of Music hits and holds you, quickly most other types of music loses your interest, and you crave more Deeper, Intellectual, Powerful Progressive Rock concepts. We welcome you to the group, and ohhhh so we have stuff for you from a variety of incredible talent.

[@dagmar.6954]

Yes are an English progressive rock band formed in London in 1968. The band has undergone numerous line-up changes throughout its history, up to nineteen musicians have been full-time members. They have had a lot of great songs such as "Roundabout", "Owner Of A Lonely Heart", "Going For The One", "Masquerade", "Yours Is No Disgrace", "Heart Of The Sunrise", "The Gates Of Delirium", "And You & I", "Starship Trooper", "Close To The Edge", "I've Seen All Good People" etc.

[@joelliebler5690]

You forgot Awaken and Turn of The Century.

[@terryross1032]

Yes have just opened your mind. Fantastic. Lucky you.

[@surlechapeau]

Asia & BJ, their "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" and "Yours Is No Disgrace" are next for you!! this is their masterpiece imo.

[@justmejoy124]

Oh I love Owner of a lonely heart alot

[@jojolina7]

I co-sign Owners of a Lonely Heart

[@bitchnguy]

Yours Is No Disgrace for sure, the Live version off Yessongs.

[@stewpot6998]

Any Yes, really.

[@timlevis3630]

@@jojolina7 I'm sorry but Owner of a Lonely Heart was an abandonment of the bands roots. It's my opinion and I know what that means, but that song and Yes at that time just sucked. It was designed for the the MTV generation.

[@jamescummins6918]

They blew my mind the first time I heard them.

[@TheOneAndOnlyFloridaMan]

Ok, you guys NEED to hear Starship Trooper. Yes are the best of the best when it comes to prog rock, and every member of the band is an absolute master of their instrument. They have a lot of amazing songs to check out.

[@dt1064]

When this came out, it was soooo clear and distortion free. A lot of bands were doing that because FM radio was static free. You can actually pick out each instrument. Steely Dan was very big on this.

[@charlesf2804]

That "sound" at 7:00 or so was Rick Wakeman on the organ. Progressive rock was all about experimentation, time changes, and often classical structures to the compositions.

[@thunderstruck5484]

I wore out my Journey to the Center of the Earth album laying in my bed big 70s style headphones on , I’m sure if I heard it now I would remember every note 48 years later

[@ballyastrocade5672]

@@thunderstruck5484 Same here! I must've gone through a couple of different copies of that vinyl before it came out on CD... Have you heard his "Return to the Center of the Earth" album from 1999? He revisits the concept with an expanded 70-minute epic, narrated by Patrick Stewart and bringing in a whole bunch of musicians to do various parts. It's a bit of a different vibe from the original, but I liked it. :-) (And where else are you going to hear Ozzy Osbourne in full heavy-metal fury while backed by a full orchestra, Wakeman's Moog synthesizers, and the English Chamber Choir? :-D )

[@thunderstruck5484]

@@ballyastrocade5672 I have excellent! Thanks

[@thunderstruck5484]

@@ballyastrocade5672 is that the one with Bonnie Tyler with that wonderful song on it?

[@ballyastrocade5672]

@@thunderstruck5484 Bonnie Tyler is on it as well, along with Tony Mitchell, Trevor Rabin (Yes), Justin Hayward (Moody Blues), and Katrina Leskanich (Katrina & The Waves), so yeah, we're probably thinking of the same album. :-)

[@rsw1227]

YES: "Wondrous Stories" "And You And I" "Heart Of The Sunrise" "Close To The Edge" is a must listen! Don't let the songs length of just shy of 19 minutes scare you. It won't feel that long, trust me. It will definitely take you on a ride, it will take you to church! 80's YES is more Pop/Progressive Rock: "Lift Me Up" "Rhythm Of Love" "Love Will Find A Way" "It Can Happened" "Hold On" "Leave It" And my favorite from this era is: "Changes"

[@SeanGTM]

"Changes" never seems to get the full credit it deserves. Arguably my favorite song from Yes.

[@douglaskford]

I agree, Close to the Edge will give you a whole different listen to music that you may have never heard possible. That song will change you. It is a song of multiple movements taking you on a musical adventure. It's like entering something and then leaving it with many thoughts left in your head to think about.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

@@douglaskford The Close to the Edge album has to be one of the greatest of ALL albums ever produced. All three pieces are such a masterpiece... Somewhere a couple minutes into Close to the Edge I can just go on a magical journery for the the next 30+ minutes of music until the album comes to close. WONDERFUL!

[@retiretravelexplore]

Congratulations. You've been properly introduced to progressive rock!

[@allencarlson6128]

This song is arguably the best Prog Rock song ever made.

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

Agreed. My other 2 favorite are “close to the edge” and “south side of the sky”. Amazing examples of the apex of prog.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

Yeah Yes has 5-6 that could be considered this... I think 1970-1975 yes was the pinnacle of Progressive Rock and some of the best music ever created...

[@benjaminroe311ify]

@@BigBass-xf5yi These two are also sooooo good.

[@lorenzsabbaer7725]

yes, one of my favorite bands EVER! thank you for listening to them

[@AristicMan]

High School memories of Great Music. Steve Howe (YES Guitarist) was also in the Super Group "Asia"

[@ronwilliams6565]

Asia..that sound you hear in the background is the great Rick Wakeman phenomenal keyboard artist! B J..what you thought was a guitar is in fact the great late Chris Squire bass player.Great song and c reactions yall..lol

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Another Progressive Rock Classic,, Emerson,, Lake & Palmer (E.L.P.) "From The Beginning"..A MUST HEAR!!

[@sumonjamal1653]

Watching Yes performing 'Roundabout' in concert is a treat in itself... (the late) Chris Squire on bass; the musicianship is stellar!

[@trevorholden7423]

I luv seeing Asia's eyes when she is totally amazed, so pretty!

[@timmiszkowski9222]

Program Rock. His Squire on Bass and Rick Wakeman on keyboards. LEGENDS

[@joelliebler5690]

And synthesizer!

[@surlechapeau]

Chris Squire

[@melvinwomack3717]

Indeed

[@melanieshannon122]

This may be the greatest drummer; singer; guitarist; keyboardist; bassist ever. There is no BS it is musicians playing!!1

[@mojoboogie3074]

The opening sound is someone hitting the c chord on a piano. The sound was then reversed to give you the fade in and then the sudden drop.

[@donstuard2546]

I just watched yoir reaction to this song. Sorry I missed that day. Welcome to the world of progressive rock. Yes are a British band who one of the forefathers of prog rock. On this album they: Jon Anderson lead vocals, Chris Squire(RIP) bass guitar, Steve Howe guitar, Rick Wakeman keyboards, and Bill Bruford drums. Jethro Tull, Yes, and several other British bands were the founders of progressive rock in tne late 60s and early 70s. Used to hear the radio version of this song on a.m. radio all the time back in the day.

[@PaulJoeTX]

Love Yes. What a great progressive band! ❤️❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶

[@Pait728]

The guitarist, Steve Howe, went on to form a band called, wait for it...ASIA!

[@nancymjohnson]

Bassist Chris Squire (the late) inspired so many bassist, even of today. Yes, in general, inspired soooo many groups. Mainly Rush. Jon Anderson’s voice is unmatched, Steve Howe on guitar is impeccable, Bill Bruford drumming. It gets no better. For novice Yes listeners, Starship Trooper would be great for the next song. ☮️❤️

[@JDogg1971]

“Owner of a Lonely Heart” is greatness. Y’all should check it out! Great reaction!!

[@martinreed5964]

not their best work by a long way

[@OriginalMergatroid]

I like it but it's a really commercial radio song. I agree it's not their best work.

[@candicelitrenta8890]

That whole album is a masterpiece you need to check out the other songs on it

[@lazaruslong8092]

Yes and Emerson Lake & Palmer and Jethro Tull were the innovators of Progressive Rock. Short definition is groups with excellent musicians who were innovative and defied being labeled in any ordinary categories, with great songs/musical creations.

[@guitarman0551]

I saw Yes live in 1970. The Eagles opened for them that night. They were AMAZING live! A lot of people at that time refered to them as symphonic rock or orchestral rock because their songs went through so many changes it was like the different movements in a symphony.

[@dalecross6888]

YES first Concert in US was Summer of 1971! I was there! OK City

[@dalecross6888]

YES never played with the Eagles! and the Eagles would Never play with YES!

[@guitarman0551]

@@dalecross6888 You're right, I'm getting old...lol. It was September 1972 when I saw them.

[@guitarman0551]

@@dalecross6888 You have no idea what you're talking about. I SAW that concert. I was THERE. YOU evidently weren't. Richmond Coliseum, 27 September, 1972. Opening act was The Eagles. Look it up and know what the hell you''re talking about BEFORE you post.

[@joesmith8725]

This was a great prog rock/folky hippie rock band. Good job picking up on prog rock! Multiple tempo structure, time signature changes. Multiple music arraingements and instruments. Prog rock is kind of influenced by jazz and classical music in a way. Deep lyrics, vocal harmonies. Lot of times the songs starts a certain way, veers off to something else (like another song lol) and then ends the same way it started. Like reading a book. It's typical for progressive music. Yes had lots of bangers. Yes slight distortion on guitar. I was a young child when they made lots of music. Check out more of their music! "Starship Trooper", "Yours is No Disgrace" and others are very good songs. This one came out prior to me being born. But, parents listened to them and I remember their records and hearing on the radio on rock stations. lol.

[@your_local_dummy4137]

Way back in 71 this song was on the radio and introduced me to Yes. I was captivated by the sound, complexity, newness and so out of the box difference to anything else at the time. That was in 1971. I purchased the Fragile album and Yes became my number 1 band. Since then Yes remains at the top of my list and have for 50 years. Roudabout is a great jumping in point for Yes. Please explore the rest of the Fragile album then go to the masterpiece classic "Close to the Edge" that will convince you that these guys are not of this Earth like we thought back in the early 70's. Yes made music that will take you on amazing uplifting sonic journeys like no other band. And this is a short song for Yes. Jump in and explore the music of Yes it is so very different.

[@susanraye3530]

Epic "Progressive Rock" .... I saw YES live 3 times .... they were AWESOME!! A lot of Synthesized music and the best light show!!

[@lawrencesmallacombe5089]

The "Progressive Rock" genre, especially back at that time, was marked by master musicianship utilizing many themes within one piece. I still enjoy the genre to this day. Top of the Progressive Rock genre for me is Yes and Pink Floyd.

[@justineapril7922]

It's called progressive rock. Yes were one of the early pioneers of the genre, along with King Crimson, Genesis, Pink Floyd, ELP (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), and others. This song opens the 1971 album, 'Fragile.' Go ahead and get your mind blown by the closer, "Heart of the Sunrise." Wow!!

[@williameller7002]

Masterpiece of rock history

[@markd5067]

Yes was one of the few bands we listened to constantly...

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

The lyrics of Yes's songs are often extremely hard to ferret out. They are largely impressionistic in most songs. Usually there are a few lines which set the theme - for this, it's "I'll spend the day your way" because it is basically about taking a day off to go about the countryside with the singer's loved one. Even a firly direct song like Wondrous Stories shifts point of view several times, but it is all about listening to a teller of Wondrous Stories. In Close to the Edge, there are a few phrases that are the theme "Seasons will pass you by" and "I get up, I get down", but the journey (it is a loose retelling of the book Siddhartha, which itself is a novelization of the story of Gautama Buddha, IIRC) is summed up at the end "Now that you find, now that you're whole." Awaken is about spiritual awakening and the search for God, and is summed up near he end "Like the time I ran away, I turned to look and you were standing close to me", meaning that whenever we return to God, he is there ready to receive and help us. There are so many other songs, but don't fret too much about making direct sense of all of the lyrics - except a few, like "Don't Kill the Whale", I hope you can figure out what that is about.

[@mattboland5221]

An epic masterpiece showlighting Progressive Rock in its infancy! Never gets old! A shout out to the late great Chris Squire on bass(RIP), Jon Anderson lead vocals, Stevie Howe- back up vocalist & guitar , Rick Wakeman on keyboard-to name a few- On a side note: the organ you heard was a Hammond B3 which was a staple back then in early 70's especially utilized in progressive rock.(No longer used today due to the bulkiness of moving it from gig to gig. The sound of it speaks for itself though. Another instrument used in British Prog was the meliron also experienced in early Genesis.

[@markbranson3723]

The drummer just kills it and then everybody else comes in with they're part. So talented they are.

[@garyschill7923]

This is called Progressive Rock, and Yes is one of the best at it!

[@jolene0602]

Yes is a great band. Starship Trooper, wondrous stories, And You and I, the list is long. I loved this band in my teenage years in the 70s.

[@briangbv1]

Agree with every one of your choices!!!!

[@berardfedele3486]

Agree with starship trooper

[@anthonyblakely399]

Hahahahaaha....lol.....hahahahaa.....watching you guys react to YES was very very interesting.....we the requesters and reviewer....waited a long time before we hit you with this band....Asia you are right......this genre of music is called by music critics, "Progressive Rock" or what we now say in the 21st century...."Prog Rock" Rock that have many transitions but lead the listener back to one Road......it is in it's transition like "Classical music" and progressive in it's movements like "Jazz" where several melodies and genres like jazz....blues....classical....Baroque......Folk....music are included in one song which like BJ said, "Takes the listener on a journey" but it is not Psychedelic....it could be at times....but essentially not psychedelic......I was 14 when I heard this song on the radio....it was soooo different from other music at the time....I really liked it....the more I heard it the more I fell in love with YES....then I got the album and was thoroughly impressed by the musicianship and the spiritual and cosmic meanings of the lyric.....I thought this group was from Heaven....hahahahaa....lol.....hahaaha..I still think the member are not of this Earth.....hahahaha......anyway...BJ is Right....The song in a poetic way is describing their tour on a Bus ....stopping and traveling into the mountains and lakes.....and as the members of YES are giving concerts and traveling they are thinking about their Loved ones at home......Roundabout is tour and doing Concerts.

[@stewpot6998]

Yes! One of the all time greatest rock songs. Legendary band. That bass guitar. Also the best rock drummers are: Bonham, Peart and this guy, Bruford

[@kellykonoske91]

That bass of Chris Squires is unreal!!

[@TimothySielbeck]

"Yes" is what you get when classically trained musicians turn their efforts to rock.

[@martinreed5964]

all were self taught apart from Rick Wakeman

[@GrouchyMarx]

You guys need to do more Yes! On top of all the other hit songs you're doing! LOL! Some other early Yes studio classics to put on your list, "Yours Is No Disgrace", "Starship Trooper" and "I've Seen All Good People". And two of their double-songs, also off the Fragile album you've done here, (songs that need to be played together as one is short the other long as they blend in) "We Have Heaven & South Side of the Sky", and "Long Distant Runaround & The Fish (Shindleria Praematurus)". And the last song on Fragile is "Heart of the Sunrise", one you will enjoy. After those is the album "Close To the Edge" album which has only three long songs so start with the first title track song. These were the songs played the most on radio back in the day, and for good reason. Most of their lyrics are more surreal in nature, rather than traditional stuff so think of it like enjoying the art of Dali or Picasso, rather than a tradition painting like a Rembrandt or a Bierstadt. ✌😎

[@robertlear2735]

One of my favorite Yes songs. If you really want to go on a journey listen to "Close to the Edge"

[@Rick-or2kq]

Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson of Emerson, lake and Palmer were pioneers in the use of the Moog synthesizer..

[@teri7398]

They were considered progressive rock. "Roundabout" apparently is a circular intersections on the road. Wikipedia says the song was written while they were on tour and travelling through Scotland where they had to go through a lot of these circular roundabouts.

[@micahjared8082]

Not long after YES came RUSH. Both the reason I started playing bass in 1984. RIP Chris. Check out YYZ by RUSH Live.

[@sallysharp3845]

Welcome to Prog Rock (Progressive Rock), Yes is one of the masters of this form of Rock. Check out their song "Owners Of The Loney Heart".

[@brianbaker352]

for more great YES try 'Yours id No Disgrace', 'Starship Troopers', 'I've Seen All Good People', 'And You and I' my favourite

[@michaeldrennan9932]

As a 10 year old back in 1972, I heard this song and was blown away!! Fast forward to 1975, got frostbite on my toes walking through 6 inches of snow wearing plastic boots in Buffalo NY trying to find the Fragile album as I managed to save my money up just to have that album. And YES, after walking to several stores, I FINALLY found it and have no regrets!! My album Fantastic to my 13 year old ears led me to hear more!! My request to you is to listen to their song called "Closer To The Edge "!! Not on the Fragile album However, a musical Masterpiece!! Also listen to the Fragile album as I suffered just to get that album and Very Great!! I then discovered earlier albums by them and let me also request their song "Starship Trooper"!! Progressive Rock at its Finest!! Thanks for your reaction!!

[@Yesquire0]

I, too, adore "Closer to the Edge", the fine and generally overlooked sequel to "Close to the Edge".

[@michaeldrennan9932]

Forgive the typo but you know what I meant!! For anyone else, I hit post before proof reading as I know it's CLOSE and not CLOSER!

[@Yesquire0]

@@michaeldrennan9932 There once was a time when the pun was the lowest form of humor. Now that crown has been passed to online typo humor. Thanks for the inadvertent laugh. Poofreading in impotent!

[@bikesnab1]

Alright my friends, welcome to prog rock. Progressive rock. Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Kansas. This are some of those types of bands. Thank you for taking us along this journey with you. Always like your reactions

[@donadams9496]

That bass guitar towards the beginning is incredible. Took me until my 50s to be reintroduced to this kind of music, and to fully appreciate it. Makes me wonder what the hell I was doing when I was younger. I'm a late bloomer I guess.

[@wesmartyn3829]

1979, saw them in the round, live.

[@sarahzentexas]

Aw, look at y’all, getting a first taste of prog rock at its finest. Handling it well!

[@wesmartyn3829]

OMG. I seen them live. First time on acid. To this day, still my most memorable concert. AND DECADES LATER YOU ARE LISTENING TO YES. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I'm lost for words. Music never dies, just the singer. Thinking I'm loving you both

[@danieldeanmasterfinisher4715]

The Bassist is ripping this up and shredding it out ❤️IT

[@ontherun9510]

This was written when Yes was coming back from a tour in Scotland. It's where roundabouts, lakes, mountains are in the lyrics as the scenery, also they say they will be with they're loves one soon. They're coming back from a tour in a van!

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

Nailed it. And BJ picked it out with his first listen. Props.

[@voodoochild2968]

The funkiest bass line

[@barndude5562]

It's all about that groove!! :)

[@danalawton2986]

Ahhhh "Yes", great stoner rock from the 70's, millions of baby boomers lit up to them

[@custardflan]

"Marmots come out of the sky and they stand there." Now that's poetry. Prog Rock. That's Rick Wakeman on the keyboard. Classically trained. All of these people are top musicians.

[@imweakfordeaky]

It’s “mountains”, not “marmots” ! Although imagining marmots coming out of the sky and standing there made me giggle… 😆

[@gelsol]

Hahaha, way funnier with marmots! I will never not think of marmots now when I hear that part.

[@MrDcwithrow]

@@imweakfordeaky Another great example of misheard lyrics. For the longest time I thought it was "Mallards come out of the sky and stand there", which makes sense since mallards would come out of the sky and stand around a lake.

[@stcif]

Marmots? Jon did acid but not that much.

[@gunkulator1]

@@imweakfordeaky Marmoset There'd Be Days Like These. Marmoset. Marmoset.

[@Alewifes_Husband]

So many first time reactions to everything going on in this amazing yet accessible song, Bill Bruford's drumming never gets enough credit. The whole thing really is hard to digest fully on first hearing. I've heard this song hundreds if times sine the mid 70s and I NEVER have gotten tied of it. Can't say that for every 50 year old song. Yes are just masters of sound and atmospheres and arrangements, even into their later records of the 2000s and 2010s.

[@MrMoon1953]

Never try to make too much of the lyrics. They have their own method of writing lyrics. Also, if you continue with Yes, and I hope you do, be prepared, you will be on a journey.

[@franksullivan1873]

Prog Rock genius on display in YES.I was lucky to see them.

[@candicelitrenta8890]

When we got these records back in the day, they had the lyrics to all the songs so you read along with them, it was like they knew you would have read it to hear it properly.

[@oldmanghost219]

YES!!! You are asking about the keyboards. Rick Wakeman is one of the top keyboard players. He and Keith Emerson of ELP were friends. Both top 3 keyboard players.

[@CB3358]

That's why it's called progressive rock, it progresses! First track on the album Fragile, loved it when it came out, love it now. And music is for you to listen to, don't get so hung up on words or videos. This album track does exactly what it's supposed to do, it makes you listen & enjoy! ♥️

[@leonardoD81]

This is one of the best, in my opinion the best, progressive rock bands of all time along with Pink Floyd, ELP, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Rush and the Moody Blues. They are brilliant musicians and there are jazz and classical components to their music. Geddy Lee from Rush loved Yes and especially Chris Squire their bass player. In fact he played bass on this song when Yes were inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame, because of the passing of Chris Squire. Many of their songs are quite long (9-23 minutes) and broken up into many parts like classical symphonic compositions.

[@deborahstrickland9845]

Yes is a very deep prog rock rabbit hole to go down. Incredible musicians and singers.❤️❤️

[@stevenredmond7455]

Progressive Rock my dear. Welcome to a journey for every song in this genre.