Yes Recorded Music Based On All Of The Following Except:

Yes: A Deep Dive into Their Recorded Output (Excluding Live Albums)

Yes, the iconic progressive rock band, boasts a rich and varied discography. Their studio albums, spanning decades, showcase their musical evolution, from their early hard rock influences to their complex, symphonic explorations. This in-depth look at their studio recordings, excluding their live albums, delves into the creative forces behind each album, their critical reception, and their lasting impact on the music world. We'll explore the musical shifts, the lyrical themes, and the overall evolution of Yes's sound. Prepare for a journey through a legendary catalogue!

The Early Years: Establishing a Sound (1969-1971)

The band's initial foray into the music scene, marked by their self-titled debut album in 1969, laid the foundation for their future success. While showing elements of the psychedelic rock prevalent at the time, the album also hinted at the progressive leanings to come. "Yes" was a promising debut, showcasing their already impressive instrumental skills and vocal harmonies. It's a solid foundation, though it doesn't fully foreshadow the band's later innovations.

Their second album, "Time and a Word" (1970), demonstrated a further progression in their musical complexity. The album’s title track is a standout, showcasing their evolving ability to blend different musical sections seamlessly. This album starts to unveil their potential for longer, more ambitious compositions.

The release of "The Yes Album" (1971) marked a significant step forward. This album refined their sound, highlighting their newly developed ability to create extended instrumental passages that were both intricate and melodically captivating. Tracks like "Starship Trooper" became instant fan favorites, displaying their knack for crafting songs with memorable hooks within a progressive framework. This album solidified their identity and positioned them as a major force in the burgeoning progressive rock scene.

The Pinnacle of Progressive Rock: (1971-1974)

This period represents Yes at their creative peak. The albums produced during this time are considered milestones in progressive rock history. The release of "Fragile" (1971) is often cited as a turning point. The album showcases a greater emphasis on individual songwriting contributions, notably Jon Anderson's evocative vocals and Steve Howe's intricate guitar work. The inclusion of "Roundabout" demonstrated their ability to create a hit single whilst still maintaining their artistic integrity.

"Close to the Edge" (1972) is arguably their masterpiece. This album is a cohesive and ambitious statement, pushing the boundaries of the progressive rock genre with its expansive and intricately structured songs. The title track, a nearly 20-minute epic, is a testament to their ability to sustain complex musical ideas throughout a long piece. This album exhibits a remarkable balance of instrumental virtuosity and lyrical depth.

Their following studio album, "Tales from Topographic Oceans" (1973), was a more controversial release. While undeniably ambitious in its scope and concept – a sprawling four-part suite inspired by the works of philosopher G.I. Gurdjieff – it also faced criticism for its lengthy running time and relative lack of immediate accessibility compared to their previous works. It remains a divisive album amongst fans, but represents a daring exploration of their musical capabilities and philosophical interests.

"Relayer" (1974) is often seen as a bridge between their "Topographic Oceans" era and their subsequent shift in sound. It showcased a different approach to the complex compositions with a more concise presentation. While still retaining their characteristic progressive complexity, "Relayer" possessed a more direct feel than its predecessor.

The Post-Rick Wakeman Era and Beyond (1974-1980)

The departure of keyboardist Rick Wakeman marked a change in direction for Yes. While subsequent albums showed a stylistic evolution, they continued to explore progressive elements within their music. "Going for the One" (1977) witnessed the arrival of Patrick Moraz and showcased a more accessible sound while still retaining progressive rock elements. The album featured powerful guitar work from Steve Howe and strong melodies throughout.

"Tormato" (1978) was a less successful effort, hampered by internal tensions within the band. The album lacked the cohesion of their earlier works and received mixed reviews.

"Drama" (1980), their first album with guitarist Trevor Rabin, marked a significant departure from their earlier progressive style. This album is characterized by a more streamlined, pop-oriented approach, incorporating elements of hard rock and pop sensibility. It was a bold move that alienated some long-time fans, but also allowed them to reach a wider audience.

The 1980s and the New Wave of Progressive Rock

The 1980s saw Yes experimenting with a more commercially accessible sound, incorporating synthesizers and pop elements. "90125" (1983) was their commercial breakthrough album, featuring the hit singles "Owner of a Lonely Heart" and "Leave It." This album had significant impact and helped to introduce Yes to a wider audience who may not have previously encountered their work.

Following the success of "90125," Yes released "Big Generator" (1987). This album, while less successful than its predecessor, continued the band's experimentation within a more streamlined, polished style.

"Union" (1991) was a reunion album featuring members from various eras of the band. It attempted to bridge the gap between their earlier progressive works and their later commercial success. Though an interesting experiment, it was not universally loved by fans, showing the difficulties of blending such disparate musical styles.

"Talk" (1994) and "Keys to Ascension" (1996) continued the exploration of their various eras, with more of a focus on their progressive rock elements.

Later Years and Legacy (1997-Present)

From "Keys to Ascension 2" (1997) onwards, Yes continued to tour and release studio material, though with changing line-ups and a less consistent level of critical acclaim. These later albums displayed their continued ability to create musically complex and engaging material, while sometimes lacking the consistency and impact of their peak years.

Yes’s legacy is firmly cemented in the annals of progressive rock history. Their influence on countless bands is undeniable, and their impact on the musical landscape remains profound. Their musical explorations, lyrical depth, and instrumental prowess have earned them a place amongst the greatest progressive rock bands of all time. While their later albums may not always reach the same heights as their classic works, their enduring presence and continued creativity highlight their resilience and enduring artistry. They remain a vital and important band, proving their ability to adapt and evolve while retaining their unique musical identity.

Conclusion: A Journey Through Sound

The discography of Yes, excluding live albums, presents a fascinating journey through the evolution of a band that consistently pushed boundaries and redefined progressive rock. From their early explorations of psychedelic and hard rock to their ambitious symphonic works and subsequent commercial successes, Yes demonstrated a remarkable capacity for innovation and adaptation. Their music continues to inspire and captivate listeners worldwide, securing their place as true icons of progressive rock. Their legacy extends far beyond their individual albums; it encompasses the very essence of progressive rock itself. Their journey serves as a testament to the power of artistic evolution and the enduring impact of great music.