YES, one of Rock’s most innovative progressive bands enjoyed a long run with several line-ups. To date, they remain stationary even if shy of most of the original line-up (excepting Steve Howe, who maintains the last vestige of YES with as much agile care as possible). The band has 23 studio albums, many of those well loved.
The Yes Album, Yes’ classic third studio release from 1971, that showcases their great musicianship, harmonies and unique songwriting, is getting a Super Deluxe Edition, with a newly remastered version along with rarities, two previously unreleased concerts, and fresh mixes by Steven Wilson, including an immersive Dolby Atmos Mix. The expanded box set contains 4-CDs, a Blu-ray disc, and an LP, arriving on November 24th, 2023, via Rhino Records.
The Yes Album is the third studio album by English progressive rock band Yes, released on 19th February 1971 by Atlantic Records. It was the band’s first album to feature guitarist Steve Howe, who replaced Peter Banks in 1970, as well as their last to feature keyboardist Tony Kaye until 1983’s 90125.
The band spent mid-1970 writing and rehearsing new material at a farmhouse at Romansleigh, Devon, and the new songs were recorded at Advision Studios in London in the autumn. The album was the first by the band to feature all-original material. While the album retained close harmony singing, Kaye’s Hammond organ, and Chris Squire’s melodic bass, as heard on earlier releases, the new material also covered further styles including jazz piano, funk, and acoustic music. All of the band members contributed ideas, and tracks were extended in length to allow music to develop. Howe contributed a variety of guitar styles, including a Portuguese guitar, and recorded the solo acoustic guitar-piece “Clap”, live at the Lyceum Theatre, London.
The Super Deluxe Edition includes Wilson’s newly remastered version of the original album on the CD. The LP is a new AAA cut by Bernie Grundman from the original master tapes. One of the two previously unreleased concerts from 1971 was recorded just a few weeks before “The Yes Album” was released, while the second was recorded six months later during the band’s U.S. tour. These performances include live versions of songs from the album, such as “Starship Trooper,” “Yours Is No Disgrace” and “Perpetual Change,” as well as songs from 1970’s “Time and a Word“.
Guitarist Steve Howe made his debut with the progressive rock band on the album. In the October announcement, he said, “The Yes Album” represents to me the invention of 70’s Yes. This was aided by leaving outside material off the record and heavily investing in the influences we brought together, particularly the arrangement skills and utilizing the available best technology. Our adventurism shows in the originality of the music and lyrics, as none of us had done anything quite like this before.”
The album was a critical success and a major commercial breakthrough for Yes, who had been at risk of being dropped by Atlantic due to the commercial failures of their first two albums.
Anderson also reflects on the original. “It’s wonderful to know that 50 years later our music is still appreciated. It was a ‘make or break’ time for the band on many levels. The harmony within the band was really special at that time, and it came through in the music.”
The reissue of “The Yes Album will feature a collection of rarities, the Steven Wilson remixes from the Panegyric reissue, the original album, as well as a mono mix of the original album (a promo release), previously unreleased live track cuts, and a Dolby Atmos mix of the album by Steven Wilson contained on the Blu-ray. Other things promised include a previously unreleased and unnamed instrumental, as well as an alternate take of “Starship Trooper”.
On November 24th, YES will reissue “The Yes Album” in a 4CD/LP/BD Box that celebrates the album’s 50th Anniversary. (Let’s hope that this kind of reissue continues on through)
Also, on October 6th, a new singles compilation to be called “Yessingles” will be released with 12 singles from the band over their popular span of time. It is being issued on DD and vinyl LP, but may be issued on CD in time.
A brand-new compilation featuring the band’s A-side singles for the first time on vinyl. Includes: “Roundabout”, “Owner of a Lonely Heart”, “Starship Trooper” “Life Seeker” and more!
Since its inception in the late 1960s, Yes has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music, carving a path into new and uncharted sonic landscapes. Rhino is introducing a new collection that is the first to feature rare single versions of the band’s biggest hits on vinyl.
The collection boasts new artwork created exclusively for the album and features 12 songs that have resonated with generations of devoted fans. “Yessingles” moves chronologically through the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s career, starting in 1971 with the group’s first Top 40 hit, “Your Move,” and ending in 1984 with its smash, “Leave It.” In between, Yessingles touches on the band’s different eras, ranging from intricate prog-rock tapestries like “Starship Trooper” and “America” to the unforgettable soundscape of its chart-topping sensation, “Owner Of A Lonely Heart.”
With a discography spanning over five decades, Yes’ influence on rock remains immeasurable, and “Yessingles” reaffirms the band’s status as the most enduring, ambitious, and virtuosic progressive band in history.
The title will be pressed on 140g-weight black vinyl LP, and a special edition Splatter colour LP that will be made available through record stores. This set is being produced by Rhino Entertainment.
The Fat Angel Sings 