Original

This one came out in late ’71 and I bought it as soon as I saw it. I imagine this is their best selling record with an edited version of “Roundabout” charting high on The Top 40. Tony Banks had left earlier to join Badger and later Detective before rejoining Yes in the 80’s. Rick Wakeman was his replacement who had previously been in The Strawbs. This is the first of many with the cover by Roger Dean. Like their previous album this had four long songs from 6 to 11 minutes and four shorter ones. Each band member had a short piece featuring his instrument. Jon Andersons “We Have Heaven” layered his voice many times while Steve Howe had another acoustic solo “Mood For A Day”. Wakeman played a classical piece and Bruford had a short drum solo. Chris Squire’s “The Fish” was the second part of “Long Distance Runaround”. “Roundabout”, “Lond Distance Runaround” and “Heart Of The Sunrise” were played constantly on the radio back then. The later is another of my favorite Yes songs. I love the opening section that starts with the bass and drums before adding synthesizer and guitar. “South Side Of The Sky” though not as well known is another great song. I like the quiet middle section with Wakeman’s piano and the three part harmony singing of the La La Las. My original copy was in very bad shape so I trashed it and bought this 2016 reissue. It’s a faithful reproduction of the original on Atlantic Records. It even has the eight page booklet with band photos and more artwork by Roger Dean. I had forgotten all about the booklet since the original one got lost sometime in the 70’s. For once this reissue sounds good. I have no complaints.