Yes-The Yes Album (1971)

Yes's third album was the British band's first truly essential work, in which all the masterful elements that would later typify their iconic sound were magnificently present. While not as fully realized or polished as later masterpieces like "Fragile", "Close to the Edge", "Tales from Topographic Oceans", or "Relayer". it is a work almost as ambitious and mature, placing them firmly in the pantheon of early 1970s progressive rock. As Yes matured, they became more ambitious and experimental, changing their lineup (the first of many) to adapt to their evolving ambitions and needs. This third album marked the arrival of Steve Howe, replacing Peter Banks, and with him, the band took on a new dimension both compositionally and instrumentally. Here appear three of the greatest epics of Yes's entire career, beginning with "Yours Is No Disgrace", a true classic of progressive rock, a dynamic track, though not reaching the complexity of the other two great pieces: the monumental "Starship Trooper", a preview of what was to come on subsequent albums, and the timeless "I've Seen All Good People". Both are divided into several movements, where the versatility of Howe, Squire, Kaye, and White provides the perfect counterpoint to the angelic voice and mystical lyrics of the immeasurable Jon Anderson. The lesser tracks "Clap" (included to showcase the skills and dexterity of new guitarist Steve Howe) and the predictable and somewhat dispensable "A Venture" make up the first masterpiece from one of the greatest bands in the history of rock music.