YES: Worst to Best | Albums Ranked

[@McMurphyKirby]

Cheech and Chong were better than yes.

[@shipsahoy1793]

You’re funnier than Cheech and Chong lol

[@jmdavison62]

Certainly funnier at times. Less staff turnover too.

[@Darrylizer1]

My momma talkin' to me, try to tell me how to live But I don't listen to her 'cause my head is like a sieve!

[@McMurphyKirby]

@@Darrylizer1 an immature autobiography I presume...

[@Darrylizer1]

@@McMurphyKirby My daddy, he disowned me 'cause I wear my sisters clothes He caught me in the bathroom with a pair of pantyhose My basketball coach, he done kicked me off the team For wearing high heel-sneakers and actin' like a queen (Hahaha) The world's comin' to an end-I don't even care As long as can I have a Limo and my orange hair And it don't bother me if people think I'm funny 'Cause I'm a big rock star and I make a lots of money!

[@elliotwalton6159]

I think this video was a "flawless masterpiece". Always a pleasure, Barry. I often return to music you review and re-listen with new ears.

[@classicalbum]

Thank you for your kind words

[@elliotwalton6159]

@@classicalbum I put Close to the Edge on the turntable and the earphones on my head and sat and listened with the lyrics, old school. The time flew by. great analysis for a great album.

[@mikeembleton5949]

@@classicalbum 7⁷78l

[@Patrick-sheen]

Agree completely, an aptly deep and eloquent breakdown for the band in question.

[@MrMojoRisin]

Superb video Barry. Close To The Edge is probably my favourite. Drama is considerably underrated & I like Going For The One too. The Soon part in the The Gates Of Delirium brings me to tears. One word to describe their music is Moving.

[@j.woodbury412]

I'm surprised how much Trevor Horn sounds like Jon Anderson.

[@Nunavuter1]

I was 13 when 90125 came out. I had never heard of Yes. I enjoyed the videos I saw on TV, particularly "Leave It." That song convinced me that I had to get the album, since now I liked three songs released as singles from it. Let's say I was surprised when the "Yes" bin at the record store contained many older albums with vivid artwork on them. "Who are these guys?" I wondered. After I had played 90125 for the umpteenth time, I decided to get the album immediately before it. So the second Yes album I ever listened to was "Drama." It was harder edged and a bit darker, but I ended up loving it. I planned to buy the album immediately before "Drama." I mentioned "Drama" to the older brother of a friend at my high school, and he recommended that I not get "Tormato" but instead I should buy "The Yes Album," "Fragile" and "Close to the Edge." In that order. I did so over the next two months. I became a Yes fan. So whatever people say about 90125, I figure several million Yes fans were created by it.

[@quinten-quist]

The first Yes Album i bought is „Yessongs“ and up to now i prefer the Live Versions over many Studio Versions. And off course, 90125 made me do it…“Leave it“ is great!

[@NeoDrave]

I, too, was 13 when 90125 came out. I was a HUGE Asia fan, and had started diving into their origins, and on a whim, I went to see the 9012Live concert. What I experienced was probably one of THE single best shows I have ever seen in my life and was completely blown away by their performance. This was enough to get me hooked into everything Yes from their past. I thought Trevor Rabin was a master, not only in fully mimicking Steve Howe's style, but also elaborating his own. I could go on, but 90125 will always hold a cherished place for me in Yes' discography.

[@georgewilliams4258]

As much as people diss Tormato it's still head and shoulders over the crap that they put out after firing Jon Anderson.

[@danrodv]

You're absolutely right. My case too. I also became a full Yes fan because of "Owner Of A Lonely Heart", which I came to hear also at 13.

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

The Yes album, Fragile and Close to the Edge. The top 3. In any order. And all released back to back to back. Amazing run. Glad I grew up listening to music in the 70s. Thanks for the video.

[@paulyoward3795]

Anderson is technically not falsetto, he sings a naturally high unforced voice - there is an interview with him where he discusses the classification of the vocal style he has.

[@DavidLazarus]

Exactly! It's not falsetto. [Edit - Upon further research, Jon does indeed refer to himself as an alto tenor.]

[@j.woodbury412]

@@DavidLazarus True.

[@magicalmystery1964]

He calls himself and ‘alto tenor’ however I believe the proper term , at least in Classical music, is ‘countertenor’.

[@shipsahoy1793]

He certainly isn’t a tenor.. that’s pure bullshit; he’s easily in the alto to soprano range.

[@paulyoward3795]

Jon also thinks that Mauritius is like Accrington Stanley so he is not always factual let us say - hes not falsetto that much is true & he sings high in what seems a fairly one off way - Trevor Horn mimicked it but nearly did himself in doing so i think he was relived to leave Yes @@shipsahoy1793

[@nickcook8535]

always liked the drama album, always thought it sounded very different from alot of their other albums.

[@shawnminnier6117]

Totally agree that Open Your Eyes is awful but I think Talk is underrated. I know Talk gets a lot of negativity but I never thought I'd see it ranked below Heaven and Earth.

[@darkenralph]

I agree with you about Talk. I really like this record.

[@GonzoAmerican]

Prefer Talk over Big Generator from the YesWest line up.

[@cbr9914]

i think talk is the last great yes album.

[@miguelbordo]

Topographic is my favorite - but I have difficulties placing the top 8 or so. So many great albums to choose from. Thanks for these wonderfully worded curated reviews.

[@knaw35]

The same as me 🙂

[@teresakoslosky3053]

I think Roger Dean did so much to elevate Yes’s music! Back in those wonderful days the Album covers were very important because you were attracted to check it out!! As a artist myself I was drawn to Roger Deans interpretation of the ideas that Yes were trying to convey! It made you use your imagination to see it and especially to hear it! Prog is best done with great head phones and a bit of green, to

[@j.woodbury412]

Roger Dean album covers are legendary.

[@kreesemath]

I was delighted and, given your exquisite taste, not surprised that you found South Side of the Sky to be the standout track on Fragile. The haunting interlude section with wordless loi-loi-loi vocals and piano, and Howe's guitar riffs in the harder section are highlights.

[@SteveSteeleSoundSymphony]

About Relayer, the addition of Patrick Moraz, with his jazz/fusion background and synth choices, and Roger Dean’s ice white world give this album a darker and remote beauty that present a Yes from another universe. Along with all the albums Bruford played on, plus Drama (of all albums), are my top 5.

[@cathridge]

I'm glad to hear you give Drama a fair and favorable review and ranking tho I wish it was a bit higher. It's a very underrated album.

[@jonesy2111]

Absolutely agree and it still sounds amazing!

[@lawrencejhutchinson]

Brilliant detailed analysis Barry! Sorry that you weren't with me in Bournemouth on November 17, 1973: Yes played the whole Close to the Edge album, then the 2nd-ever live performance of Topographic Oceans - complete! Naturally, I agree with you on the top two Yes albums, but Oceans shades it for me. It sent shivers down my 15 year old spine that night and the beauty and emotion of some of the passages still thrills this 63 year old man!

[@paulayers1111]

I think you hit the nail on the head with “transcendence.” Yes (more than any other band) have lyrics that are truly uplifting and inspiring and the best part of all is how the music reflects it and amplifies it. I always feel more motivated to living more spiritually, or at least with more awareness, when I listen to Yes.

[@classicalbum]

Absolutely!!

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

Rush is a poor mans Yes not really a prog Band.

[@fuckamericanidiot]

​@@michaelsalisbury1477Prog is a genre - not a mark of quality.

[@Bill-py1fn]

Your opinion, my opinion, anyone's opinion is just that, opinions and no one can be faulted for theirs. You, however, have a forum to voice yours, that takes a certain amount of balls. I feel one can find merit and disagreement in your or in any critics critiques. That's the name of the game in what you do and in life in general. Thanks for your effort and for the sharing within.

[@classicalbum]

It is just opinion at the end of the day and there are a lot of youtube music reviewers, so I'm always grateful that someone wants to spend time listening to my comments

[@bugradio]

4:04 - I've heard people dis "Circus of Heaven" but no one even MENTIONS "Madrigal." I see it as the Rick Wakeman equivalent of Steve's "Leaves of Green" portion of Tales - both are very much stand-alone classical/folk-flavored instrumentals that the Steve or Rick brought to Jon and let him add his words and vocals. And in both cases, the results are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for mentioning it!

[@StrideLatinProgRick]

Agreed! I think "Madrigal" is a true gem, with a perfect harpsichord part by its composer, Maestro Wakeman.

[@mashedtilts1123]

I always enjoy your worst to best. So eloquently spoken and well structured. My wife’s Russian too! 😀

[@dougmcauliffe2253]

This band always makes for interesting rankings, my two favorites are Tales From topographic Oceans and Relayer.

[@michaellopez8003]

Glad to see you place Tales so high on the list. This album gave great comfort after my Mom's passing. Ritual is one my top 5 yessongs. It gives me power and energy when I'm hiking or bicycling. The last few minutes are awe inspiring. A worthy listen if you have the patience to explore the depths of this album. Thanks!

[@rickhager3288]

I'm going to have to reevaluate Relayer.... You've certainly done all of your homework. Enjoyed all of your comments. Glad to hear your rather high regard of Drama - a worthwhile effort indeed. Like other commenters, I'd put Talk quite a bit higher.

[@stevebrougham3930]

Great video, thank you Just started out on my Yes journey with “Close yo the Edge” and I’m spellbound after just three or four listens. Now you’ve given me more to get through!

[@ezioauditore3128]

My take on Wakeman's dislike of TFTO - he was also breaking through as a solo artist and was being pulled in that direction. His frequently ventilated view that he disliked it because he found it 'boring' may well be true but he was bored because he had one eye on all those Rolls Royces he was going to buy - but he'll never admit it. Yet it remains one of my favourites. One word to describe them: Emotional.

[@Maanebaronen]

Thank you for this highly enjoyable video. So nice to see Tales From Topographic Oceans on #2. I had to revisit the album yesterday and it is still so good. Probably my favourite album in their discography, Cheers for all these great rankings! I really enjoy them.

[@LuisGarcia-ee2tr]

One word to describe Yes: TALENT

[@desistindo1]

My rank worst to best: 23. Big Generator (1987) 22. Talk (1994) 21. Union (1991) 20. Heaven & Earth (2014) 19. The Quest (2021) 18. Open Your Eyes (1997) 17. Yes (1969) 16. ABWH (1989) 15. 90125 (1983) 14. Fly From Here (2011) 13. The Ladder (1999) 12. Drama (1980) 11. Mirror To The Sky (2023) 10. Time And A Word (1970) 09. Keys to Ascension Studio (1997) 08. Tormato (1978) 07. Magnification (2001) 06. Tales Of Topographic Oceans (1973) 05. Going For The One (1977) 04. Relayer (1974) 03. Fragile (1971) 02. The Yes Album (1971) 01. Close To The Edge (1972)

[@roxannewalsh]

To be honest, I loved them a lot in my youth and I still like part of their earlier catalogue. It still is great when I am in the mood for it. But the band ran on for far too long without having much to say anymore. At best they sound like repeating "great Yes" but for a progressive band they lack "progress" in later years. (0. Yessongs) One of the rare cases where a live album is my favourite of a band. The proof that such performances were really "live" music and not studio trickery is amazing and the songs themselves sound sharper and more urgent. 1. Close to the Edge 2. Tales From Topographic Oceans (The secret to this album is not to hear it all in one session. The individual tracks consumed one at a time a magnificent. Like old composers doing concepts about the four seasons or topics like that. You just select the one that fits your current mindset) 3. Relayer (I always wished this to be as long as Tales, one of the few cases where an album is too short) 4. The Yes Album 5. Time and a Word 6. Tormato (underrated) 7. Fragile (The group tracks are great but the solo exposures are a bit filler - Generally, the classic Yes lineup worked as a band, all the solo stuff they did is rather weak compared to what they did in the band) 8. Going for the One (overrated) 9. Yes 10. Drama 11. Big Generator 12. 90125 13. Union 14. Fly From Here 15. Talk 16. Heaven and Earth 17.The Ladder 18. Open Your Eyes 19. Magnification Missing - Yesterdays (it is a compilation but it has their version of America, one of their best early tracks and not available otherwise, and all the songs from the first two albums which you need)

[@roxannewalsh]

@Mike Watkins I had the LP Age of Atlantic (missing the New) in the early 70s. Survival was on it from Yes, also Led Zeppelin but not the song you mention. Dr John, a band called Dada (the first version of Vinegar Joe with Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer), Delaney and Bonnie, MC5. Great memories...The one you mentioned came a few years later but I never had it, by that time I had the full LPs of those artists. But the series was great music for low budget.

[@ChromeDestiny]

Topographic and Close to the Edge are my top two Yes albums as well, thanks for the excellent video!

[@onsenkuma1979]

A little something about 'Relayer'. I recall reading an article in '73 or so in which Jon Anderson mentioned that the band were quite taken by Mahavishnu Orchestra ('Birds of Fire' was big at the time) and wanted to get something of that band's sound into Yes. 'Sound Chaser' in particular captures some of that Mahavishnu spirit, and is perhaps as close to 'fusion' as Yes ever got. Patrick Moraz's synth lines and Alan White's powerful drumming on the track aren't exactly a million miles away from the sound that Chick Corea and Lenny White belted out a couple of years later on RTFs 'Romantic Warrior'...

[@caramanico1]

IMHO you nailed it overall Barry. There are a few small moves I'd make, but the only major one is to move up Drama. Listen to it again, and DO NOT compare it to the more "proggy" albums with longer compositions. It is a truly excellent album.

[@jmacallar]

Grew up with Going For The One and compilation Yesteryears…..lately I’ve been listening to Drama….lots of great music to explore….great job, as usual with your analysis…

[@marccaron6008]

I only have two Yes vinyl albums. Relayer and 90125! Love them both. ;-)

[@douglasanderson8636]

I played "Soon' from Relayer to a pro. opera singer. She is quite a critical person but thought that Jon,s voice was extraordinary with 'a very free and controlled technique" She reckoned the band were pretty good too!

[@jamesbest8038]

I completely agree with you on your top 4. I was 16 yrs old when Fragile came out, and it blew me away. After that I bought The Yes Album, and then, when they came out, Close to the Edge and Tales of Topographic Oceans. I could not really get into Tales at the time, and thought it was a meandering mess. Somehow I completely missed Relayer. I bought Going for the One and was disappointed. I bought Tomato, and gave up on Yes after that. I just re-discovered Tales about 6 months ago, and can't stop listening to it! It is my favorite album (by anyone) to listen to when going for a sunset walk, a hike or a run. Can't get it out of my head. Love the top 4 albums you listed. I could go without the rest, but will definitely check out Relayer based on your video.

[@mikeviall811]

What do you think about Relayer?

[@jamesbest8038]

@@mikeviall811 I’ve listened to it 2-3 times now and it doesn’t do much for me.

[@mikeviall811]

@@jamesbest8038 Got it. It had some Mahavishnu influences, really transfixed me, I found all Yes after this point to not come close to their prior work . . .

[@redxpro1]

No Keys To Ascension? There were 7 brand new studio tracks included and later they released Keys Studio to isolate the new studio material? Why would this be ignored, definitely some of the best Yes music out there.

[@cloudsmesh]

Thank you for mentioning the keystudio. Entire album is great, especially Mind drive.

[@dan1216]

I agree, Keystudio should have been mentioned.

[@adamnutley600]

He said right at the outset it only covered studio albums and not collections/anthologies

[@dan1216]

@@adamnutley600 Yes, but included within the two Keys albums is a full studio album, not live or a compilation.

[@MRB16th]

They should have released the Keys To Ascension studio tracks in 1997/1998, as compensation for or in lieu of Open Your Eyes. I have the studio tracks as Keys To Ascension on my MP3 collection, for what it's worth.

[@welshhibby]

Love hearing your comprehensive reviews of these albums, as someone just entering the Yes world I find your insights helpful.

[@handebarlas6248]

YES=UNEARTHLINESS for me. And Soon is the music from heaven...Thank you so much for all your effort and wonderful presentation. I enjoyed the video immensely.❤

[@titusgeorge9280]

The album was way down in your rankings, but “The Calling” is my favorite song by them for some reason. Just grabs me right off the bat. Found you because your “Worst to Best” for Marillion showed up in my feed, and so grateful as I’m enjoying your channel. If I may, I’d like to see you do a “Worst to Best” of TOTO. In any case, keep up the great work!

[@michaelhauser3320]

Tormato has to be one of my favorite Yes albums but that's the great thing about music in the way it affects us all differently... keep up the good work!

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Better than Fragile, Yes Album, and CttE? I don't listen to Tomato

[@ezioauditore3128]

@@Frankincensedjb123 Learn what 'subjective' means.

[@DavidMFranks]

I salute you, sir. "The spectre of Ummagumma rattles it's chains from the margins" to "freeform jazz on benzedrine" perfectly put. Found you by chance, now a happy subscriber.

[@SudsRegal]

‘Close to the Edge’ came to me at age 16 and change everything for me musically and it’s still as relevant and significant to me now as it was when it first blew me away in 1990. ‘Relayer’ while originally not as impactful on the first few listens as CTTE eventually struck a chord and ‘Gates of Delirium’ stands right up their with the best Yes ever arranged and wrote in my opinion. The same friend who introduced me to Yes with ‘Close To The Edge’ showed me the gatefold artwork of ‘Tales From Topographic Oceans’ at the same time as Close to the Edge, which looked like the most inviting sonic journey but he offered a word of warning: “Thus one has some moments of utter magic but you have to wallow through epic amounts of shite. It’s pretty boring considering what you experience on the album before it”. I took his advice and avoided it for 20 years but decided I needed to take the plunge... the amount of time I dedicated to it was phenomenal and it put me to sleep quicker than any Yes album to date... “bloated and riddled with filler” is the most concise description one reviewer gave it.

[@skroehr]

Fair assessment. Enjoyable. I do a similar podcast, and I'm interested in rankings and the way people view music that I myself have spent some serious thought and time ranking. The only place I varied widely from you is on Talk, which is in my top 5 easily of Yes albums. I don't understand why it ranks so low, with so many fans. But there you go. The hell of it is, we are all correct. However we have things ranked. We're all telling the truth, and that what makes us right or wrong. This isn't physics. It's what moves us as people. Thanks for the pod. I've subscribed and look forward to working my way through the back catalog. Peace.

[@desistindo1]

This is one of the most lucid comments I've ever read on the internet

[@joannitaxvi3386]

I love Drama, it doesnt matter there was no Jon and Rick on it, Big Generator would be far lower on my list. For me 1.Close 2. Relayer 3. Fragile

[@glenmurschel5939]

Another hard one! My choices would be Relayer, Fragile, Tormato. With a mention of drama. But generally close to the edge gets top nods from most. Great job

[@jonnuanez7183]

90125 and Signals by Rush are the same type of album and both came around at roughly the same time. My musical ear really developed with these 2 recordings. They were both prog bands trying to find their way in the new synth/new wave landscape. So how to stay true to their style while adapting? The production on both is stellar, which is of course the first thing that I latched onto as a then-12 year old boy. I fully understand how the purists cringe when hearing it (both albums, really). But they could've stayed 'Close To The Edge' and us kids would've passed. Or we could grab onto "Owner..." and stay for the rest of the album, which I did. Btw, it's still in my rotation *gasp* 40 *gasp* years later.

[@nathanisaksson7750]

Drama is one I go back to frequently. One of my fav Yes albums and underappreciated in my book.

[@TheStrongBoyz19]

One of my favourite bands of all time and their discography is brilliant stuff. Here's my ranking of their albums. 1. Close To The Edge 2. Relayer 3. Tales From Topographic Oceans 4. The Yes Album 5. Fragile 6. Drama 7. Going for the One 8. Magnification 9. 90125 10. Yes 11. The Ladder 12. Tormato 13. Union 14. Big Generator 15. Time and a Word 16. Heaven and Earth 17. Fly From Here 18. Talk 19. Open Your Eyes

[@bluesbrother9293]

No Jon Anderson no Yes in my opinion. His voice is just so distinctive. Great to see and hear him with Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman in 2017

[@Rosbergen80]

@dan cussin YeS

[@mmp64]

An/or no Chris Squire.

[@kevinmcardle4087]

Good list, and great commentary. Your puns especially land well ("The Ladder is a climb! Gold!). I would've put "Drama" a little higher, mainly for sentimemtal reasons, but I agree in general.

[@classicalbum]

Thanks

[@mikeviall811]

1. Tied - Close to the Edge, Fragile, The Yes Album. 4. Tied - Yessongs, Relayer. 6. (edited) Time and a Word. Honorable Mention (sort of) - Topographic Oceans. There are no other Yes albums.

[@ezioauditore3128]

Wrong on every level.

[@nectarinedreams7208]

Going for the One is better than most that you mentioned.

[@mikeviall811]

@@ezioauditore3128 I’m a musician, perhaps that’s where we differ

[@mikeviall811]

@@nectarinedreams7208 zzzz.

[@ezioauditore3128]

@@mikeviall811 So am I, though not a professional. But you don't have to be a musician to have an opinion on music. Art is subjective, but as a musician you should know that. You gave an opinion. I gave mine.That's fine. But you're wrong on a factual, *objective* level. There are plenty of other Yes albums.

[@fourseasons4105]

1. Relayer 2. Close to the edge 3. Tales from topographic oceans 4. Going for the one 5. The yes album 6. Fragile 7. Drama 8. Yes 9. 90125 10. Tormado 11. Time and a word 12. Keys 13. Talk 14. Union 15. Fly from here 16. The ladder 17. Magnifications 18. Big generator 19. Open your eyes

[@georgeford3687]

I've noticed that those who rank Tormato lower always neglect to mention Silent Wings of Freedom which in itself should bump it up a few notches.

[@Davy.J.Y]

Well i am so glad FRAGILE is way up there, but then again it would be crazy if it wasn't. Watching this worst to best video just shows us all how astounding YES really is. What a band ! I enjoyed watching very much, big like.

[@alfietomkins2453]

Brilliant in depth reviews. Thanks Barry. I have to say that Tales of Topographic Oceans has risen in my rankings in the last few months, it's a totally absorbing listen. I have a soft spot for Fragile and Close to the edge too, and 90125 (dont tell the purists) would love to hear your Yes top ten songs. Thanks again for this

[@classicalbum]

I might do a Yes top ten songs... i'm in a Yes kind of mood atm

[@alfietomkins2453]

@@classicalbum that would be great, looking forward to that, I recently re discovered South Side of the Sky and Fragile Loving haunting piano on that. Looking forward to your Yes top ten, all the best Barry

[@WhiteOwlet]

Great argumentation and great list! I agree mostly with the contents of the top five, but for me personally, it would be 1. Relayer 2. Tales of Topographic Oceans 3. Close to the Edge 4. Fragile Those four albums really do it for me. Great, massive prog that I don't quite understand, but I just keep coming back to.

[@richdisilvio4591]

Your list mirrors mine. RELAYER is unquestionably the pinnacle of Prog-virtuosity and intensity.

[@holderlin13]

@@richdisilvio4591 RElayer is a replication of close to the edge... so it can't be first! BTW Tales of Topographic Oceans is one of the reason Bruford gave up his drumming duties. Regards

[@richdisilvio4591]

@@holderlin13 Relayer is FAR from a “replication” of Close to the Edge. LOL In fact, it resides in another universe altogether. Not sure what you’re listening to, but the only replication was the fact that both albums feature only 3 songs. But you elicited a good laugh, so cheers! :)

[@holderlin13]

@@richdisilvio4591 Good point! I actually love both albums but I'll never put relayer above close to the edge... For me, the first is CLose to the edge and then you can locate Relayer where anyone wants... expecto for second where I locate yes Album and 3rd where I locate Fragile.... anything else is a pleasure for me... take care... and regards... PD At the end whats important is to love and hear Yes music... and King Crimson, and ELP, and Jetrhro Tull... Tangerine Dream... and more.... Again Take care. A big hello from MOnterrey Mexico !

[@amnril]

I’d drop Tales off that list, to this day I just can’t listen to it, I find it pompous drivel. People keep asking me to listen to I again and I try but every time I feel frustrated and press STOP.

[@jameshallas3910]

Glad to see Close to the Edge sitting at the very edge of this list. Has and likely will always be both my favorite Yes album, but also my most cherished vinyl memory, as it was the first ever record I bought myself. Cherished memories. As for the one word to describe them, I would choose Ethereal. They have always reflected, in my mind, the highest level of thought and existence in the world of Prog, carrying a lightness and uplifting sound that few bands can ascend to. And as always, great video and great stories. Thank you again for making these.

[@davidbstang116]

I haven't listened to "Tales From T.O." in years, I always dismissed it as an overly long mess of fragments pasted together without cohesion and mostly without melodic hooks or anything to latch on to. It kind of reminds me of listening to Bruckner's 8th symphony in concert and thinking exactly the same thing! But I have a friend who is a lot smarter than me who absolutely loves it. And you are a lot smarter than me too, so I'm willing to give both Bruckner and "Tales" another listen or three. Thanks for all your videos!

[@stuartraybould6433]

Nicely done, for me Relayer is top dog closely followed by Topographic Oceans then Close to the Edge. Those albums in 5.1 are amazing. For me Yes we're really over after Relayer. Nothing they did after comes anywhere near close. Nicely done though.

[@scotttully8572]

Thanks, great list. For me, the capacity of Yes to uplift me and transport me into higher realms is my benchmark. To this end, I think Tales, Relayer, CTTE and The Ladder are those which stirred my spirituality and awakened my soul the most.

[@Northernlightshow]

Rick said the "Onion" tour was his most enjoyable Yes tour ever. Thanks for another good video.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

The Steve Wilson Remixes are terrific .... new way to approach selected Yes Albums

[@jmdigriz]

The surround of tales is awesome.

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

Goobgimcast Steve Wilson doesnt have to remaster EEeryYzThHING that was prog.

[@TheTwangKings]

Nice review, you almost got it perfect. I disagree completely with Tormato, it's full of energy and fresh ideas, showing the direction they were leaning toward. All songs are good on the album and the playing is stellar. It's different from other Yes albums, but in a good way. It's edgy, restless. You can tell the band was frustrated and trying new things, which were of course leading toward 90125 by way of Drama. just listen to Circus of Heaven, Future Times and Arriving UFO. Masterful. Release, Release is ripping with punk-like energy. Love the album to pieces.

[@classicalbum]

Interesting points - I will certainly give it another listen

[@chriswilson1853]

I was pleasantly surprised by Tormato when I listened to it, it's not bad at all.

[@TheTwangKings]

@@chriswilson1853 There you go. It's maligned and ignored by so many fans - feels like a lost Yes album, and it's a real gem in my opinion.

[@christopherammentorp3863]

Very much agree with Eliot. With Tormato, Yes were clearly trying not to repeat the (sublime and almost spiritual) Going for the One album and go in a completely different direction. A brave move indeed. The result is a mixture of very diverse, shorter songs delivered in a more punchy, direct style. But you do have to listen a LOT of times to this album. I find there's hardly a bad track on here, and as a finale we get the breathtaking On the Silent Wings of Freedom, another Yes prog rock-classic.

[@TheTwangKings]

@@christopherammentorp3863 I am glad that one other kindred soul likes Tormato, LOL. I was starting to feel pretty isolated - no one likes Tormato, and it's such a sweet album. C'mon now people, put away your prejudices and give it a fair shake.

[@pedrokropotkin9045]

My top 10 from Yes albums: 1) Close to the Edge 2) Relayer 3) Yes Album 4) Fragile 5) Tales from Topographic Oceans 6) Going for the One 7) 90125 8) ABWH 9) Time and a Word 10) Drama

[@geraldbalzano431]

I admire your steadfast defense of Tales in the face of all the ignorant negativity that has swarmed about that album for so long. Agree that it's a tough call between it (TFTO) and Close to the Edge for Yes's best, but I have to give the nod to Tales because of its greater scope, intricacy, and sheer beauty. Mostly agree with your rankings and your takes, except I think you are selling both Tormato and Talk too short, and your evaluation of Big Generator is much higher than I could ever give it. Well done, and well spoken!

[@martinhayward4466]

My Top 5 are: 1. Relayer 2. Fragile 3. The Yes Album 4. CTTE 5. Drama Great listening, as always Barry.

[@Zapple7]

Thoroughly enjoyed your exposition of all the studio albums and chronicling Yes' journey through musical composition.. very well researched, explained and presented.. 🎁 👌 ..certainly food for thought and some reflection of certain albums... ..also, the balancing of atristic expression and its percieved value musically verses its actual appeal and appreciation, or lack of, not-withstanding a multitude of differing opinions about certain ones ( yes, [no pun intended] (!) ..we're talking about 'Oceans' here, which I bought on release )...I found to be very inclusive and most importantly for serious fans, fair. Just to add that this post is probably the best 'dissertation' on any band I've read so far on KZbin.. very enjoyable and thanks for putting the time in to produce it for us to luxuriate in. 👏👏

[@LuisGarcia-ee2tr]

Great video. Complete and huge comments of all Yes albums.

[@rayr4320]

Tihs ranking is near perfect!, Fly from here is such a good record, I am happy to see not everyone hates it. I would only put Drama in front of Big generator, its a bit more dark and interesting.

[@oldschoolsurfer]

You nailed it, I love Tails of Topographic Oceans and I saw it performed live, but Close to the Edge is the masterpiece. I just wish it had more songs.

[@SevenDaysToNoon]

Excellent analysis! 👏👏👏 I’ve got about 400 albums in my music collection and there is one album that has been played more than any other - by a country mile - and that is 90125. Oh and Changes! I’m with you mate! 👍

[@elmolewis9123]

Surprised how well I matched up with this countdown - although I admit there were a few I hadn't even heard before. Great video.

[@Hooksongs]

Realizing you are only doing official studio album, I personally love KeyStudio in that track order. Excellent return to form, wish it had been released differently. In my top 5. Rock on!

[@philipmansfield7984]

I have really enjoyed your insights into the various albums and your eloquent manner, although I don't always agree with you! I loved Yes and also find that Tales from Topographic Oceans, Time and a Word and The Yes Album are my go to albums. I did see them years ago at Wembley arena in the round, which was the Going for the One tour. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I'm less keen on most newer material, although a few years back I found Airbag - Bleak Norwegian Floyd music which is fantastic. My first record bought was Parade of Pops from the early 70s - cheap cover versions of the hits of the day, probably by Ronco, I suspect my first 'proper' album was The Soundtrack to the More by Floyd. Thank you for your channel and keep up the good work.

[@SmashedBottleMan]

1. The Yes Album 2. Fragile 3. Close To The Edge 4. Going For The One 5. Relayer 6. Yes 7. Time And A Word 8. Tales From Topographic Oceans 9. Tormato 10. Drama Sorry, can't go past 1980, although 90125 gets an honorable mention.

[@Houlgravely]

Talk is rather underrated. I think Real Love and Endless Dream are two of the best songs Yes ever did under any lineup.

[@BeCoShooter]

Saw the Talk tour at MSG. Near the end of the show, Jon Anderson said, if there was ever a song to end a concert, this is it. Then they played Endless Dream. He was right! Never forgot how the Garden was only half full. The sound was awesome though.

[@ricardooliva4034]

Two of the best behind, Close to The Edge. And you and I Roundabout. The Ancient. Gates of Delirium Perpetual Change Starship Trooper Siberian Khatru Long distance runaround The Remembering Ritual Awaken Yours is no disgrace Mood for a day The fish ... ... ...

[@cboisandlin9601]

They really need to put it in Spotify, it isn’t on there, which sucks

[@donaldpruitt6787]

The calling this album was a great album digital recording recorded with software one of if not the first to do so a first I think they used logic as the software it was still in it's testing when Rabin brought this to jon a lot of breakdowns on computers and software glitches sometimes losing entire songs ..I love this album ...then again I loved the all and seeing them live over 12 times perfect everytime WITHOUT FAIL

[@stevensprouse2449]

Good on you for selecting Tales at number two. I have it at 4 or 5 depending on the day. Every track except The Ancients are excellent. I put GFTO at 3 simply because it contains Awaken. If it contained only Awaken it would still be there. Thanks for your videos

[@nevbarnes1034]

Agreed. For my money _Awaken_ is the quintessential Yes track, more so even that CTTE. After this track they had nowhere new to go and the band fell apart.

[@archieatkinson7153]

Close to the edge is my favourite, with relayer and topographic oceans next. I love the epics from these albums, they put me on another planet

[@splat68]

According to Wikipedia, Rick did play keyboards on Sabra Cadabra on Sabbath Bloody Sabbath! Go figure.

[@markgatica12]

Thank you for analyzing and ranking the work of one of my all-time favorite bands. One word to define what Yes's music means to me? Revelation. Overall, I mostly agree with your ranking, including the albums in the top 6, although I would slot them differently. 1. Close to the Edge - As you described, a perfect record 2. Going for the One - This album was released during the apex of my Yes fandom. Saw them tour that year, and probably played this album more than any other. 3. Relayer - For years my favorite album, until it was edged out by Close to the Edge and more recently by GFTO. Sound Chaser is the weak moment for me. 4. The Yes Album - A collection of brilliant songs that would be higher but for the fact that every song is a little bit better with the addition of RW on Yessongs. 5. Fragile - Love this album, but not always in the mood for the solo pieces, and Roundabout was killed by FM radio in the 70s. 6. Tales From Topographic Oceans - I agree with Wakeman. Had this been just sides 1 and 4, it might be their best album. But side 3 is a rough listen I have to be in the right mood to hear. Otherwise, I'm drifting off and looking at my phone and before I know it, it's on to Ritual.

[@jasontorres7756]

Very enjoyable. A Soft Machine retrospective would be fun.

[@barryoneill1703]

I watched 2 of your posts last night, Bowie, -Queen, I'm a massive fan have been since the start of their careers, I have to say my, your dead on every point, you know your stuff, I can trust you now to listen to you review bands I've never listened to, you will open more doors for me in my rock n roll heart, Thanks.

[@andrewdyke5561]

Love your shirt man one of my favorite albums ever

[@Cr8Tron]

Appreciate your personal critiques, which are always fair and constructive in my mind. I recently wrote a straightforward album-ranking program in Java, through which I've been creating a database of various bands'/artists' discographies as TSV files. Once an artist's or band's complete catalog is run though the program, the user experience involves rating every track off every album, in order to get the album ranking results. Based on track lengths, it basically calculates how much you enjoy/unenjoy an album each second on average. I just tried it on Yes (only entering ratings for The Yes Album through Drama). As expected, Relayer and Close to the Edge pretty much had tied scores, while Fragile sits slightly below. Then The Yes Album and Tales are right around the same area, depending how I rate the individual tracks. This same statement then applies to Going for the One and Drama, which both sit in the next bracket below. Finally Tormato! 😒🍅 Like I said, I only entered track ratings for everything between The Yes Album and Drama. I'm curious on how the other albums will all rank, when I finally take the time to relisten though all the other albums' tracks. Like, for instance, I'm sure Time and a Word might easily surpass Tormato (and perhaps even Drama/Going for the One). Anyhow... That's my report so far.

[@FundamentalsUK]

Great in depth reviews 👍🏻 Yes music is spiritual to me.

[@jtoms3]

Drama, Talk, and The Ladder are all underrated, in my opinion.

[@ricksanford807]

Agreed

[@mitchellbracey5234]

Drama is fantastic!

[@Wolfdog65]

Drama is in my top 5

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

JT beukas those albums are TrASH.oms

[@michaelsalisbury1477]

Those later albums are just commercial radio produk ts

[@matthewblack7206]

I would rate 'Talk' a fair bit higher, but otherwise I largely agree with these rankings.

[@derekmeade6350]

Just found this: difficult to choose between Relayer, Close to the Edge and Tales for my number 1. My first introduction back in 1975 at school was borrowing copies of Tales and Yessongs. My personal list would have Talk higher and 90215 lower but all music appreciation is subjective!

[@stevelamonica2297]

1. Going For The One 2. Tales From Topographic Oceans 3. Close To The Edge 4. Relayer 5. Fragile 6. The Yes Album 7. Drama 8. Big Generator 9. Magnification 10. Fly From Here 11. Tormato 12. Drama 13. Time And A Word 14. The Ladder 15. Talk 16. Yes 17. Heaven And Earth 18. Union 19. Open Your Eyes

[@kgmessier]

One word to describe Yes? Experience. I mean that word both as a noun and a verb. Not only do they pull together their varied individual experience to create musical masterpieces, but they take listeners on a journey to extend those listeners’ own experiences. Climb a mountain, plumb an ocean, travel inward or outward. Thanks for this great studio album review! I always look forward to your videos. \m/

[@classicalbum]

thank you... 'experience' is a good word...

[@timjohnson8902]

Your appraisal of yes discography is outstanding thank you

[@classicalbum]

Thank you

[@grahamthedark]

The first Concert I ever went to was at Cobo Hall in Detroit it was YES during their tour of Tails From Tropical Oceans from that day to this my music tastes were set and I learned to love songs that took their time to tell a story instead of 3 minute songs that just kept repeating the same lyrics over and over. I love being immersed in the flowing music and intertwining lyrics that take me to another place I can picture in my mind, something we used to do, before MTV destroyed peoples imagination by having us watch someone else's vision of what the song meant to them I think MTV is why people are not able to think outside the box it's like how teachers used to teach us how to think now they teach children what to think so people are not able to do critical thinking any longer .

[@classicalbum]

I agree

[@MRB16th]

I hear you Doug: music executives' talent and genius went off a cliff in the period 1982-1999.

[@Golfstar17]

When did they release that weirdly titled album?

[@waterdive122productions6]

I've been waiting for this day for so long! Thanks Classic Album Review! I love Yes!

[@classicalbum]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@waterdive122productions6]

@@classicalbum This is the most accurate Yes album list to mine, but Tales from Topographic Oceans is my number one, and it's my second favorite album of all time, right behind Rush's Hemispheres.

[@grantman7181]

A vast review of one of my favorite bands ,kudos to you barry taking on this chonology . Fragile seems to me like a solo album by each member ,the crown in my opinion close to edge is the jewel.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

I've done my own worst-to-best rundowns for Genesis, Springsteen, and top 10s for Van Morrison and Genesis solos, and I'd love to do the same for Yes. However, despite owning most of their albums and having listened to them from 'Close to the Edge' onwards, I'm not steeped-enough to do as good a job as Barry has here. I enjoyed the video and, right now, I'm on Side 3 of Topographic Oceans (the Steven Wilson remix) and enjoying it immensely. Great stuff.

[@classicalbum]

I'll check out your ranking

[@MetalMan73100]

Kudos to the host for this massive undertaking. Ranking the discography of Yes is quite a task, studying up close every studio album album from a band that began releasing them more than half a century ago. Thank you for the great content!

[@sspbrazil]

I like “The Ladder”, I saw them on that tour at The Beacon Theater in NYC, it was a great show, I love “Drama” too.

[@artforrockstars5264]

I knew it. Close to the edge. My first YES album.

[@victorhawkins3461]

First, Barry, you KNOW I'm gonna be complimenting your T-shirt! "...out in back of Palmdale where the turkey farmers run..." I'll give you pretty much everything in this ranking vid. But to quibble, I would put YES, the first elpee, much higher than you did, but bless you for name-checking my two favorite tracks on it. I would also put DRAMA higher, and you didn't even mention MAN IN A WHITE CAR, you rascal, you! (I like INTO THE LENS more than you, too, but that's why Baskin/Robbins has 31derful Flavors!) I've said before that TO BE OVER is, in my opinion, the best track on RELAYER, and I, too, and a fool for TALES...RITUAL: Nous Sommes du Soleil is my personal pick. Keep 'em comin', lad...there are damn near 12,000 of us out here who wanna listen to ya'...

[@classicalbum]

Thank you so much... I must admit I am a bit obsessed about rock music, if I didn't have this channel as an outlet I think I'd be divorced by now.

[@asmallwhitedog0479]

I think Tales is the best prog album, ever. I was in high school when it came out and I instantly fell in love with it. It still blows me away.

[@thefacts5394]

Interesting, but I do feel Rabin is a very under appreciated super talent by many Yes fans. I always feel that Howe regards himself as 'Steve Howe prog guitar legend' whereas Rabin does what is needed for the music. 'Talk' has some top class material, particularly 'The Calling' and 'Endless Dream' and you didn't mention 'I'm Running' from Big Generator, surely one of the greatest and most proggy Yes songs ever. I grew up on the early stuff and saw the Topographic tour (and the Drama tour) but I think Howe dried up creatively a long time ago.