YES - AWAKEN | REACTION

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Ladies and gentlemen Chris Squire and Yes the greatest show on earth. A symphonic masterpiece that will be listened to for centuries. Saw them play Awaken ten times including the original tour.

[@kenkrapf6338]

One of the Top100 pieces of music written in the 20th Century. Period.

[@CastIronNutsack]

id say top 10

[@steverodgers8425]

When Yes played this piece on the Masterworks Tour I kid you not they received a full five minute standing ovation. It gave me chills. I've been to over a hundred concerts, seen all the great bands, but I never saw anything like that.

[@douglastittensor3873]

The best of yes and you said it all tears seem to fall as I travel back in time with this music standing by the ember of a bonfire in the 70s when the world then felt magic

[@jnbraga67]

This is music taken to another level!!

[@davep8221]

I fell in love with this song coming home late (8/9pm) from school, driving north on John Anderson Dr in Ormond Beach, FL (When some sanity could be found in the state). A long dark quiet slow drive along the Halifax river.

[@daleberger6984]

Yes is so positive, so spiritual. On top of the master musicianship and arrangement of Howe, Wakeman, Squire, and White, Jon Anderson's vocals and lyrics are so ethereal. It's a deeply emotional, immersive experience. That is why they are my all time favorite band. Awaken is their masterpiece.

[@martinkulkarni3569]

Anderson is up there with Freddie and Steve Walsh (pre-drugs!)

[@douglasbyrd5524]

Agree with you 100% this music is not for the simpleminded. It’s a spiritual, emotional journey that hits notes that go straight to your soul. The organ pieces are just incredible and I’m not sure if YES really is just a rock band in the traditional sense. To me it’s more like a person who is searching for something from their inner self that needs to be touched. Luckily for us this group to me is able to take many of us there. In my family Yes has been passed down from my father to me and now to my son. What a wonderful never ending gift to give to someone. Want to feel happy play yes, want to feel spiritual play yes...just incredible......God bless you all on your journey

[@michaelpitonak3396]

Thanks for finally listening to Awaken by YES! Back in the 1990's, the University of Washington had a course titled "The Greatest Rock Band Ever". The only music covered in this course was YES!

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

Yes...my over-all favorite band. Some of the greatest concerts of my life were Yes (between '74 and '77, absolutely the peak of their creative powers).

[@111SAMMee]

Workings of man crying out from the fire set aflame By his blindness to see that the warmth of his being Is promised for his seeing his reaching so clearly

[@steveblomerth]

You are right, Wilburn, Yes is composing and playing at a high level of sophistication, and it has an incredible musical and soulful impact. As I watch you it seems you are deeply moved and that is what the highest level of music does; it moves mind and soul.

[@spazimdam]

Great song to react to. Holy shit, to be hearing Awaken for the first time. A singularly beautiful masterpiece that just blows me away. The interlude that occurs about halfway through is epic. Wakeman's keyboard playing here is sublime. The whole band is amazing, how their instruments intertwine, each one a work of genius but together they are just awesome. This is very necessary for your musical journey dude. Great to see you get swept away by this.

[@antalbeck1175]

Thank you for your honest opinion Wilburn, and I agree. The magic Yes creates is built from a majestic rhythmic resonance flowing down to quiet subliminal moments which build again and even higher till you fall off the cliff onto a soft cloud and drift away with it for ever and ever. Its due to a skillful professional musicality combined with a simple powerful repetitive call that is woven and sometimes hidden within the fabric of the music that hits you deeply throughout the piece and makes it a masterpiece. Anatole

[@keithpasculli7465]

One of the most amazing compositions by a rock band and one of the most amazingly gifted group of musicians ever. The end with the organ crescendo gives me goosebumps.

[@j.jennings1722]

Awaken is an incredible song. The next step on your Yes journey should definitely be the song "Close to the Edge," which is considered one of the (if not the) greatest prog rock songs ever made. It's mind blowing.

[@stevedotwood]

agreed - I think he would absolutely love it. It's their Magnum Opus

[@steveobrien9937]

AGREED!!!

[@EessaTube]

Close to the Edge is a Masterpiece.

[@mrnobody3161]

Yup. Close to the Edge, kicked a hole in my reality, for the better.

[@josedealbuquerquejr.941]

Awaken is better than Close to the Edge IMHO

[@IanHillan]

I'm 59 years old, I've heard a lot of music in that time, spanning all genres - classical, jazz, prog, rock, punk, r&b, reggae, pop, disco, electronic, EDM, funk... I understand this is completely subjective and purely based on my own taste, but this remains my favorite piece of music in all recorded history. 44 years later, and it never gets old.

[@alanthorne3921]

I am 59 also and listen and play nearly all types of music or at least give it a try .I have had this album since new and this Awaken,would have to be close to be No1

[@jjflash1645]

59, you’re a young pup. I’m 77 and have also listened to and played all types of music. The fact that you dig YES shows that you are on the right track.

[@jdharris7]

This is one of my favorite Yes songs. Rick Wakeman was the keyboardist on this.

[@joelliebler5690]

Genius.

[@thomassharmer7127]

One of the pinnacles of their creativity, with such organic flow, subtle shifts in tempo and achingly beautiful melodies. In that quieter middle section the singer is playing a harp, the bass is an 8-string neck (on a triple neck bass!) tuned in harmonic pairs specially for this song, the drummer plays tuned orchestral percussion, the keyboards are an actual church organ, and throughout the whole song the guitarist is laying down those amazing licks on an electric 12 string. They pushed the boundaries of 'rock' in truly progressive ways.

[@capcolombie3834]

Let's be frank here, this is beyond brilliant, this is seriously genius level stuff. This the light shining through a huge stained glass window in a cathedral bathing you in golden light.

[@scottwheeler2679]

I think you are probably ready for Close to the Edge. Arguably the single greatest acomplishment in the history of rock music. But, like Awaken, it is not music for beginers.

[@edf13]

Gates of Delirium is in the same conversation.

[@davep8221]

Still gotta put this over CttE. The entire album, actually. To hear Jon lately, he considers this their best. Rick thinks the two best songs that show most perfectly what Yes were about is Awaken and CttE. Good taste for a brit ;-)

[@mutantplants1]

@@davep8221 Add to that "And You And I"

[@jdharris7]

Prog rock like this is a thinking man's music. They don't just stay with the same old 4/4 time signature and plain major and minor chords. The time signatures are varied and the chords are spiced up with 3rds, 5ths, 7ths, diminished, etc. Sometimes using your brain instead of just tapping your foot can be refreshing. Great reaction.

[@ganazby]

Some women have been known to think, too.

[@jeffreywhitney5079]

Loved what you said. I too love Led Zeppelin, and they too are an amazing band. But you're right and what you said I think most people don't get this kind of music cuz it's just too advanced. And I'll tell you I've been listening to this music now for 35 years and I still get goosebumps when I listen to their music.

[@mclerms]

I go through so many emotions when I listen to this song. So excellently crafted. Thanks for the video.

[@stevensprouse2449]

To me and for me, this is Yes’s most important song. The depth of spirituality revealed herein is incredible and complete as when Jon sings “Like the time I ran away, turned around and You were standing close to me.” Absolutely. God is loving and patient and waiting for us to Awaken. I love what you said about Karma revealed regarding other people who can’t or won’t. But again, God is infinite and omniscient and most important loving so that would bring us to George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass” album. The time I met Jon was so joyful. When I told him Awaken was my favorite Yes song he was literally bouncing on his feet and asked me “Have you seen my performance in Iceland with Todmobile?” You should check that out. I’ll only suggest 2 other Yessongs. “Dear Father” from A Time and a Word and “The Remembering” from Tales. Love your channel brother

[@kenbarton2920]

"Further than being a rock band" indeed, and when it came to performing their material live they rocked their stuff THE F**K OUT! They DID perform with such sonic fidelity to just blow your mind. If you watch the film of their first live album Yessongs you can't help but notice the audience, man they were with it & moving for every measure.

[@susangonsalves9636]

I love Yes so much. They've been my favorite band for 35 plus years and "Awaken," is one of their masterpieces, you are correct. Please keep listening to Yes and discover all they have to offer.

[@pauldalby8549]

Nice to think you can like this and appreciate it 40\50 years after it was made. That’s what the band wanted I’m sure. Saw them do this at Wembley Arena 77 or 78 album tour - punk at its peak then. Still sounds fantastic. Try Gates of Delirium from Relayer... 🤗

[@Vader1138]

The greatest song ever written in my opinion. It was a masterpiece, but not even their only one. To think the organ was played in a nearby church over the phone.

[@dolfinpt]

Especially with their deeper cuts...it is said that to truly appreciate and Get All of It-you need to listen to a song at least 3x! Yes music can be very Full and a lot to absorb! Live they are an Experience!❤️🥰

[@davelafferty5728]

Here's some Yes songs that may not get a lot of mentions, but they should not be overlooked. Perpetual Change, Siberian Khatru, Sound Chaser, To Be Over, On the Silent Wings of Freedom, and Turn of the Century.

[@onsesejoo2605]

Madrigal also and the hit Wonderous Stories. :) There's an excellent cover version done by Shadow Gallery on song "Release Release", please check that one. :)

[@IanHillan]

Sound Chaser is an amazing song on an album of Yes at their most experimental. All 3 tracks are peak prog

[@otherkorean]

Why is there never any love for Gates of Delirium?

[@onsesejoo2605]

@@otherkorean "Soon" is a fine part, but if "Tales From Topographic Oceans" suffers to a degree of being a double album with ideas spread too wide, "Relayer" , to me is too prog for the sake of it.

[@THX-ov8rv]

@@otherkorean I love "Soon". . .

[@steveaustin7306]

ethereal...off to another plain. saw this tour. tripping hard n good :)

[@halcyon289]

The Union tour. Birmingham NEC and Wembley Arena, They played Awaken and both times it was absolutely incredible. I'm not ashamed to say that it moved me so much, I cried.

[@davidyoung7418]

I was lucky enough to catch them at the Birmingham NEC on that tour. It was a great show and Awaken was so good!

[@halcyon289]

@@davidyoung7418 It certainly was :)

[@mjm5081]

I cry every time...This time was no different. ✌ ❤ 🎶 🌎 👏

[@richardcook6884]

The last 7 minutes 31 seconds of "Awaken" gives me the chills. The entire track is a masterpiece.

[@johng.8517]

The live version with Rick Wakeman is a must see. Now that you "get" it you have to check out their most advanced work. My number one favorite is "The Gates of Delirium" and a very close second is "Close to the Edge". They are both long ones so they never got played on the radio. Another good song on the Going for the One album is 'Turn of the Century". Then theres "The Revealing Science of God". I like the version on the Keys to Ascention album which I think is better than the one from Topgraphical Oceans. In my opinion Led Zeppelin is the greatest hard rock group. YES is the greatest progressive rock group and also my favorite group. I love the complexity of progressive rock. It makes you think and the lyrics YES uses fires your imagination. Pink Floyd is right up there with YES and there are a few others like ELP etc but for me YES is #1.

[@mrnobody3161]

Dude as a fellow ProgRocker, I highly recommend checking out: Band: Argent Album: Nexus Song: Music of the Spheres This song, at 15 yrs old in 1975, changed my life and I ended up co-founding a Prog Rock Band in 1980. It's on KZbin

[@alexfletcher5192]

After things got too way out back on their UK No.1 album 'Tales of Topographic Oceans', Rick Wakeman jumped ship for a solo career - with some amusing asides - and rejoined the fold for this album. Jon Anderson would later claim this as one of his favourite tracks and it has almost everything going on in it.

[@joelliebler5690]

This song reaches a spiritual level musically!

[@caroleann_2142]

I Loved, your reaction, but your commentary was full of understanding & YES you get it now, they weren't a Progressive Rock Band. They were Composers, on a much higher frequency, & you're right, not all people could take the journey. But from experience, I can tell you they packed the pews, every time.I started going to their shows in 1972, the Spectrum & JFK Stadium, Philly through 1984 every time, could never get enough. TY again for that commentary! I've seen everyone, but Yes is the one that touched me most. I love all Music, every genre. Rick recorded that in St. Martins Church, Montroux ✌❤💯

[@lylesmith9547]

This song has it all. Majestic , powerful, haunting, I have never tired of listening to it since it came out. Live from the keys to ascension is my favorite version

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Other good songs on the album Going for the One, Turn of the Century, Wonderous Stories.

[@wreckingKREW1]

Don't forget Parallels. My personal favorite concert opener from their catalogue.

[@magicpassos]

Amazing songs.

[@ZaphiroAnejo]

Or basically the whole album lol

[@marcgus25]

You are correct Awaken is a masterpiece! But Close to the Edge is considered the best progressive songs ever recorded! Also Gates of Delerium is also right up there!

[@davelafferty5728]

Here's a cool fact. Rick Wakeman was playing the church organ in a church 10 miles away from the recording studio and they recorded it over a telephone line.

[@varsitycamplife]

The sessions are here on KZbin!

[@roundabout130]

Released in 1977, a year quite often associated with disco, punk and new wave.

[@OsoMarcol]

Thank you bro for appreciating Yes' music. It means a lot for us from early generations knowing that new generation are discovering our music.

[@clinroatan]

"We're going to create a masterpiece...we want them to hear something they've never heard or felt before. Never heard another band do anything like this.." mission accomplished! Well said, great commentary.

[@billdCT97]

One of the best, least known Yes songs.

[@jonathanharootunian297]

Agreed!

[@ZalMoxis]

Great choice.... and wonderful appraisal and observation of growing with this music. Just wait until you get to Close to The Edge, And you and I, Siberian Khatru, South Side of the Sky, Heart of the Sunrise. and Gates of Delirium... Oh! and then there's ELP and King Crimson.

[@fredmays606]

Close to the edge and Gates of Delirium!!

[@edlohrer987]

Hey brother Your my favorite reaction/reviewer, and I especially love your reactions/reviews of ProgRock. The YES "Masterpiece" is the entire "Close to the Edge" album. It's considered a " desert island" disc by prog fans. It's ONLY three songs 🤪 Close to the Edge 18:45 minutes And You and I 10:12 minutes Siberian Khatri 8:57 minutes Prepare to be blown away 🤯🤯🤯

[@jeffschielka7845]

Masterpiece and my favorite. 😎

[@willykruijntjens7172]

Next: Turn of the Century from this album. Beautifull!

[@DavidRaymondOrlando]

Deeply appreciate your pure and honest openness to great music. Yes extends beyond a set classification of music. The lyrics and masterful vocals and playing talent is something that is missed in today’s quick hit mentality. Your joy comes across in your reaction.

[@mrbrad4566]

Now you're ready for the good stuff. Close to the Edge, And You And I, Gates of Delirium, To Be Over.

[@NewModernPictures]

So glad you discovered Awaken... I was 14 and listening to this when this was a NEW album! And watching you experience this, revisited my own experience... and it still is incredible. Would recommend this whole album. Masterpiece.

[@martinkulkarni3569]

100% Same experience for me! There are groups whose music changes your life. Queen, Kansas, Yes, Genesis and Pink Floyd.

[@tyjuanwilliams8719]

And just to think, they can play this masterpiece just as well live as did they did on the album.

[@rogerk55]

Your head will never be the same after hearing this song. It is far beyond what anyone else was doing at this time in Rock Music. I wish it had been a double album. And to hear them play it live is a magical and wonderful experiance.

[@avantprog6902]

Here's another long one, many have said it's their favorite,' Gates of Delirium'.👍 Gold!

[@Salmacis99]

Turn of The Century, from this same album, is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. You MUST check it out!!!

[@anthonyblakely399]

I knew you would Love this song and group....Yes...is Yes.....and they decided in the 60's that they were going script and write out music that would take the listener to other dimensions of worlds of music and they did and still always do that.....however I do want you to hear them perform "Awaken" Live...and experience what we fans experience in concert when we saw them. Glad you liked the song!!! Oh on your next reaction to Yes....I request you react to "South Side of The Sky." You are right. All of Yes's music is script to sheets.....so when they go into the studio they are just playing from the sheets of music the whole group created....Jon Anderson talks a lot about it in interview.

[@johnalbert7526]

I absolutely agree with you. Yes is one of the finest bands ever assembled, yet it's not for everyone. I think that it is more appreciated by those who have some sort of a musical background. Their newer stuff with Trevor on guitars had a catchier beat that most people could relate to, but their older stuff with Steve Howe is loaded with intricacy that is hard to discern if you don't have a musically inclined ear. Excellent review. Keep up the great work.

[@dsbobst50]

You nailed it dude. Unbelievable music.

[@patricknicolucci5073]

I've seen YES many times over the decades saw this tour in 1977 in NYC MSG Awaken live for the first was incredible Chris Squire plays a triple neck bass.

[@rtwbikerider]

That’s still my favorite piece of music, 44 years after I first heard it. Twenty years before Awaken was released, All Shook Up and Wake Up Little Susie were the top rock songs. It’s hard to believe how far the genre progressed in two decades. Good luck finding the 2 and 4 in Awaken. Although it is amazing to see five guys pull off Awaken live, I’m probably in the minority when I say that I think the studio version is the best. I’m probably also in the minority when I say that I like Awaken more than the title song of Close To The Edge. I will agree that the CTTE album is their best, though. With Yes, it’s all about how they reach that peak moment in their epics. And, I think that they did it best in Awaken.

[@ScottDeBerg]

Thanks for reacting to this most excellent example of prog songwriting. I still get a little misty-eyed when I hear the majesty of the keyboard work. From Wikipedia - the organ on "Parallels" and "Awaken" were played on the church organ at St. Martin's church in the town of Vevey, some four miles away. The band thought of hiring a mobile recording studio to record on location, but they were advised to rent a telephone line for the day as the quality of the country's lines are of high fidelity and can be fed through directly to the studio in Montreux. With Wakeman in the church and the rest of the band in the studio, White counted the band in and they played the song through. Wakeman described the experience as "absolute magic". ~ You should listen to "Parallels" from this same album for more of that wonderful church organ playing. And what folks who don't like Yes don't understand - Yes makes music spiritual. Not their fault, but this kind of music is in your soul, or not. IMO.

[@bangmon1000]

I enjoy YES because it takes me back to a simpler time in my life where I there wasn't much to to, so I would listen to the radio in my room. Back then I thought it was boring, but now I miss it.

[@Kim-hc5si]

They do require a sophisticated ear. That’s why they’re often described as a musician’s favorite band. You FOR SURE have to know something about music to truly appreciate what you’re hearing. And no matter how many times you listen, you keep hearing new things. It’s wonderful. ❤️

[@edf13]

As a kid (in the 70s) I became a huge fan of YES. I have zero music ability (my creativity lies elsewhere) but I do appreciate great musicianship and sophisticated compositions. I had many friends back then who didn't "get" YES - they require a different level of listening. They liked other classic rock bands but this isn't dance music or head banging rock - it's music for mind expansion. I remember one such friend after taking mushrooms and (finally) hearing YES, after years of denial, getting it. I'd be surprised, in his case, if it stuck ;but it was interesting for that one moment he understood.Thanks for taking the plunge. I've heard these songs hundreds (perhaps thousands) of times. I can replay them note for note in my head but I still hear something new each time. I love having them introduced to new younger diverse audiences. There weren't many brothers (or sisters) at YES concerts back in the day!

[@michaelkolb5900]

CHOD MY MAN!! It's Michael here your #1 AZ fan and YES IS MY FAVORITE BAND!! I just love watching your facials as your listening to this GREAT MUSIC!! I always go to the comments of my fellow YES FANS and were MOSTLY ALL IN AGREEMENT THAT YOUR READY FOR- CLOSE TO THE EDGE!! THE GREATEST PROG ALBUM EVER MADE!! YOU MUST DO THE WHOLE ALBUM THEN SKIP TALES AND GO RIGHT INTO- RELAYER IMHO!! MIND - BLOWING AND ITS YES AT THEIR- MOST PROGRESSIVE!!! BTW- I'm the retired chef with the AWARD WINNING NEPHEW - MIKE LEDBETTER!! REMEMBER ME?! Yes Chod there's SO MUCH MORE MUSIC OUT THERE! So your getting into ELP soon!! Cool! Your in for a treat there!! I have a couple more PROG- ROCK BANDS not being played much at all out there and their REALLY GOOD! #1 IS- THE STRAWBS!! SONG#1- ROUND AND ROUND, SONG #2- HERO AND HEROINE BOTH FROM THE SAME ALBUM. BAND #2- PFM!! THEY ARE AN ITALIAN PROG- ROCK BAND!!! KIND OF LIKE A ITALIAN VERSION OF ELP WITH STRINGS!! PLAY SONG#1- PHOTO OF GHOSTS AND SONG #2- CELEBRATION!! ONE MORE BAND NOBODY IS PLAYING YET- RIVER WHYLESS!! THEIR A PROG- FOLK BAND!! REALLY UNIQUE SOUND!! PLEASE PLAY THE LIVE STUDIO VERSION OF THEIR SONG- STONE- LIVE ON AUDIOTREE!! ITS AWESOME!! OKAY UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN MY FRIEND!! ENJOY YOUR YES JOURNEY!!! SO MUCH MORE OUT THERE!! YOUR #1 AZ FAN MICHAEL😊😊😊😊

[@philipmason9537]

As an avid Yes fan I would recommend that the next songs you should try are ; SIBERIAN KHATRU, CLOSE TO THE EDGE, PARALLELS, ON THE SILENT WINGS OF FREEDOM, RELEASE, RELEASE, MIND DRIVE, THAT, THAT IS, PERPETUAL CHANGE.

[@edf13]

Great list possibly some tracks off Tales, Yessongs and AMERICA cover for good measure.

[@dougmcvean884]

I remember when this album was released and the tour supporting it. Philadelphia Spectrum, August 2 and 3, 1977. Amazing shows.

[@Robert44444444]

Bravo, you get it. 1st time dropping by your channel. I was in high school and had been playing drums and reading music since 5th grade when this YES album was released. It was my 1st introduction to Yes. Awaken is indeed a masterpiece musically.

[@griiseknoen]

This album, _"Going For The One"_ from 1977, might actually be the finest hour of YES. It was a return to more thoroughly _composed_ songs after their excursions into loose concepts and free improvisation (which rock musicians, unlike jazz musicians, rarely manage to pull off...) They also had access to all the brand new improvements in recording technology of that time, so the sound is more precise than their earlier efforts, but still beautifully *warm and analog.* (The "colder" sound of early digital was still several years away.) They were also right at that "peak" of development as musicians, where they had become truly *experienced* without being anywhere near tired, cynical or jaded yet. I *love* this record. In a way it was their first "comeback" album. They would fall apart and rise again in a different form _several times over_ throughout their career, but this - to me - was their *zenith.* ❤️

[@paulvalletta01]

Only with Yes do you get the Harp instrument slotted in so subtle and beautiful, a true masterpice, more now than when i first heard this track back in the late 70s?

[@anthonyblakely399]

Hang On for a moment....did you just take my request????? I think so.......You are gonna love this song "Awaken" one of many of their Masterpieces......this group NEVER cease to amaze me!!!! You are gonna Love this song!!!!

[@kevindorobiala7027]

I have been a fan of this band since I was a young teenager. It's shaped me as a musician period and definitely broaden my horizons to always be open-minded about any band. Without question their my favorite and have been for over 40 years period close to the edge is probably my favorite song by them. I really love your critique and explanation about different levels of music

[@benjaminrupe5930]

Saw them perform this piece in Minneapolis back in '02. Along with South Side of the Sky, Don't Kill the Whale and a host of other favorites. Spellbinding show. Highly recommend Keys to Ascention for more great live performances.

[@rickcarioti6746]

So glad you get it... again. You are a pleasure to watch.

[@joshs4594]

Fun fact: Rick Wakeman's pipe organ was played in a church. It was literally phoned in and fed into the studios with the band and Wakeman in the church 4 miles away. I've seen Yes 12 times and they never disappointed. You should definitely take a listen to Emerson Lake and Palmer, specifically the title track to the album "Trilogy." Keith Emerson was the best Rock keyboardist to walk the planet and this song will show you. Try to keep up with it. 👍🎶

[@rudymarmaro]

Yes has been my favorite group since I first listened to them in 1976, and have seen them in concert twice. I have a couple recommendations from a very underrated album Tormato. Three songs from that album, Don't Kill the Whales, Release, Release and the title track Tormato.

[@MoorgladeMover]

After the live version of the band you have to watch/listen to the live version of Todmobile with Jon Anderson. This song always hurtles me back to 1979 when I saw them live at the age of 11. There was something magical that happened to me that evening. I knew it was going to be special when looking at the stage before the start of the show and I spotted Jon's harp. I was hooked. I mean, a harp at a rock concert? C'mon man, it doesn't get better than this IMO. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpC5kmablJpliqc

[@edf13]

Seconded

[@martinhayward4466]

Third and fourthed! Todmobile 2013 is the best version of this song.

[@glass2467]

You found it! Not everyone agrees with me for some reason, but I think Awaken is one of their top pieces, a true masterpiece. Wakeman returned. Jon Anderson came to the band and told them we have another masterwork in us. This is what they came up with. Jon calls it a long-form piece. I always like, in these type of pieces, how Jon comes back at the very end of a long piece, and gives a bit of simple, childish poetry at the end. Like the time I ran away, turned around and you were standing close to me.

[@Lightmane]

Yes, it's one of their best pieces. Probably their most beautiful epic. I rank it just behind Close to the Edge, but I can see why some like it more. Just a matter of personal taste, as is all music 🙂

[@benjaminrupe5930]

It is the quintessential Yes epic. Five distinctive musical ideas, delicately balanced within the web among each other; blending in both dramatic gravitas and the subtlest of lullabies. Gives Close To The Edge a run for its money.

[@Lightmane]

@@benjaminrupe5930 Yep. 1 & 2 for me, but I can't argue with someone who flips it. The Gates of Delirium too. Just amazing EPICS.

[@joelliebler5690]

Absolutely among their very best!

[@TrevRockOne]

It's not _necessarily_ my favorite Yes piece -- the competition is very stiff -- but I definitely think it's their magnum opus from compositional standpoint.

[@johncase2408]

This piece has the power and will have the longevity of the great symphonies. When creativity reaches these heights, I tear up. Great review as usual!

[@michaelyork4554]

Relayer is as advanced an album, as you will ever hear, aside from Tales From Topographic Oceans. The percussion, along with Patrick Moraz's very unique keyboard style, make Relayer one of my TOP albums of all time, there is of course "Close To The Edge" which is another Masterpiece along with Awaken. When I was a teenager, I had to accept that for some people this music would just be pretentious nonsense to them, so I have not been able to share Yes, except with a few people along my life journey. I knew after a few of your videos, that you would be one who would be captured by them, and I cannot wait to see you react to Relayer, and CTTE, and YESSONGS which when you hear these live recordings, they will utterly Blow You Away, it will be the originals, taken up levels of magnitude. I saw them live twice, luckily the second time In The Round, "revolving stage" and got to hear them do "Circus Of Heaven", and Jon had His Son come out and do the final lines live. Yes is way above the Bar. "Turn Of The Century" from this album will bring tears to your eyes. Enjoy My Friend.

[@Thetexancoach]

Superb reaction on your part, Wilburn. As an ol' Texan I thoroughly enjoyed your excellent consensus of Yes music that is so intricate, it cannot even be reproduced by others much less on understanding its complexities. You're absolutely correct...most folk can't reach that level of attainment to appreciate the uniqueness of Yes music. You are one of the few that can. It simply amazes me how you youngsters have awaken (no pun intended to the song's title) to this style of music I grew up with as a teenager in the 60's and 70's. Your outtake most certainly gives me a fresh perspective on what I didn't pick up on in listening to Yes tunes on records and concerts back then. Thank ya kindly Wilburn...

[@edwilliams7463]

Wilburn, Hi! Just a quick note to say I really respect your appreciation of music! These days, there are many around that can appreciate the kind of talent required to compose Yes songs. Well done man! Keep exploring and sharing Yes! You can help today's people to understand and appreciate what real musical virtuosity!

[@Equality72521sr]

Ok... one more. Go way back to 1970 and their second album, “Time and a Word”. Give a listen to the track ‘No Opportunity Necessary No Experience Needed”. It’s a Richie Havens cover and YES blows it out of the water. You will feel the bass line in your toes.

[@alexfletcher5192]

One of the enduring tensions as a listener is different sounds appealing to different instincts. I am a white British person (the Yes target audience once upon a time!) and I can appreciate early blues, jazz, funk, modern K-pop.... Where do you begin in the world of world music saturation? As a guitarist, are you Francisco Tarrega or John Dwyer? Everything has its place. And whatever moves you, moves you.

[@stretchgilbert]

Wow! I haven't heard this ages! I was working in the record store when this came out. The 1st YES tour I saw live. I believe this is the 1st album/ tour with Alan White on drums.

[@wreckingKREW1]

Nah,White had been on board for awhile. Tail end of the Close To The Edge Tour is when Bruford split to join King Crimson and they brought White in.

[@wreckingKREW1]

Those mid-70's King Crimson albums Bruford played on....Lark's Tongues In Aspic,Starless and Bible Black and Red...are mind blowingly great. If you've never heard them,highly recommended.

[@angelamarkle7968]

THIS IS THE SONG. THANK YOU

[@mattyesfan2]

Love this reaction and your take on Yes and their ambition. I agree, there’s plenty of music out there for the masses and there’s nothing wrong with that, but Yes is one of those bands that didn’t give a damn and just set out to push the boundaries of rock music. Not everyone will appreciate it, but for those of us who do their music is life affirming and transcendent.

[@realbser1956]

Enjoyed your reaction very much and your appreciation of Yes. Agree with other comments that you are ready for the album Close to the Edge. Keep up the good work.

[@Johnnywr]

A great listen and a spot on review. Nice one. I'm a big Yes fan and I think you've got them figured. Look forward to more listens to more tunes and bands. All the best to you from Scotland.

[@richardcyrka6682]

Mesmerising....epic creation from the masters of prog rock. I'm sure in the future, many will conclude that Awaken will stand side by side with the great classical composers as a masterpiece of its time and beyond. A remarkable and inspirational piece of music.

[@TrevRockOne]

This is Yes' magnum opus. Amazing composition.

[@krisdoggett483]

Great reaction. You're assessment of Yes music and their approach to creating it is pretty much spot on👍

[@bruceadler9709]

A true religious experience.....especially live. Sky opens up on que! Symphonic Yes Live!!!

[@martinreed5964]

you are almost ready to dive in to the epic 1973 live album YESSONGS where the band members are let off the leash...chris' 10 minute bass solo "the fish" is unbelievable and nothing like the Fragile album version...the energy is amazing, Im sure Bill Bruford has six arms, as does Alan White

[@One_Proud_Papa]

Symphonic is definitely the most appropriate description for Yes. Nailed it.

[@kentclark6420]

I should have listened to more Yes albums by now, after hearing them since the 70s. I thought I'd heard the best they had, (Yessongs), until now!

[@EessaTube]

Parallels off the same album - Rick Wakeman used an actual church pipe organ in Switzerland. His parts were recorded separately from the rest of the band on that song and on Awaken, as they weren't in Switzerland.

[@Whiteshirtloosetie]

I saw 'Going For One' live at the Empire Pool Statium, Wembley, in London. It was just incredible.

[@InnocentMan99]

Me too. I was there. Fantastic concert.

[@BarrySanchez]

Thanks I just listened to your reaction to “Heart of the Sunrise” for the 1st time last night & it’s so awesome to see someone understand about the sheer virtuosity of YES that many of us have known for a very long time. Thanks again & GOD BLESS You & Your Family.

[@LamourFan]

Great reaction and observations. Close to the Edge and Awaken are my #1 & #2 for masterpieces. If you love this song you have to watch the version Jon recorded at 69 yrs old with Icelandic Todmobile orchestra. It is so pure. It will awaken you.

[@martinkulkarni3569]

His voice is still as good as it was when he started. Never cracks, never a duff note! Remarkable!