Yes: Heart of the Sunrise REACTION & ANALYSIS | The Daily Doug (Episode 331)

[@timterrazas6250]

You know your stoned when Jon's lyrics begin to make perfect sense

[@joshallen3558]

This is the funniest comment I've ever read 😂

[@shanir97]

🤣

[@loulap6937]

Bullseye!!!

[@Astraltraveller05]

Lol classic

[@ryanr5319]

Lies!! 😇

[@michaelbeerbados3291]

what the average person misses is that Bill Bruford does some of his GREATEST drumming on this track. Listen to it again. Missing hits adding rolls cutting off sections-yet the human ear actually is tricked into thinking he fills everything standardly. The drumming here is beyond what most can do.

[@peteh7966]

Agreed, some of the best drumming you will ever hear - without a doubt.

[@MatheusManzano]

I always say that. The drumming here is doctorate thesis by BB.

[@jasonwilliams6005]

His drumming here is beyond great. So much going on and incredibly complex.

[@johnnicholson8345]

average listener? Certainly this guy anyway. He missed pretty much everything from the clever minor to major shifts, the transpositions, reintroduction of themes, etc. Pretty much his entire babbling over this masterpiece ruined much of everything.

[@chrisblower8868]

Always knew I wasn't an average person

[@magicbrownie1357]

I had the good fortune of meeting Chris Squire in the 90's. What a talent. The real heart and soul of Yes. RIP, sir.

[@beefer454]

absolutely right.THE greatest bass player ever.no brainer

[@doughorton3635]

There will never be another Chris Squire. The man was a phenomenal bass player with a unique sound and style.

[@lmsrox2]

Yes (pun intended), but Jon's voice was the magic dust that finished the deal and made Yes Yes, IMO. Many iterations were really good, but the total essentials, i.e., the core of the best Yes stuff to me was Chris, Jon, and Steve Howe. And I mean no disrespect to the other fantastic musicians who came through (Rick Wakeman, Bill Bruford, Peter Banks, Alan White, Tony Kaye, etc.).

[@mglaser6811]

Yes in deed I miss Chriss a Lot...god bless him...still lives on in bass heaven ✌👍👍👍

[@steveinsydney9919]

I met Chris too, in Sydney, 2003. He signed my vinyl copy of Fish out of Water. Lovely guy. BUT. Yes of course he was a great bass player, with huge chops all over the place, but to me what made him even greater was his talent for composing the most extraordinary, unusual, out of left field basslines that are completely unique in style, yet perfect for the music they accompany. THAT was his greatest gift to us, IMHO.

[@Sam_Utah]

When Jon sings it always seems like a prayer, a connection, a plea to the divine.

[@brunozep]

It's like an angelical singing

[@scottbilger9294]

Well said

[@_ID_as_Non_Bidenary]

That's how it strikes me. Listening to Yes music is like going to church for me. It's a spiritual cleansing.

[@brianleonard9872]

Bruford’s drums are absolutely incredible on this one. One of the greatest performances of all time.

[@alnitak208]

Nothing better than the old prog from the early seventies. So inventive, free and entertaining !

[@peteh7966]

Record companies just let them have free reign and we're still reaping the benefits!!!

[@trsalmon]

That common reduces Yes to a silly genre.

[@mungojerrie86]

I am convinced that the majority of good music in humanity's history was made between 1968 and 1975.

[@henrymcintosh3]

This song is, to me, Yes at their absolute most imaginative. It has everything. Jon Anderson is amazing and Bruford's drumming is stunning.

[@peteh7966]

Their earlier albums were great, but with Fragile, they took it all to a complete new level. Bill's style is phenomenal.

[@cherylwoodward]

Bill’s drumming gives me chills. So precise and in the pocket. It’s always what is needed at any given time.

[@peteh7966]

@@cherylwoodward You've hit the nail right on the head there, not a wasted note, no overfilling, just perfect.

[@johammerstein3605]

I agree, Bill seems to me, a little bored on Close To The Edge and is ready to move on to something new.

[@doclawyer]

The best YES lineup for sure. They were like a machine back then.

[@andymartin3581]

This classic still gives me goosebumps... 50 years later!

[@tommathews3964]

Amen, brother!

[@chrislegner4816]

Fifty years after it's creation, it still sounds ahead of it's time.

[@Williamottelucas]

Mine too - the hairs may have gone grey, but they still stand on end!

[@peteh7966]

@@Williamottelucas Hilarious - but ditto!!!

[@peteh7966]

@@chrislegner4816 You just blew my mind!!!!

[@kenhaynes942]

When I bought this album in 1972, I got lost in Heart of the Sunrise for days, dissecting the sections, falling in love with Chris Squire's bass sound, being mesmerized by Jon Anderson's voice, so subtle, angelic, and powerful all in the same song. Still as astounding to me today.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

You know it's crazy... every time I listen to this album I think Roundabout is my favorite... then South Side of the Sky... then Heart of the Sunrise becomes my favorite etc... I pretty much have decided that my favorite Yes track is the one that I am listening to right now... Lol. But if I am really honest... I don't think there is a 1-2-3 punch like the Close to Edge Album. Everytime I listen to Fragile it just makes me want to Listen to Close to the Edge. There is no transition from track to track that makes me more emotional or interested then listening to Close to the Edge and then straight into And you and I. It's just incredible... Yes is so AMAZING!

[@peterbyrne178]

My older brother bought the album ...we had a little shitty mono player and the album still sounded amazing !..when we got a decent stereo a bit later it was life changing . .no other group of musicians have ever come close to the sheer brilliance of the guys here

[@karenstitchygirl]

@@peterbyrne178same for me, mono record player, then big stereo and heard all the layers.

[@Cleofizoid]

One of my favorites on Fragile...and South Side of the Sky. Looking forward to it.

[@peteh7966]

South Side of the Sky, I've been listening to it for 50 years and it still gives me goosebumps.

[@dhchbhrh82]

Great album! Heart of The Sunrise, Southside of The Sky and The Fish best songs on Fragile!

[@diannkelley3481]

I went for years without Yes, and this is one I remembered the most as well as those from CTTE and South Side of the Sky which makes me think of some Jack London stories.

[@dvincentblack]

It's time to get Jon Anderson on the show! We can ask him! He's very friendly! I've been listening to this since the week it came out. I was just a kid. I had it on eight track. I used to fall asleep with the headphones on and the tape would play over and over and over again all night long. Lol. I learned of the existence of, and placement of every note on this album! 🤘🎼🎶

[@williamsporing1500]

I couldn’t tell you how many hours I spent listening to fragile, close to the edge, tales from topographic oceans and the Yes album….I’ve got an older brother and he turned me on to them when I was 12 when the Yes album came out. Yes changed my life lol

[@williamsporing1500]

There’s very few people I’d like to meet, but Jon is one of them……

[@ansfridaeyowulfsdottir8095]

@@williamsporing1500 Jon Anderson and Ozzy Osbourne for me. I just want to fall to my knees, bowing and wailing _"I AM NOT WORTHY! I AM NOT WORTHY!"_ But that would just embarass Jon, and Ozzy would say _"Get up, ya feckin' ass hole!"_ So I'll just hug them and thank them for saving my life. {:-:-:}

[@antoniocarlin5026]

YES! I founded it on 1998 before a show here in México, and he invite me to go with him to shoping jeje...we enter to a buddhist store!! (a store of antiques) and he bought a lot of litthe buddhas and indian elephants!! Jejeje is very friendly .... I saw 5 times Live here, and I was able to live with all the members of the band :)

[@johngerstner8399]

Jon did an interview with Rick Beato. Would be really neat to have Doug and Rick hook up

[@stpnwlf9]

I love how the guitar and bass run through those arpeggios, sometimes in unison and sometimes in opposite directions - that is mesmerizing!

[@mogsy2112]

There's another example of this, in the opening of "Changes". Mesmerizing is the perfect descriptor!

[@DrummerStick]

@@mogsy2112 literally disgusting, like how the hell did yes come up with this stuff.

[@RandymanB]

"Thank whatever force created Jon Anderson", I've been wanting to do so since I first heard this album in 1971!

[@rupertsligh3598]

His mother was lovely. Such a sweet little, diminutive lady from Lancashire. She was the force.

[@jonathanroberts8981]

Wondering: how high was his voice BEFORE puberty? 🙂

[@nilsen589]

@@jonathanroberts8981 Only dogs could hear him.

[@brianalpert2383]

I just love the way you never know when Bill Bruford is going to hit the cymbal - especially in his duet with Chris Squire in the first part of the song. He varies his accents and you can't predict when he'll hit the cymbal or the snare. The accents just keep changing while he keeps impeccable time. And he's only one member of this amazing band.

[@peteh7966]

That's what I love about his playing on this album, the variation while still keeping time is incredible and keeps the excitement going through the whole song.

[@Mertztillithurts]

Bill Bruford was great at that! Danny Carey also does that kind of thing, even during polyrhythmic parts. Keeps you on your toes!

[@Mellotron61]

Vous avez tout un sens de l'observation musical Brian..👍👍👍👏

[@BenjWarrant]

It's the most phenomenal, outstanding piece of drumming ever. I can never get enough of it. Sometimes I like to watch a drum cover just to hear the drums much higher in the mix. (Although some of them don't really do the material justice!)

[@peteh7966]

@@BenjWarrant kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXq4doNvi7ahbpo

[@BaneOfXistence4]

That undeniable Rickenbacker tone. Gotta love it. You always know when one is cranking.

[@cbarbe02]

What ii amazing with yes is that they can perform these complex songs live perfectly, just amazing!!!

[@Keith_KC8TCQ]

R.I.P Chris Squire a gentleman who inspired so many great bass players including Geddy Lee

[@cozmicpfunk]

Totally!

[@JdoubleU1222]

My first bass player bought a Rickenbacker because of Squire. He was damn good too.

[@bethrappeport9381]

I always found Chris to be so innovative, and he didn’t just play bass, he played lead bass.

[@cozmicpfunk]

@@bethrappeport9381 I second that emotion!

[@Chris.Minarich.LongIsland]

The absolute GOAT he was.....I can't pick a guitarist & although I lean towards Danny Carey- I really cannot pick a drummer BUT, Chris was the goat....I absolutely love Geddy & Rush but Chris was on another level

[@mikemasse]

Love your reactions and analysis, Doug.

[@johnmarsh2078]

I was eighteen. I borrowed my mother's carand filled it with friends. We drove to Old Trafford .... Manchester United's ground, and parked in the car park. There was a venue called The Hardrock next door (now a DIY store). What followed was totally epic. Sitting cross legged, listening to Yes performing Fragile and most of The Yes Album and a little earlier stuff. What a night. Somebody reversed into the car and I had to repair it but NOTHING could take the lustre off that magical night.

[@michael-davidarrkerns4799]

What a memory!

[@sunpathviewer]

Love to talk to you about meeting Chris. He came to see our band in a casino lounge after a YES concert. He came to our green room after our second set. He and ZMan their tour manager stayed our last set then they stayed with us after the bar closed. Management let Chris share 3 bottles of Grand Mariner with us as we talked music a couple hours during our load out. Huge man, huge heart. Thanks Doug 🤙🥀🎶🕊

[@heinzbucksandcastle2053]

Yes is a band that you can listen to over and over. I got into them in 1976 and never stopped.

[@joanbounacos8958]

Loved the description of Chris' bass as "filthy". It was, in the best way! I once watched Jon sing this using binoculars and focusing on his throat to see if there was any obvious strain. Not one bit! Awesome efforts by every member!

[@kellynine7438]

I remember getting close to the stage at one of their shows, and during this and Fish, Chris' bass would make my face go numb because I was so close to the stacks. It was GLORIOUS. So very filthy, and so very marvelous.

[@ConceptJunkie]

@@kellynine7438 I saw Yes in '91 in the nosebleed seats at the Capital Center in Maryland, and even up there you could feel Chris'' bass in your chest. It was amazing. It was the "Union" tour, and everyone got their chance to do a solo bit. Chris played "Amazing Grace", and it was indeed amazing. They also played "Awaken", which was something I definitely did not expect, but loved because it's one of my favorites.

[@douglasanderson8636]

I played 'Soon" to a friend who is a pro.opera singer.She reckoned Jon has a perfect vocal technique...mind she thought he was a female singer at the beginning

[@jimcarlson6157]

I would say feel-thy.

[@ernaolsson6763]

All of them are unbeleivable amazing on their instruments and Jon is totally outstanding..

[@legionofprog]

What a great song this one is! From what I've seen/read, it was apparently the last song written for the Fragile album (under pressure because they were a song short), and the first song where Rick Wakeman observed Yes's songwriting process. The song was quickly constructed around Squire's opening riff and other fragments that Anderson and Bruford proposed on the fly, prompting Wakeman to think "Who writes songs like THIS!?" Masterpiece.

[@benjaminlichtenstein6747]

Hadn't heard that story, v interesting!

[@johnnicholson8345]

Much of this song had Wakeman assembling the disparate pieces to meld it into a cohesive song. No minor task.

[@nordvegfigg7746]

This album, and especially Heart Of The Sunrise challenged me, as a young guitarist, to up my game as it were, to levels I had previously thought far beyond my grasp at age 15. But I went for it, sought out musicians better than me, and worked at it until I kicked down the imaginary doors in my mind that held me back from realizing my potential. And here I am at age 65 still playing guitar, challenging myself every day. And have been lucky enough to always earn my living either playing or teaching guitar. Some of the thanks for that has to go to Steve Howe and Yes for setting the bar so seemingly high way back when I was a barre chord head banger.

[@markhowell3020]

I had the privilege once of shooting some engagement photos for a couple once during a sunrise atop the Appalachian Mountains. It was so beautiful that it inspired me to go back the following day armed with my camera and my headphones loaded with “Heart of the Sunrise “. MAGIC!!! It was a moment in my life I will never forget.

[@Cleofizoid]

"Dreamer Easy In The Chair That Really Fits You". Great lyric. Bill Bruford tears it up!

[@souldreamer9056]

In 2001’s “In the presence of” he reference this with the lines: As the door was open wide There inside was a diamond chair Where I sat when I was young I wrote down the words

[@genestippell1833]

Take a listen to Chris Squires solo album, Fish out of Water! Squire pairs up with Bruford again ... One of the greatest solo albums ever... A combination of classical and jazz fusion. When I first got it I assumed it would be Squire showing off, instead I got serious compositions where squire takes you on a ride, one moment very calm and soothing and the next he reminds you he's Chris squire the bass player from yes . I think only one song has a guitar in it, mostly flutes and strings with Patrick moraz filling in great stuff on the keys. . Ya'all

[@thatmarchingarrow]

It really is a fantastic album. One of my all time favourites I'd say.

[@markusantonio4866]

Hold Out Your Hand, Lucky Seven

[@douglasgraham9045]

Safe (cannon song). Fantastic track

[@peteh7966]

One of my all time favourites - I don't think I've heard an album where Chris wasn't at the top of his game - sheer brilliance.

[@sigil5772]

I mean, it *is* Squire showing off, but in a good way, shows his strengths right across the board

[@jbassguy571]

Heart of the Sunrise was probably the first classic Yes song I heard that made me fall in love with Chris' bass playing. So confident and melodic and earthy and sharp. Still think you'd like to hear To Be Over off of Relayer. The harmonies are fantastic especially toward the end.

[@peteh7966]

Moraz's screaming keyboard solos on the Gates of Delirium - unbelievable.

[@MonsterhighFREAK0]

I was just about to comment this!! I'm glad i found your comment, that song is so nice.

[@mercurykingfirst]

All I can say is wandering around the streets of my city here in Brazil in 2020 listening to that gem for the first time was one o' the most special memories I've got about that sad year.

[@wfdasdjedwjd]

After my bro died at 23 when I was 13 in 1976 I inherited his extensive album collection. My friends and I listened to all the classic 60’s and 70’s hard rock bands and Yes Heart of the Sunrise and StarTrip Trooper became our anthems. We grew up, got high and dipped into my pops liquor cabinet. Talk about some great times!

[@rained5757]

What always amazes me is how Jon's voice is so ethereal and otherworldly, and yet, even with that amazing power-filled rhythm section and guitar at full pitch and strength, it's never overwhelmed, it has that power all of its own - it IS the heart of the music.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

It really is an AMAZING instrument to go along with other "hearts" of Yes like Squire's Basslines or Howe's riffs or Wakemen's keys etc. Yes really needed a completely unique and amazing voice like Jon's to go with all of that... Simply incredible when they all mesh and weave together....

[@scottkessler4263]

Interestingly, each member was to have a solo piece on the album: Steve Howe had Mood For A Day, Chris Squire had Fish, Bill Bruford had 5% For Nothing, Jon Anderson had We Have Heaven, and Rick had a "cover" since he was still under contract to another label and couldn't create an "original" piece, so he covered Brahams.

[@gregraines1599]

That must’ve been part of his leaving the Strawbs- a really fine Prog band.

[@dailyprognosisnick]

Just love watching you react to Yes. No other band gives you such facial expressions! That's Yes! They keep you on your toes and yet comfortable all at the same time!

[@guitars4ever176]

Dr Doug, I heard this song when it was released. I was in jr high school. To watch you marvel over Yes’ majesty is such a thrill especially with your amazing credentials. I love what you do sir !!!!

[@peteh7966]

Multiply this story a million times over and you begin to see what an impact this band (and this record) had on people over the years.

[@joshuajouet]

This music has been a part of my life for so long, and i absolutely love your reactions and analysis of it - fab stuff

[@williamsporing1500]

Yes has been a huge part of my life. It’s way deeper than the stuff that was and is mainstream. I saw them 19 times, staring with close to the edge tour…

[@marcanglin7127]

One of the most diverse compositions of Progressive Rock music, melded together into a cohesive whole that flows straight from the heart. Each band member contributes brilliantly to the song, leaving room for each and every one of them to shine as bright as the sunrise. Astounding piece of music.

[@kevinlochner941]

Doug, I really like your reviews, especially the 70s prog rock bands, Yes, and Genesis. I've been a fan of Yes since I was a kid in '72. Thanks!

[@paulmasarek8457]

Thanks Doug, boy I still love that signature Squire sound. And I agree that Jon's vocals float angelic above the "dirty" bass. Would like hear a Gentle Giant listen sometime, my favorite for contrapuntal parts with a baroque meets rock feel. Thanks again!

[@iemandanders2577]

thank you for doing this one Doug, i love yes, as a bassist i love Chris squire but this song is my favorite, period. my favorite part is the piano part (you know the one) followed by johns vocals followed by the whole band joining in, its just magical.

[@peteh7966]

Spot on! When it kicks off again with a couple of snare flams, it's spine tingling!

[@richsweeney8654]

I tell ya, this old man was once a young sailor in the Navy. The greatest sunrises I've seen were at sea. I can tell you the heart of the sunrise is a special place..

[@CJRamos-jv3pb]

You have to hear the ending in context of the entire album, and how We Have Heaven transitions into South Side of the Sky.

[@heychas]

For years I would struggle w/ the trying to figure out the meaning of the Yes lyrics. However, it wasn't until this song I realize they finally address that question: "Straight light searching all the meanings of the song Long last treatment of the telling that relates to all the words sung Dreamer easy in the chair that really fits you" It doesn't matter - let the words mean to you whatever the mean to you. It is really quite beautiful.

[@andyharman3022]

I remember an interview with Jon where he said many times the lyrics were written to fit the music, not necessarily for meaning.

[@MDLOP8]

That's it: "the yin and yang at the same time!" You captured the essence of Yes!!!!

[@grife3000]

I think he said ying.

[@andrewpatrick4254]

Your post-toke analysis is hilarious and awesome.

[@jeffburgess4589]

While Close to the Edge is epic and THE prog masterpiece; Heart of the Sunrise is still my favorite Yes song., especially in concert. Squire's "walking bass" is mesmerizing.

[@Gary1scuba]

Mine too!!!!

[@mogsy2112]

I always go back and forth, between Close to the Edge, Heart of the Sunrise, and Starship Trooper. Epic, epic, and epic...

[@peteh7966]

@@mogsy2112 The live version of Starship Trooper/Wurm on Yesssongs, with Wakeman's moog solos is mind blowing.

[@allisonrich5061]

Which is why I always chose a stage right position at concerts :-)

[@StrideLatinProgRick]

Timeless masterpiece. Many thanks Doug for the beautiful way you present these masterworks. Your videos it should be shown and taught at school to make young listeners discover real Music, and make them appreciate and love it. This would perhaps create a better world, and this is the YES message.

[@dmCurator]

This album opened a door for my then young and impressionable taste in music. 💥

[@peteh7966]

Ditto - changed the course of my listening forever!

[@christopherwelsh7008]

Thanks Doug! You always remind me why I have loved these songs for decades.

[@jabehauber]

Dude. Doug, you must do a reaction to the entire Yessongs live album. It takes all of these studio works and elevates them to a higher plain. Just thinking that they could recreate these compositions live is mindblowing; hearing that they can add even more is interdimensional.

[@r3creative41]

Whenever I saw them live and they’d play this I was always re-re-re-reminded how great they are.

[@emartc1]

The song is wonderful, the playing is perfect, the singing is amazing, and Bill Bruford is out of this world.

[@johannsebastianb4ss]

Finally you did, in my opinion, the five best Yes songs ever! (Close To the Edge, Awaken, The Gates Of Delirium, The Revealing Science Of God and Heart Of The Sunrise). Now, having an interview with Jon Anderson would be amazing for this channel, for you and for us. It'd be such an incredible opportunity for you to ask everything you want to a original Yes member, he's so kind and lovely and when you listen to him talking is like a grandfather telling a story to his grandchild. Cheers from Argentina, Doug. ;)

[@prickyX]

You can listen to Jon with Rick Beato on KZbin.

[@johannsebastianb4ss]

@@prickyX That's why I think Doug should try to contact with Jon and bring him to the channel. After the interview with Rick Beato, I think a video "Jon-Doug" would be amazing for all of us ;)

[@twelveeighteenofficial7487]

I bought my first copy of Fragile at age 18 (1991), when I was super into vinyl and just starting to get interested in large-scale compositions and progressive music more generally. To me, "We Have Heaven" came off like this singing minstrel troupe dancing through a town, making a terrific racket. At the end of the piece, someone manages to slam the door on them to restore order in the studio so they can get back to work. And, finally, after the last notes of "Heart of the Sunrise", the door bursts back open and in once again they dance.

[@ConceptJunkie]

I bought "Fragile" when I was 17 in '82. I think I'd bought a greatest hits first, since I really didn't know anything about Yes. It was the one that came with the 7-incher that had a couple of live tracks. But "Fragile" was my first actual Yes album. Within a few months I had all of their releases. I was also discovering Genesis in the same year.

[@twelveeighteenofficial7487]

@@ConceptJunkie I was already turned off to Genesis by the time I was a teenager thanks to "Invisible Touch" and "I can't dance" and shit like that. It wasn't until years later that I found out how cool their 70's stuff was.

[@mly4751]

Doug - i’ve been listening to ALL your videos for a year and only just subscribed BUT your breakdown of the musical layers, the keys and jet changes, as well as the appreciation for transitions and superlative playing to instruments usually given 2nd class status (Squire’s bass; Bruford’s percussion), provides such ad incredible level of insight that you will be my #1 choice. I am a 70s prog champion so whether Yes, KIng Crimson, ELP, etc., i am right there with you. Your analysis LEGITIMIZES that super period of musical creation. Thank you see much for all that you do!

[@Aquatarkus96]

Yes + Cannabis... There has never been a better combination. Got to see them live in Denver around the time of legalization at the Paramount playing Fragile and Close to the Edge in full, definitely one of the best shows I've ever been to out over 1000 shows I've seen. There were a predictable age distribution at the show for sure, but my 2 buddies and I were surprised to see *a lot* of other younger people in their 20s, including 2 very attractive ladies wearing Genesis and ELP t-shirts that I was too sheepish to talk to lol!

[@cheezeofelune]

"That's .... FILTHY, y'all .... whooo" OMG I'm dying at this! I love it!

[@smilerpink]

Did a lot of distance running years ago. This prog classic was on the playlist. Running early in the morning into "the heart of the sunrise."

[@erichflake1631]

You're the man Doug, BRAVO, BRAVO! Your choices in what you share are the best,, the way you describe and enjoy these tunes is also very very knowledgeable and sincere, very impressive my friend, plus it doesn't hurt that you partake in the buds, this song is considered one of my very favorite songs from yes, lots of great memories with their music, and had the pleasure of seeing them live twice in Philly in the late 70s, maybe I'll have the privilege of meeting you someday as well, all the best to you Doug

[@richieg8432]

Absolute genius. Nothing like this will be ever written again.

[@Chris.Minarich.LongIsland]

You're so correct. This album was pure genius

[@bojiden]

Nah, I wrote something like this last week. jk

[@ToxicTurtleIsMad]

I mean... many greater pieces of music have been written since this but ok..

[@johnschneider7499]

I enjoy your posts very much! Huge Yes fan too. I saw them 6 times. I played in a band in my 20s, used a white Rickenbacker bass just like Chris Squire’s. I need to light up a bowl with you now.

[@donallmon1338]

"That's filthy, y'all." LOL Perfectly said. That bass line has so much attitude.

[@rongreen1103]

So friggin ahead of their time. And we the lucky few were around when this was being created...And got to hear and appreciate it the day it was released..❤❤❤👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️👍 We are blessed...

[@guitarchannel5676]

Very impressive song, i notice new things with each listen. I'm still amazed at how they managed to arrange such disparate sections into a cohesive unified piece. They really handled the transitions well, such as the brief bass/piano fragment that proceeds howe's soft guitar arpeggios - played in original key then transposed up right before Jon enters. (Did Steve and Jon write this vocal-guitar duet as a separate song? Did Steve happen to notice those arpeggios transposed effectively? Or did they simply deem it necessary to move to a new key to for variety?) I also appreciate how they reinsert the pentatonic material from the opening as reoccurring 'interruptions' to new material (i.e. synth, bass, and drum syncopated flurries) which might otherwise sound out-of-place after the slow vocal section. (Bil bruford really enables this with smooth shifts.) The short guitar solo then acts as transitional material and gives way to rick's piano which acts as outro and intro (transitional) to the new vocal section. They eventually 'bandify' these piano breaks before last vocal section, which really works! Rick's playing and strategic use of various keyboards - heavy organ, synth wiggle-waggles, soft piano, and Mellotron soundscapes - is how a skilled musician works with multiple keyboards. Not just senseless over-use of synthesizers, as typically happens now. So a lot of interesting things going on with this song. I'm not sure many bands would be able arrange this song without it sounding like a series of unrelated parts.

[@peteh7966]

If you haven't got the 5.1 mix of Fragile - it's a must. The separation of instruments bring out absolutely everything.

[@guitarchannel5676]

I'm not really a CD person, never have been. I have a near mint US Atlantic that sounds excellent. (I can hear every instrument loud and clear.) My point about hearing new things with each listen was not regarding particular instruments; rather, it was regarding the arrangement of the different sections, reoccurring sections that change roles, shifts in dynamics, etc.

[@thomaslaurent2714]

These are wonderful explorations! Thank you Doug. The last excerpt is not the end of the song but continuation of Jon Andersons song on the flip side. You should explore, and enjoy the whole album. Amazing work by the band.

[@DavidLazarus]

Doug - I'm sure others have said it, but as absolutely mind blowing as the studio version is, listening to live versions of Heart of the Sunrise is a must! Chris really plays to the audience on the bass intro! It's fabulous!

[@steveunderwood3683]

The album version is quite restrained. The version on Yessongs is really in your face.

[@DavidLazarus]

@@steveunderwood3683 - Well, Alan played drums on Yessongs for the most part. But Bill's drumming on the studio version is phenomenal. He rarely plays the same beat twice. That's what differentiates the studio version from any live version: save for that played by ABWH.

[@richardeast939]

Been listening to Yes for over 40 years and this song stills hits me the way it did when I first heard it. Absolutely magnificent.

[@stanjohnson5767]

'Filthy' is such a great way to describe Chris's bass sound. I also think 'nasty' works too. I think if you could capture the energy in this song you could power a city. Jon's voice is so very beautiful in HOTS... just so perfect. Thanks for including this song!

[@gerrylundergaard60]

I always thought the world gravely describes that awesome bass play.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

@@gerrylundergaard60 I agree... Filthy is what you beocme if you down and dirty in a grave though. So Filthy works. Nasty is kind of ok... not LOW enough for a bass descriptor haha.

[@pmar27]

When Doug says "Y'all" you know something special is happening. I've enjoyed this Yes Fragile journey with you!

[@lionelgibaudan3592]

The story tells that in the very early '70s, Chris Squire shared a flat in London wih Greg Lake and that he was impressed by the Greg's riff on 21th Century Schizoid man (King Crimson) and that inspired him when creating the bass intro riff of heart of the sunrise... The song played live has many interesting variations on the bass solo section

[@martynlester9869]

Some would argue that Court of the Crimson King was the first fully gestated 'progressive' recording. Sure, there were precursor elements in early Pink Floyd and elsewhere, but the album did feel like a game-changer to many of us. Doug does seem to be working back towards the roots of the prog that he so often analyses, and Crimson King would be a logical work to focus on soon. Pink Floyd's Interstellar Overdrive (even earlier, but packaged in the very eclectic Piper at the Gates of Dawn) might also be a 'mind-blower'.

[@dpstrial]

@@martynlester9869 Syd Barrett to me is the seminal force of prog rock.

[@martynlester9869]

@@dpstrial Piper at the Gates was the first LP that I bought. Second-hand, and not until 68, I don't think. Vinyl, of course. The mono edition (much more painstakingly mixed than the stereo). I think I haggled the price down to four shillings. I can't guess if you are old enough to remember 67/68, but 'progressive' wasn't even a term back then. Many of us called music that far removed from the pop charts 'underground'. Out of many hundreds, Piper is probably the album I would least happily be parted from. So I'm not knocking it in the slightest. I'm just saying that it's an odd mixture of boundary-breaking rock and nursery rhyme whimsy. Was Syd's work 'seminal'? Absolutely. For a man who recorded so few songs, his influence was immense. Were any of his albums classifiable as 'prog'? There I'm not so sure.

[@dpstrial]

@@martynlester9869 I bought Piper in the mid-seventies, after I got the compilation album Relics. Relics is my favourite Floyd album by far. Syd Barrett's work was, as you say, whimsical and psychedelic, otherwise known as acid-rock. "Prog rock" was probably the rebranded term for "underground", when it became more popular in the early seventies with the advent of ELP, Genesis and Yes.

[@martynlester9869]

@@dpstrial Despite its rather dismissive title and an original price that was barely more than that of a seven-inch single, Relics was a splendid collection.

[@The_Power_and_the_Glory]

This song is welded into my brain since I've had this record for almost as long as it's been around. Listening to your impressions is both enjoyable and educational. Great stuff!

[@Xraftco]

I still hold out hope you'll react to Turn of the Century, its Yes' best song in my opinion. Most beautiful writing for sure.

[@peteh7966]

Awaken is stunning - so beautiful. "Like the time I ran away, turned around and you were standing close to me" - I get goosebumps just typing it out!!!

[@bobthebomb1596]

Beautiful song. Always seem to get something in my eye when I hear it though.

[@donmathews7253]

This cracks me up! Great analysis of a classic!

[@singerofsongss]

Chris Squire is the heart and Jon Anderson is the sunrise. I know the lyrics don’t give away that much information but I stand by my interpretation. :) I love when you mention what makes the vocalists you react to so wonderful. I strain to imitate Jon’s voice when singing along in my car - I’m a chorally-trained soprano so it’s not the best match, to be fair - but as a result I’m always thinking about how unique and interesting his voice is. How he sings with the range of the best broadway belter you’ve ever heard, but how his tone is soft and delicate and brightens up the entire composition. It’s really inspiring!

[@mybachhertzbaud3074]

Thanks for taking a toke for this to bring me back to an actual Yes concert!😜

[@giuseppeagresta1425]

What a beautiful song from a fantastic album 👀 Maybe the first prog one I've ever listened to (fun fact: I discovered Yes thanks to Jojo)

[@FranInterrante]

Totally agree with the comments about Bruford's drumming. Just exceptional

[@michaelschey1084]

Fragile and Close To The Edge are one of the best 1-2 punches of album releases of all time.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

So true. I just listened to them both back to back like that the other day. Incredible. It's really like a perfect 1-2 punch combo. Fragile affects you deeply and then Close to the Edge comes and knocks you out cold. Incredible albums...

[@matthewmuziani1961]

Love this song, and I really enjoy your videos. Your ear and insight are fun to watch.

[@salsalzman2325]

I've got the '71 vinyl, and We Have Heaven reprise is on it. And of course the door slaming shut followed by it opening is a clear almost comedic metaphor. Funny thing, there's a lot of disagreement in WHH- I've always enjoyed it and it foreshadows Jon's first solo album, "Olias of Sunhillow." But that's another story...

[@fathervideo454]

Didn’t know there was a version WITHOUT the reprise. I wore that 71 vinyl out.

[@jpirard]

@@fathervideo454 on Yes compilations the REPRISE was removed as it is really not part of the song. Also on certain re-issues.

[@Magnetron33]

@@fathervideo454 I, too am on copy 2

[@jms-po7tn]

If Doug does Olias of Sunhillow, he's going to need a bigger pipe. And candles. Incense. . .

[@salsalzman2325]

@@jms-po7tn I think Olias is an incredible success considering Jon was barely able to pick up an instrument, he tried to do something incredibly ambitious and for the most part got it done. Done. I love the fact that at the time it was released it had as many instrumental tracks as the entire Yes catalog!

[@oceanfrog]

Favorite drums in a rock song. Bruford slays this.

[@mwhitehead1461]

RIP Chuckie, your favorite song by Yes. A hero on 9/11/2001.

[@Liz.Green789]

Fragile is one of my favorite albums. It's nearly perfect. Chris Squire is one of the best bass players. A high school marching band used part of Heart of the Sunrise as a wonderful part of their show many years ago. The melody was played by a solo oboe. It was lovely. Beautiful work. Great music.

[@peteh7966]

NEARLY??????

[@benjaminroe311ify]

Fragile IS perfect... Then Close to the Edge is Perfect+1 haha... Both albums are Masterpieces!

[@davidstevenson404]

Thanks!

[@Doug.Helvering]

Thank you for your support, I truly appreciate it!

[@TheMjm55]

Try going directly to YESSONGS and hearing them play it live. Astonishing.

[@gebyrnes]

Right, Yessongs showcased Yes at their pinnacle.

[@marcgarcelon2927]

Interesting and thoughtful reaction, Doug; I first listened to this song in 1973, and it's just as fascinating now as it was when I first heard it. Enjoy your commentaries!

[@tazyou11]

I would love if you reacted to Yes's Onward from the Tormato album, such a beautiful song. Also The Ladder album is amazing, listening to it again. Every song a winner!

[@TheCenteroftheUniverse]

Doug, you have a new fan. You're the first YT channel I've seen fire up a tasteful bowl to make the job go smoother. Tip of the cap and a subscription. You are an original in your affable affect, like visiting with an old friend.

[@ianhewitson2738]

Yes was one of the first bands I really loved as a 14 - 15 year old in the late 70's when my peers were raving about Never Mind the Bollocks and The Clash. I lost interest when the band broke up after Tormato and I moved on to newer sounds and other genres and for 30 over years I never listened to a single note of Yes music. In the last few years though, I've rediscovered the classic 70's Yes albums and what a revelation it's been. It now absolutely baffles me that they were frequently dismissed them as irrelevant, soulless prog rock dinosaurs when to my ears, songs like Heart of the Sunrise are bursting with life, love soul and heart and some of the most brilliant playing in the whole of rock. I've loved watch and listening to Doug discovering this music of my youth. Now if only I could play all my old vinyl records again.

[@bobgross8761]

Great stuff! Live versions of this song take on added power and emotion, especially in Jon's softer vocals. I saw them with Bruford on drums, and he's a real treat to watch, too. What a band! What a record! Fragile came out in my Junior year of high school. This record and Close to the Edge forever changed my listening habits. I am in Yes' debt. Thanks for the great reaction, Doug!

[@peteh7966]

Same here Bob, Fragile and ELPs first album changed my musical tastes forever - I owe a friend of my older sister a debt of gratitude for allowing us to borrow them back in the day.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Too many amazing Yes moments to count but this might be their finest moment for my money.

[@Wisfid]

Tremendous and timely pipe shot, Doug!!

[@mrmusic248]

Anyone for some killer bass ?? I saw this played several times over the years, and was never disappointed. THAT BASS and Wakeman's mellotron are the key ingredients here.

[@DiederickBosman]

Dear Doug, you so clearly state my exact feelings with Yes and this song, it's terrific. A joy to watch! And to listen to of course.

[@ejozl]

This is pretty much my favourite song, the live version somehow is just as good, if not better. Ty for covering this Doug. You probably have so many suggestions lined up, but two albums I would love for you to cover are Gentle Giant - Knots, and Khan - Space Shanty.

[@glennb8251]

I am remembering the emotions this track shook my world with back in the day ...when this was all new and fresh. I anticipated every day's bounty of musical transcendence! thank you for sharing

[@peteh7966]

Well put!

[@michaeleastes1705]

Squire and Bruford were one of the best rhythm sections to ever record.

[@NoviJimB]

I was born in 1960 and was a music fan almost right from the start. Mom played piano, dad sang and loved to listen to music, and I had 4 older siblings who were big music fans, one a folk singer and another a guitarist/singer in a rock band (I ended up playing guitar and singing and doing a little writing). From even before the Beatles 'invaded' I was listening to what they were all listening to. I stuck with mainly top 40-type stuff until 1972. Then my sister started listening to some of the 'heavier' stuff, and I went along for the ride. She bought Fragile in early-mid 72, and I spent a lot of time listening to it. This, 'South Side of the Sky', 'Roundabout' and 'We Have Heaven' were my favorites. Back then I didn't have an understanding of the complexity of the music or the amazing talent it took to create it. I sure do these days! I was surprised when the 'reprise' of 'We Have Heaven' didn't play at first. Love that bit! Always nice to see someone else appreciating the music you love, it enhances the experience of listening knowing someone else is loving it as much as you are. Have you seen the in-studio video of Yes doing 'Yours Is No Disgrace' from The Beat Club? Fantastic. Watching them play that live so well is just ridiculous.

[@mawpsych]

Doug, would love to hear your take on Brand X's Nuclear Burn or Euthanasia Waltz from their lp Unorthodox Behavior.

[@steveunderwood3683]

If you listen to Snarky Puppy's What About Us? I think there are some Brand X fans there.

[@Swindonboy56]

It was 1972, I was 16 years old and had just read ’Small is Beautiful’ when I bought ‘Fragile’. I already had The Yes Album and at school our little Prog Rock fraternity were already talking about the ‘new Yes album’. The album cover and title, together with my reading of E.F Schumacher’s book triggered an early environmental awareness in me. Close to the Edge continued on that theme. I still have all these albums on vinyl and was lucky enough to have my copy of Close to the Edge signed by artist Roger Dean...that’s another story. Wonderful music with interesting and thoughtful reaction from Doug.