Yes - The Yes Album

The Yes Album is the third studio album by YES, released on 19 February 1971 on Atlantic Records. It is their first album with guitarist Steve Howe , and their last until 1983’s 90125 to feature keyboardist Tony Kaye.

The album was the first by the group comprised solely of original material. The band spent mid-1970 writing and rehearsing new material at a farmhouse in South Molton, Devon, and the new songs were recorded at Advision Studios in the autumn. 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, with all band members contributing 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 a solo acoustic guitar piece, “Clap“, live at the Lyceum Theatre, London.

The album was a critical success and was a major commercial breakthrough for YES, who had been at risk of being dropped by the record label. It reached number 4 in the UK and number 40 in the US, and is certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for selling over one million copies.