YES: Worst to Best | Albums Ranked

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  • Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024

Комментарии • 674

  • @McMurphyKirby
    @McMurphyKirby Год назад +12

    Cheech and Chong were better than yes.

    • @shipsahoy1793
      @shipsahoy1793 Год назад +2

      You’re funnier than Cheech and Chong lol

    • @jmdavison62
      @jmdavison62 Год назад +1

      Certainly funnier at times. Less staff turnover too.

    • @Darrylizer1
      @Darrylizer1 10 месяцев назад +3

      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
      @McMurphyKirby 10 месяцев назад

      @@Darrylizer1 an immature autobiography I presume...

    • @Darrylizer1
      @Darrylizer1 10 месяцев назад +3

      @@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
    @elliotwalton6159 4 года назад +79

    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
      @classicalbum  4 года назад +7

      Thank you for your kind words

    • @elliotwalton6159
      @elliotwalton6159 4 года назад +10

      @@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
      @mikeembleton5949 2 года назад +1

      @@classicalbum 7⁷78l

    • @Patrick-sh9tt
      @Patrick-sh9tt Год назад +1

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

  • @MrMojoRisin
    @MrMojoRisin 4 года назад +22

    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
      @j.woodbury412 Год назад

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

  • @shawnminnier6117
    @shawnminnier6117 3 года назад +36

    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
      @darkenralph Год назад +2

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

    • @GonzoAmerican
      @GonzoAmerican Год назад +3

      Prefer Talk over Big Generator from the YesWest line up.

    • @cbr9914
      @cbr9914 2 месяца назад

      i think talk is the last great yes album.

  • @nickcook8535
    @nickcook8535 4 года назад +38

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

  • @Nunavuter1
    @Nunavuter1 2 года назад +20

    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.

    • @ronaldfleischer7675
      @ronaldfleischer7675 Год назад +1

      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
      @NeoDrave Год назад +2

      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
      @georgewilliams4258 Год назад +1

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

    • @danrodv
      @danrodv 7 месяцев назад +1

      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.

  • @paulyoward3795
    @paulyoward3795 2 года назад +36

    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
      @DavidLazarus Год назад +3

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

    • @j.woodbury412
      @j.woodbury412 Год назад +1

      @@DavidLazarus True.

    • @magicalmystery1964
      @magicalmystery1964 Год назад +1

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

    • @shipsahoy1793
      @shipsahoy1793 11 месяцев назад

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

    • @paulyoward3795
      @paulyoward3795 11 месяцев назад

      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

  • @teresakoslosky3053
    @teresakoslosky3053 2 года назад +19

    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
      @j.woodbury412 Год назад +2

      Roger Dean album covers are legendary.

  • @kreesemath
    @kreesemath 2 года назад +7

    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.

  • @miguelbordo
    @miguelbordo 4 года назад +19

    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
      @knaw35 2 года назад +1

      The same as me 🙂

  • @user-mz6lt2pr9s
    @user-mz6lt2pr9s 9 месяцев назад +4

    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.

  • @TheSteveSteele
    @TheSteveSteele Год назад +7

    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.

  • @caramanico1
    @caramanico1 Год назад +5

    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.

  • @lawrencejhutchinson
    @lawrencejhutchinson 2 года назад +3

    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!

  • @bugradio
    @bugradio 3 года назад +6

    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
      @StrideLatinProgRick 2 месяца назад

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

  • @cathridge
    @cathridge 4 года назад +28

    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
      @jonesy2111 3 года назад +3

      Absolutely agree and it still sounds amazing!

  • @LuisGarcia-ee2tr
    @LuisGarcia-ee2tr 4 года назад +16

    One word to describe Yes: TALENT

  • @rickhager3288
    @rickhager3288 2 года назад +3

    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.

  • @Bill-py1fn
    @Bill-py1fn 4 года назад +17

    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
      @classicalbum  4 года назад +5

      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

  • @dougmcauliffe2253
    @dougmcauliffe2253 4 года назад +12

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

  • @paulayers1111
    @paulayers1111 4 года назад +12

    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.

  • @douglasanderson8636
    @douglasanderson8636 Год назад +6

    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!

  • @martinhayward4466
    @martinhayward4466 2 года назад +3

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

  • @nathanisaksson7750
    @nathanisaksson7750 Год назад +2

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

  • @mashedtilts1123
    @mashedtilts1123 4 года назад +4

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

  • @michaelhauser3320
    @michaelhauser3320 3 года назад +12

    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
      @Frankincensedjb123 2 года назад

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

    • @ezioauditore3128
      @ezioauditore3128 2 года назад

      @@Frankincensedjb123 Learn what 'subjective' means.

  • @stuartraybould6433
    @stuartraybould6433 4 года назад +5

    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.

  • @michaellopez8003
    @michaellopez8003 3 года назад +3

    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!

  • @jamesbest8038
    @jamesbest8038 3 года назад +3

    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
      @mikeviall811 2 года назад

      What do you think about Relayer?

    • @jamesbest8038
      @jamesbest8038 2 года назад

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

    • @mikeviall811
      @mikeviall811 2 года назад

      @@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 . . .

  • @jonnuanez7183
    @jonnuanez7183 Год назад +6

    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.

  • @ChromeDestiny
    @ChromeDestiny 4 года назад +2

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

  • @jmacallar
    @jmacallar 2 года назад +3

    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…

  • @ezioauditore3128
    @ezioauditore3128 2 года назад +6

    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.

    • @theboofin
      @theboofin Год назад +2

      He had a number one album at the time.

  • @roxannewalsh
    @roxannewalsh 4 года назад +16

    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
      @roxannewalsh 3 года назад +1

      @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.

  • @fourseasons4105
    @fourseasons4105 3 года назад +3

    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

  • @stevelamonica2297
    @stevelamonica2297 3 года назад +2

    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

  • @stevebrougham3930
    @stevebrougham3930 Год назад +1

    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!

  • @WhiteOwlet
    @WhiteOwlet 3 года назад +19

    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
      @richdisilvio4591 2 года назад +3

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

    • @holderlin13
      @holderlin13 2 года назад +1

      @@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
      @richdisilvio4591 2 года назад +6

      @@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
      @holderlin13 2 года назад +2

      @@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
      @amnril 2 года назад +1

      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.

  • @welshhibby
    @welshhibby 2 года назад +2

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

  • @onsenkuma1979
    @onsenkuma1979 2 года назад +2

    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'...

  • @Maanebaronen
    @Maanebaronen 2 года назад +2

    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.

  • @handebarlas6248
    @handebarlas6248 2 года назад +3

    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.❤

  • @rayr4320
    @rayr4320 2 года назад +4

    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.

  • @mikeviall811
    @mikeviall811 2 года назад +9

    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
      @ezioauditore3128 2 года назад

      Wrong on every level.

    • @nectarinedreams7208
      @nectarinedreams7208 2 года назад +1

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

    • @mikeviall811
      @mikeviall811 2 года назад

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

    • @mikeviall811
      @mikeviall811 2 года назад

      @@nectarinedreams7208 zzzz.

    • @ezioauditore3128
      @ezioauditore3128 2 года назад

      @@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.

  • @kevinmcardle4087
    @kevinmcardle4087 3 года назад +1

    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.

  • @redxpro1
    @redxpro1 4 года назад +25

    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
      @cloudsmesh 3 года назад +1

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

    • @dan1216
      @dan1216 3 года назад +2

      I agree, Keystudio should have been mentioned.

    • @adamnutley600
      @adamnutley600 3 года назад

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

    • @dan1216
      @dan1216 3 года назад +2

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

    • @MRB16th
      @MRB16th 3 года назад

      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.

  • @titusgeorge9280
    @titusgeorge9280 4 года назад +7

    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!

  • @Northernlightshow
    @Northernlightshow 4 года назад +5

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

  • @geraldbalzano431
    @geraldbalzano431 3 года назад +1

    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!

  • @DavidMFranks
    @DavidMFranks Год назад

    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.

  • @matthewblack7206
    @matthewblack7206 2 года назад +7

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

  • @elmolewis9123
    @elmolewis9123 10 месяцев назад

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

  • @TheTwangKings
    @TheTwangKings 4 года назад +20

    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
      @classicalbum  4 года назад +1

      Interesting points - I will certainly give it another listen

    • @chriswilson1853
      @chriswilson1853 4 года назад +1

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

    • @TheTwangKings
      @TheTwangKings 4 года назад +4

      @@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
      @christopherammentorp3863 4 года назад +4

      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
      @TheTwangKings 4 года назад +2

      @@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.

  • @glenmurschel5939
    @glenmurschel5939 Год назад +1

    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

  • @SevenDaysToNoon
    @SevenDaysToNoon Месяц назад

    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! 👍

  • @j.woodbury412
    @j.woodbury412 Год назад +1

    A word I would use to describe Yes would be "Ethereal". The Welsh group that did a cover of "Wondrous Stories" is Magenta.

  • @TheStrongBoyz19
    @TheStrongBoyz19 4 года назад +5

    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

  • @oldschoolsurfer
    @oldschoolsurfer 2 года назад +3

    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.

  • @alfietomkins2453
    @alfietomkins2453 4 года назад +2

    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
      @classicalbum  4 года назад

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

    • @alfietomkins2453
      @alfietomkins2453 4 года назад

      @@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

  • @jellyrollnorton
    @jellyrollnorton Год назад +1

    I had all the ‘70s albums (vinyl), with the exception of Yessongs. The first one was Going for the One, which I bought in ‘77. Then I bought Fragile, Close to the Edge, and The Yes Album, in that order. Loved every note of all of them. Any of the 4 albums could be number 1 for me.
    Tormato came out the next year, which I bought the day it was released. I was so excited, but I couldn’t get into it.
    I wanted more of the seemingly instant Yes magic that I got from the first four albums I bought.
    So I splurged and bought Relayer and Tales from Topographic Oceans. I liked and still like Side 1 of Topographic, but didn’t care for the other three sides nor Relayer, even the much loved Gates of Delirium.
    I know I’m in the minority here. After watching your reviews, perhaps I’ll give Relayer and Sides 2, 3, and 4 of Tales another shot.

  • @SudsRegal
    @SudsRegal 3 года назад +14

    ‘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.

  • @goobfilmcast4239
    @goobfilmcast4239 3 года назад +10

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

    • @jmdigriz
      @jmdigriz 3 года назад +1

      The surround of tales is awesome.

    • @michaelsalisbury1477
      @michaelsalisbury1477 2 года назад +1

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

  • @BonafonteLeonardo
    @BonafonteLeonardo Год назад +1

    1 - Close to the Edge
    2 - Fragile
    3 - Yes Album
    4 - Drama
    5 - 90125
    6 - Tormato
    7 - Relayer
    8 - Tales From Topographic Oceans
    9 - Time and a Word
    10 - Going for the One
    11 - Yes
    12 - Magnification
    13 - Big Generator

  • @archieatkinson7153
    @archieatkinson7153 4 года назад +2

    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

  • @derekmeade6350
    @derekmeade6350 2 года назад +4

    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!

  • @stevensprouse2449
    @stevensprouse2449 2 года назад +3

    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
      @nevbarnes1034 2 года назад +1

      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.

  • @scotttully8572
    @scotttully8572 2 года назад +2

    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.

  • @Davy.J.Y
    @Davy.J.Y 2 года назад +3

    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.

  • @Zapple7
    @Zapple7 2 года назад +1

    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 RUclips.. very enjoyable and thanks for putting the time in to produce it for us to luxuriate in. 👏👏

  • @davidatkinson-lifematters4826
    @davidatkinson-lifematters4826 2 года назад +1

    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.

  • @Hooksongs
    @Hooksongs 2 года назад +2

    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!

  • @Cr8Tron
    @Cr8Tron 3 года назад +1

    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.

  • @bluesbrother9293
    @bluesbrother9293 4 года назад +24

    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
      @Rosbergen80 3 года назад

      @dan cussin YeS

    • @mmp64
      @mmp64 3 года назад +1

      An/or no Chris Squire.

  • @artforrockstars5264
    @artforrockstars5264 4 года назад +4

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

  • @georgeford3687
    @georgeford3687 Год назад +2

    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.

  • @TheInfinitymath
    @TheInfinitymath 2 месяца назад

    My brother came back home from college and forgot his Yessongs album. I was hooked from the start and never knew it was a compilation of albums (no internet for this kid). I would actually put Tales as my favorite Yes album. Jon is my favorite singer of all time. I saw him solo in an outdoor arena in San Diego. I looked into the night sky and heard his voice and thought I was in heaven.

  • @shafterx8133
    @shafterx8133 3 года назад +6

    Mostly agree but i'll switch Relayer with Tales honestly. Songwriting quality in Tales is sacrificed so that every song can reach 20 mins

  • @michaelradu4313
    @michaelradu4313 4 года назад +8

    I respectfully disagree with MOST of this.

  • @skroehr
    @skroehr 11 месяцев назад +2

    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
      @desistindo1 11 месяцев назад +1

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

  • @sspbrazil
    @sspbrazil 3 года назад +3

    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.

  • @jameshallas3910
    @jameshallas3910 Год назад

    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.

  • @marcusistic
    @marcusistic 2 года назад +1

    Love your thoughts on music Barry. Don't always agree with you but that's part of the fun....! If only "tefenstrat" understood that..... x

  • @jasontorres7756
    @jasontorres7756 4 года назад +2

    Very enjoyable. A Soft Machine retrospective would be fun.

  • @philipmansfield7984
    @philipmansfield7984 3 года назад +1

    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.

  • @victorhawkins3461
    @victorhawkins3461 4 года назад +3

    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
      @classicalbum  4 года назад +2

      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.

  • @grahamthedark
    @grahamthedark 3 года назад +5

    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
      @classicalbum  3 года назад +2

      I agree

    • @MRB16th
      @MRB16th 3 года назад +2

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

    • @Golfstar17
      @Golfstar17 Год назад

      When did they release that weirdly titled album?

  • @yedgim8172
    @yedgim8172 8 месяцев назад +1

    1. Yes Album
    2. Topographic
    3. Close to the Edge
    4. Relayer
    5. Fragile
    6. Going for the One
    7. Time and a Word
    8. Drama
    9. Talk
    10. Tormato
    11. Yes
    12. Keystudio
    13. 90125
    14. Big Generator
    15. Magnification
    16. Open Your Eyes
    17. Union
    18. Quest
    19. Heaven and Earth
    20. Mirror to the Sky
    21. Fly From Here
    Haven't really heard the Ladder. Need to listen to the new ones again but not the same without Jon.. Talk is super cool to me haha, nothing like their other albums. ✌🏼🎧

  • @MetalMan73100
    @MetalMan73100 2 года назад

    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!

  • @marccaron6008
    @marccaron6008 Год назад +2

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

  • @cafe.cedarbeard
    @cafe.cedarbeard Год назад

    Happy to see Tales so high on your list. I'd have the same arrangement in my take for the most part if not entirely. Close To The Edge only pushes Tales to #2 because of Bill Bruford for me. Tales came to me when I knew nothing of the album's reputation. There was no internet in 1989-92 when I was first discovering Yes beyond the videos I saw before I started playing music in the mid 80's. I kind of lived through a lower level of breakdown in Pacific Northwest as Grunge exploded just when I was starting to sprout into a lead singer bassist keyboardist taking cues from Yes, Rush, and The Beatles with some Simon and Garfunkel. It's been diminishing returns since high school for me in finding people to play that kind of music with. I still aim to pull a band together with a set of influences that go no further than 1989, The Cure Disintegration the end of the story for the best music ever imho. And then ditching all the computerized pop and taking most of our influence from the bands that played together without robot assistance. To me Tales From Topographic Oceans along with King Crimson Larks Tongues In Aspic-Red are the top of the heap. Some of us dig deeper philosophical explorations and musical experimentation than the normies can tolerate. I just hope there's still space for real humanity to do things like play real instruments together in the same room and then enough people with the interest and ability to play this kind of music. Music critics are often just fancy shit flinging apes protecting the citadel of snobbish tyranny in the world that gives us the current trash heap of uninspired robot mush. I've had enough music from kids who haven't lived outside a robot nursery nor had experience playing music in real space loud and clear.

  • @alanwhite7912
    @alanwhite7912 2 года назад +2

    90125 was my introduction to Yes. Still play it now so can understand why it is high on the list.

  • @lexpeters735
    @lexpeters735 3 года назад +5

    Into The Lens (from Drama) "doesn't really happen" ! I was working in a record store at the time of the album's release and my customers were simply too scared to take a chance on the the Yes/Buggles collaboration. I would play them Into The Lens and out came the wallet..

    • @sizzlechest69
      @sizzlechest69 2 года назад

      He might be saying "Does It Really Happen"

  • @vanessajazp6341
    @vanessajazp6341 8 месяцев назад +1

    For me, Relayer is probably #2 or #3 all time favorite Yes.
    Sure, it's a long winding journey, but it's a journey that is definitely taking you somewhere and has one of the most evocatively beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard in my 60 years: "Soon".

  • @timjohnson8902
    @timjohnson8902 4 года назад +2

    Your appraisal of yes discography is outstanding thank you

  • @barryoneill1703
    @barryoneill1703 3 года назад

    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.

  • @amyashlyn9293
    @amyashlyn9293 2 года назад +8

    While i agree that Open Your Eyes is dead last, for me, Relayer is definitely #1, the epitome of prog creativity.

  • @cliveshell5543
    @cliveshell5543 День назад

    An enjoyable half hour of considered opinion. Some interesting choices but backed up by research and skilful appreciation. I am however, miffed at GFTO not being included in the creme de la creme

  • @billschuster6680
    @billschuster6680 4 года назад +2

    That Welsh band which covers Wondrous Stories is Magenta, of course. They do a nice version of Lucky Man, as well. Well done commentary, as always. While the top 6 are fairly conventional choices, I find some of your more unusual picks further down the list. to be quite interesting. If you were to rank the Keystudio tracks, where might they fall?

  • @kidcharlemagne926
    @kidcharlemagne926 3 года назад +2

    Excellent rankings but GFTO should be top 5. That was the first new release album I bought and I also saw that tour. Great memories of that period. My personal top 5 masterpieces would be:
    1 Close to the Edge
    2 Going for the One
    3 Tales from Topographic Oceans
    4 Fragile
    5 Relayer

  • @thefacts5394
    @thefacts5394 4 года назад +4

    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.