Even without the whistles and bells that come with this expanded box set, The Yes Album occupies a special place in the band’s venerated canon. It’s a snapshot of the growing maturity of both the nascent prog scene and Yes themselves, as evocative of the era as an army greatcoat.
Originally released in 1971, it was Yes’ third album. The band’s first two records had been respected but not loved and that changed here. The Yes Album is one of those rare records where the listener can feel the wind in the performers’ hair, each member marvelling at his bandmates’ abilities and virtuosity.
