Reaction to YES - "The Yes Album" (Side 1)

This is VERDY CHANNEL. Today I react to yes - the yes album - for the first time.
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[@jimreeves1]

Wonderful review of side one, brings tears to my eyes to see youth finding this for themselves!

[@kathyedleman633]

After hearing Starship Trooper all these years I still get goosebumps during the outro :)

[@paulbewlay4527]

The place where it finally breaks after the buildup always gives me chills!

[@Maiko100876]

Still, my favorite song of ALL TIME! Chris Squire was amazing RIP.

[@seanticleer4915]

Totally agree! I'm so glad I was able to see them in concert with my brothers and my dad a few years back. I'll remember it forever.

[@michaeldezego340]

Me too! Sometimes I skip right to the outro.

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

It’s a perfect masterpiece. It makes me feel like I’m levitating, and it also makes me feel like having a very positive disposition about my day, and wanting to make good decisions and generally be very productive.

[@tonybaker55]

One of the greatest albums of all time IMHO. Chris Squire used to play his bass like it was a lead guitar.

[@clivesilver463]

The joy and pleasure of someone who hears this for the first time, takes me back to 1973, when I first listened to this album I was 13 years old, became a fan straight away. Yes in the 70's wrote and produced some brilliant music, Going For The One is incredible.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

You have just witnessed the genius that is Yes. There are bands few and far between that can compare. Each musician is a virtuoso at their respective instrument and combined they produced some of the most driving, complex, stunning music you will ever hear.

[@notajp]

This really takes me back to when I was teenager and first discovered Yes. I heard the band for the first time on a local FM station that played harder and more progressive rock at night. As soon as I could, I went out and bought the first Yes album on eight track tape. I was totally blown away by the musicianship of this band along with Jon Anderson’s amazing vocals. They showed me just what great music could be like and how it could feel. Fragile, Close to the Edge, Yessongs, Tales from Topographic Oceans, so much great music!

[@BenjWarrant]

Eight track. Good grief, you're old.

[@nolaserv]

@@BenjWarrant Not really, we're just more experienced.

[@BenjWarrant]

@@nolaserv No, our first ICE was 8 track. We're old!

[@nolaserv]

@@BenjWarrant I just got reminded yesterday how old I am by birth greetings!LOL!

[@RogerDidierM.]

What a rhythm section !!! Chris Squire on bass guitar and Bill Bruford on drums.

[@tobytanzer]

Listening to this album for the 1369th time is so much more fun while watching you get into it, than alone. Your smile is infectious.

[@tobytanzer]

That number is a rough estimate, of course.

[@ronaldmorgan7632]

@@tobytanzer 1369? Hold my beer! No wait, I'll need something to drink.

[@PeterBuwen]

Me too! Love it.

[@justinthyme5382]

That's nothing I actually wore out my CD on my CD player, I played it 90125 times. 😎🖐🎵🎶🦘

[@PeterBuwen]

@@justinthyme5382 Our song. It can happen. Leave it. 🤩

[@mikerozycki468]

Bill Bruford is the greatest drummer of all time.

[@paulobrien9572]

Verdy, yet another sublime choice of an album to listen to. You definitely would easily fit into my generation with your appreciation of well made and produced music. It truly is a joy to watch you sincerely enjoy music that I was into at your age. I would love you to listen and react to one of my favorite albums of the 70's Boston's self titled debut album. Every song is outstanding and I think would be right up your alley.

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Another Perfect 10, flawless masterpiece of an album.. and to think it was Boston’s DEBUT album is just mind blowing. Every single song is perfectly executed pure rock n’ roll GOLD.

[@markjacobsen8335]

"Clap" was a surprise to everybody. This was guitarist, Steve Howe's first album with the band and it was basically an introduction to his greatness. A few years later he won "Best Overall Guitarist" in Guitar Player magazine's readers poll 5 years in a row. They had to retire him from the category so others could win it as well. "Starship Trooper" blew everyone's minds at the time. There was nothing like it before. This whole album is a amazing.

[@9999bigb]

And he was 23 years old here. Some guys have all the luck lol

[@panurge987]

Interesting fact about the live version of Clap on this album: it was recorded at Steve Howe's very first gig with the band.

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

Was lucky enough to see them LIVE 4 times in the 70s ( 71 - 77 ) good as they were in the studio they were something else live ! Great to see someone your age appreciating them today and giving such a perceptive reaction ( as all your's are )

[@Brian-tb1zs]

You hear and comment on such details in the music most people don’t even recognize ! Excellent album choice. 👍

[@danmayberry1185]

Yes, she IDs patterns, and Easter eggs in the mix with a producer's ear.

[@RedRaven326]

Spot on bro; exactly what I was thinking.

[@rphilyaw1]

Love your reaction during "The Clap"...goddamn...lol. Says it all. Steve Howe is an absolute master.

[@AncientHermit]

Might well be their best album. I certainly like it as one of my top favourites. This album always delivers and I listen to it pretty often and have done since it was released. I maybe wore out 4 vinyls and a couple of tapes as well as a compact disc down the decades. Thanks for part one, looking forward to part two. Be well.😉

[@fewwiggle]

Hi Verdy!!!! Not only master musicians, they really were masters of the studio. And somehow all those change-ups and timing changes seem to belong -- all natural and seamless.

[@michaelharrison8920]

Well verdy you my friend have done it again what more can one ask the yes album what a great choice an amazing album 💿 yours is no disgrace should be a brilliant reaction,the clap 👏 is an absolute classic and perpetual change who could ask for anything more after all the led zeppelin and pink floyd .Verdy I don’t know 🤷‍♀️ how you do it pantry of dancing 💃 and singing to this one please verdy thank you for another masterpiece enjoy the ride verdy love 💕 all your comments and music 🎶 my beautiful princess 👸 take care of yourself and keep on playing that music 🎵 stay safe my dear friend bye ❤️

[@eggmonkey9039]

Hi Verdy. Why not dip into The Jimi Hendrix Experience? Albums: 1) Are you Experienced? 2) Axis:Bold as Love 3) Electric Ladyland. They are all masterpieces.

[@dylanbrown5414]

This was Yes just getting warmed up. What followed was half a dozen albums of music unmatched by any other band.

[@your_local_dummy4137]

Thank you for reacting to "The Yes Album" side 1, this is the first of the big six albums from 1970's Yes. They are all masterpieces with that unique Yes style. "Yours is No Disgrace" and "Starship Trooper" are so good way ahead of their time. After listening to the studio versions you should try the live versions they are even better. Yessongs from 1973 have these two songs on side 6 and they will knock your socks off. Yes always gave extra to the fans live.

[@sigil5772]

"The bass! The bass!" - the more you listen to Yes, the more you're going to say this

[@caroleann_2142]

The FISH, THE FISH, Chris Squire Big man, Big BASS 🥰🎸🔥🔥🔥

[@teresakoslosky3053]

I love that you appreciate the talent of all the band members! They r all GOATS! This one of their best albums.. I know in concert (Seattle) everytime I saw them they would play most of all the songs on this album!! A magical experience!❤🔥🔥

[@ronaldhinzesr.9656]

Saw them 4 times in concert at the, then, Coliseum, each one was an amazing experience. The stage setup was mind boggling.

[@NyMyers64]

This was their big breakthrough album. Their first with guitarist Steve Howe. Really established their classic sound. Still have my vinyl copy.

[@fenderp63]

This is the same reaction we all had upon hearing this album for the first time - blown away... And you can listen to albums like this one, Dark Side Of The Moon, Close To The Edge, etc. for going on 50 years like we all have and still find new treasures in them. So nice to see someone from your generation take the time to listen to these albums. They are revered for a reason...

[@cogline]

I know people love Close to the Edge, including my daughter. But my favorites are Fragile, The Yes Album, and 90125

[@seanticleer4915]

Yes is such a great band. Each member is an absolute wizard with their respective instruments. Too much talent in one band.

[@michaelyork4554]

Now Imagine listening to this Album on a Quad System at a few thousand watts. Next Level, Next Level. Chris Squire, RIP the Bass That Must Be Felt. Loved Your Reaction. These 5 Guys Together just created Masterpiece after Masterpiece.

[@rpmfla]

After this, and Close to the Edge, you will be ready for their progressive masterpiece, Relayer!

[@breakingdad8]

Verdy, you are so astute. You pick up on things that took me years to understand. They are all excellent musicians. Chris Squire is on of the best bassists of all time. RIP

[@caroleann_2142]

Wait until you hear it live from YESSONGS! 🥰🔥🔥🔥

[@ericodijk]

This was their third album, yet the first to feature new guitar player Steve Howe. It was just perfect, everything in balance. Starship Trooper is awesome, especially indeed the instrumental coda, named Würm. Insane.

[@pabsn9069]

Once again a sincere and Joyful THANKYOU for reminding me of All the Emotions I myself went through all those decades ago when I was blown away by The Yes Album when it was first released (Steve Howe's intricate riff guitar work on 'Yours is no Disgrace' and Chris Squire's ever expanding bass work throughout 'Starship Trooper'), no doubt you can easily appreciate why I went to see them 'live' so many times. Can't wait to watch your reaction to 'Awaken' ☺️

[@paulkazakoff9231]

Saw them live at SPAC in Saratoga Springs and they were just fabulous.One of the best concerts I've seen for sure.In my top 10 ever !

[@kentmains7763]

My favorite Yes album, hell, it's one of my favorite albums period.

[@jaquestraw1]

This is God's music 💗

[@z-man2343]

BILL fucking BRUFORD!!!

[@PeterBuwen]

Yes is - besides the Beatles - my favourite band. Guitar is Steve Howe. In my opinion the best guitar player at all. You should also listen to the following album "Fragile" from the same year.

[@verdychannel11]

I already did a listen to Fragile you can find it on my channel in the Yes playlist.

[@thomasdoughty9639]

Still one of my very favourite albums and Yours Is No Disgrace is one of my 'Desert Island Discs'. Check out the Studio Hamburg 71 performance. So tight. Howe is superb and Chris Squire just 'destroys' the bass. Loved your reaction. Looking forward to your side 2 reaction to I've See All Good People/Your Move.

[@keithcarper8809]

When Yes appeared on the music scene they were labeled "Classical Rock". The time and tempo changes, key changes and repeating of themes were used in classical music not Rock. The voices of Jon Anderson and Chris Squire are heavenly. ☮❤🎶

[@OzarkTroutBum]

Watching your reactions has gotten me back into all the old Prog. I was a teenager when this came out and was lucky enough to have seen them several times. Yes was way ahead of their time and toured with a Quadrophonic sound system that not only split sound left and right but front to back of the stadiums. The only other band I remember doing that was Emerson Lake and Palmer.

[@paulbrinkman5631]

Progressive rock especially just has that particular foible....of lingering with you, decade after decade.

[@garylagstrom3864]

This album and Fragile are my favorites!

[@avantprog6902]

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson spoke in awe about Starship Trooper.

[@williamburkholder769]

Of all the bass players in all the bands in all the world, why did Chris Squire have to walk through my ears? "The bass, the bass!" Priceless. If you like great bass, listen to Jaco Pastorius, Kinga Głyk, Tal Wilkenfeld, and Chris Squire. Sit on your speaker and enjoy the vibe.

[@MarkTyner-e8g]

We appreciate because VERDY is about the MUSIC not fussing with video stuff.

[@kevinwaters5872]

The first Yes album I bought. I finally found what I was looking for , musically. My favourite band from the first play.

[@lenordcurry3170]

Chris Squire and his Bass owned this Classic album, man I loved them from the start they were so different and along with King Crimson drove me onto the Prog trail. Prog Forever!

[@dannywachowski5880]

This blew me away when I was aged about 13. I then realised that the 3 minute pop songs that were rammed down our throats on radio back then weren't for me!

[@vincentstevens5048]

You are now officially a 'prog-head' Verdy :-) . I love the way you appreciate this wonderful music with all its nuances, layers and subtlety. Its cliché but 'they just don't make' em like this anymore'

[@242garyp]

Hi Verdy love your channel and your lovely soothing laid back manner! If you like YES you could sample the early King Crimson albums, even better 🙂

[@albacore101]

Greetings from Oregon. Phido my 24 year old cat and I don't move like we did. But we'd love to dance with you sometime. Great upload. Thank you

[@gedwhittaker874]

OK Verdi, who are you? My guess is that you are a musician of some ability. Your understanding and insight into what is going on in many of your reactions is incredibly accurate, empathetic and thoughtful. Thank God for young people like you who can appreciate top quality music and musicians no matter what the genre or era. Hats of to you young lady, your enthusiasm and acumen is much appreciated!

[@stuwhiteman3810]

Hey Verd's great reaction mate,....I have this album on vinyl I bought in the 80's but I haven't listened to it for a while. I don't know why wow! I'll have to pull it out again and have a few red wines lol!

[@rogerbianchini2982]

Starship Trooper's lyrics - I've always thought there was a dark undertow to them because of the title. All the "old accustomed ways" & "the proud sons & daughters that knew the knowledge of the land" - Isn't it the starship trooper's job to wipe those out, to bring galactic totalitarianism to those different worlds he/they encounter? And they're all referenced in the past tense, as if they are gone now after his encounter with them.

[@davidminken4094]

If it hasn't yet been mentioned, "Starship Trooper" was one of their go-to encore songs in their live shows, typically accompanied by some astonishing light effects. Saw them live twice, and ending the show like this was practically a religious experience for us all.

[@nolaserv]

This album was the turning point to their superstar status. Back in the day, I remember listening to this on a Quadraphonic system a buddy had when sounds weren't just only going back and forth, they surrounded you with 4 corners of the room. Brought Steve Howe on board and gave Peter Banks a walk. Hun, the flute sound is actually the organ by Tony Kaye who was replaced on the following Fragile album by Rick Wakeman cuz they were looking for the synthesiser sound and found the best. But The Yes album is still my favorite of all time. Backing vocals on SAGP tribute to John Lennon, "all we are saying is give peace a chance."

[@youandwhosearmy6339]

13:35 I love how Jon indroduces the song as "this is a song called "The Clap". The clap having a whole new meaning to the British. I believe the title is just simply called "Clap". lol

[@emeraldhaze]

You will LOVE Michael Hutchence and INXS "KICK" & "Listen like thieves " love the channel Verdy !!!☮🎶

[@marshallross3373]

Verdy notes that the rhythms change up quickly, but flow seamlessly, and I think it works because of Bruford's exceptional drumming orchestrating these transitions. It's been awhile since I've listened to this album, but it really showcases Bill's drums in the mix.

[@joso7228]

At the time we thought everyone played like this - 52 years later (yes 52) we look back and see how they blow nearly every musician since out of the ballpark.

[@elderberry-hamster]

Starship Trooper always blows my mind, still after 50 years from its release. The studio version was great and their live versions especially back in the day were just perfection!! Love this group!!

[@robertmarlow255]

70 years old and still remember hearing this for the first time back in the '70s on my old 'phones and feeling it as this young person does. Just a warning: don't try to make total sense of Anderson's lyrics; they are often word notes chosen to fit the sound.

[@edflava4121]

I like many others discovered Fragile first and then looked back and listened to this album and was forever hooked.

[@paulbewlay4527]

The smile upon your face...if this is your first taste of Yes, you're in for a treat. Every band member is the top in their field, and the writing and composition is unmatched. You should try to find the live videos of Steve Howe playing The Clap...it is ALL HIM, ONE GUITAR. I truly hope you go on to do the albums Fragile and Close To The Edge after this one, you'll be smiling forever (yes, I love to see your smile!). Looking forward to side 2, ENJOY, and I love your reactions!

[@verdychannel11]

I did a listen to Fragile already you can find it on the yes playlist on my channel

[@paulbewlay4527]

@@verdychannel11 Ah, I'm sure I watched it then...The Yes Album seems to be making you smile even more! So much greatness🥰! BUT, I'm still waiting for Led Zeppelin IV!

[@SpotWorksLNC]

Guitarist Steve Howe is one of the true guitar greats, classically trained and a master of all musical genres. He is the only guitarist in Yes through the 70’s. Chris Squire on bass is also a force.

[@caroleann_2142]

Steve wasn't classically trained, he played by ear. Rick however was trained classically. 😉

[@harryhager4128]

Chris Squire is also the only member to be on every studio album.

[@healdogtoe2c]

“But goddamn”! So well expressed. Great response to wonderous music.

[@allenjones7722]

Chris Squire, the bass player, had a great solo effort called "Fish out of water."

[@jonathansmith3742]

5 decades of this and its still on my playlist.

[@seekingwisdom8]

I love your shock and joy. I had the same reaction, only I saw them live the first time I heard the Yes album.

[@misterg2269]

It does my old heart good to see a young one discover a band and their music that I just fell in love with fifty years ago, I still love their music , they were the masters of a music style that I put up there with the classics, no one else came close as far as I was concerned.

[@robfractal6820]

I use to play this brill album every morning before l went to work to energise me! It still does!

[@JM-do6wc]

I love to see someone really get into some good music especially music from my childhood! I subscribed I want to see more

[@Humb7757]

Steve Howe… a big step forward into the success of Yes!!

[@djmcgranary714]

Love how you stop for the change of the Musical parts!!!💚🎶

[@robertmarlow255]

Listen to Close to the Edge VERDY; possibly the greatest!

[@JunkYardCardGuy]

It's hard to compete with Pink Floyd, Zepplin, Beatles, etc...YES got a bit forgotten...I'll put Steve Howe up against David Gilmour or Jimmy Page any day...most undervalued band in ALL of music history...and that's NOT hyperbole...just experience them for yourselves!!

[@grahamwood-robinson2334]

The combination of Howe's guitar and Squire"s bass is what makes Yes unique for me. The bass just keeps It all together and gives It a "funk" that few progressive outfits managed to find. It's years since I've heard this although I used to listen to them in my youth. Thanks Verdy for sharing It with us.

[@DavidMichaelMarek]

Very perceptive observations. Much appreciated.

[@abbo1049]

Still remember buying this album and listening to Starship trooper in one of the listening Booths they had. Amazing. Seeing the younger generation enjoy Yes fills my heart with joy.

[@mattwright8993]

I remember listening to this when I was 9 in 1971, 2 older brothers, hard to be more impressed with any other band after.

[@mike-zf9bx]

That Bass is Sick, brilliant album

[@spikeysnack]

It is amazing that Yes has/had as much commercial success as they did. They are out there. They wanted to create musical experiences and expand the rock genre in new fantastical directions, with expert playing and European classical arrangements for rock instruments. Playing in Yes was like 5 master virtuosos who are also master audio engineers, and all trying to get the audience to trip balls on magical sounds. The songs are like a woven tapestry that you can't see the picture at first until you look close in, back out, close in again, etc., until it comes clear. Nothing like them in those days, many try to capture what they had, and build on it. Almost all prog metal bands are huge Yes fans, as much influenced by them as by Black Sabbath. One big clue is the the members of Yes were all huge Beatles fans, and started out in bands when the Beatles were the #1 band in the world and often went and saw them play around England. The lyrics are pure 70s english hippie fantasy, with a nod to some of the great english poets thrown in. It is a good thing this album was slightly successful commercially, or they may have never gone on to do Fragile. The record company was going to drop them if this one didn't sell. Seems amazing that these guys were struggling financially when they made this it sounds so amazingly tight and well produced. That last part of Starship Trooper was always just a jam, without a written part. In the music sheets it is just a "cadenza" symbol (top half of a circle with dot in the middle) that means "improvised part here -- play whatever". In concerts it was always this long rock jam that got the crowd going crazy.

[@marshabonforte6963]

It’s Impossible to not love seeing your reactions to these great songs. C’mon!

[@noHOPEof]

(indeed there are more coloUrfully engrossing experiences that have been shared here) *90215* Tour. They arranged for a stage fitting screen to play two well known Bugs Bunny 'toons( including the fuzzy red Gossamer ~ ether influenced one ) *that* was Yes' "opening act" - research the 1985 contributions of Trevor Rabin . . . at yoUr convenience. *~* cheers.

[@federov100]

Last sequence in Starship Troopers sounds like Nirvana…in 1971

[@PlatinumBlack90038]

Hi, VERDY! That was guitarist Steve Howe playing his 1964 Gibson ES-175 full hollowbody archtop electric guitar, and bassist Chris Squire plying his 1964 Rickenbacker 4001 electric solid-body bass guitar on ‘Yours Is No Disgrace.’

[@tommythompson9565]

Hey, VERDY -- as it would be said back in the day that the last few albums you have reacted to were created -- you are one cool chick . I have listened to a few of your reactions over the last 2 days. You have chosen some iconic classic rock material, lady. Music that will never get old. Stuff that guys like me grew up on and freaked out to -- just like you are . Incredible albums that sometimes filled our entire weekends as we covered our ears with headphones and hardly came out from under them to eat. Thank you for playing these albums. It is a pleasure watching you express your appreciation for this wonderful music. We are reliving the experience with you.

[@Yesquire0]

Virtuoso musicians more often than not have trouble melding with a band. Jeff Beck comes to mind as a good example. The magic that is Yes comes from one of those rare instances where five tremendously talented and creative musicians somehow managed to decide that the benefits of collaboration with others outweighed the burdens of the compromises that always come with those benefits. Not that Yes was immune from guys leaving the band for various reasons, but at the same time, a lot of guys have returned to the fold over time, which I think is a good indication as to just how thin that line is for anybody excellent enough to write his own ticket whenever he might choose to do so. It's one reason that solo projects are rarely as good as the full band albums. The chemistry here is undeniable. The guys in Yes must have realized the truth of that assertion.

[@GergC0521]

I love your joy listening to the stuff I listened to at your age (decades ago).

[@Bravespop]

I was a mere 10 year old the first time I heard this album. I listened to it on an old JVC stereo with turntable and headphones and I wore that vinyl down. I still have the original album. Starship Trooper mesmerized me, and led to my love of playing guitar. I've been playing 47 years now, and Steve Howe and YES were one of my first inspirations. I absolutely love how you show your appreciation for good music in every reaction. I can see the delight in your face and it makes me young again.

[@WooBino.]

Hi young lady, You should invest in a better pair of headphones to hear the music better. Hello from N.J. 🗽😎

[@BlueSky...]

Chris Squire's bass on Yours is No Disgrace is lights out stunning.

[@philflower7778]

What an incredible album, really propelled Yes to the next level! Just listen to these insane musicians!! And Jon's voice unbelievable! Love Verdy's reaction as always. Come On!! 🙂

[@guidosarducci]

I absolutely love watching you smile at outstanding music! Thank you...

[@yeshayahuhomberger2079]

Verdy nice reaction Verdy. 👏

[@benjaminsanabria6021]

Love your channel, more YES ,please😁

[@chrismatthews8717]

I love your reactions. One of the best rhythm sections in modern music. When they kick in it's like warp factor 10. Whooomph! One of the best albums in modern music. Intricate and joyful, incredible musicians playing delightful and powerful music. It's a movie for the ears. Just like we listen to Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Gershwin and others from years gone by with joy and wonder, in 100 years time people will listen to this. Joyeux Noel, btw.

[@johncarter579]

Heard this as a 14 year old in 72 and instantly became a huge fan

[@fernandotor3266]

Yes..one of the most influential bands..ever

[@davidpeters44]

They were an astonishing band.

[@CarolH2O]

I've loved Yes since I was 14. Most of all their albums starting with this one, through Drama. Smiling as you discover such an amazing band ❤