review by thomas

Yes’ first album, coloured by sixties groups like The Byrds, Beatles and sometimes a touch of Beach Boys (mainly the harmony vocals). In fact they even do covers of the first two bands mentioned. Here and there something of the future Yes shines through like the Jon Anderson written lovely and calm “Yesterday and Today”. “Survival” also makes a good impression but otherwise the album doesn’t really impress at all. The covers mentioned above are both quite dull and other songs lack something vital that you never manage to put your finger on. Maybe it’s because one are used to the “real” Yes (that is the Yes of ’71-’74)and you just can’t get into this simple West Coast sounding album.

Still the elements of classic Yes were there although not yet fully developed; Anderson’s singing, Bill Bruford’s drumming and Chris Squire’s bass sound all needed some work. Of course some people will say Yes only sounded right when Rick Wakeman was in the band but I actually like Tony Kaye’s organ and piano work, but as the others it was not fully blossomed until “The Yes Album” from 1971.
I imagine this album is of interest if you like Yes but don’t expect a grand symphonic album comparable to the albums made in the seventies.