Few bands in rock history have undergone as many reinventions as Yes. From their early days as part of the late-’60s progressive rock explosion to their transformation into chart-topping arena rockers in the ’80s, and later their pioneering ventures in the digital age, Yes remains a band that defies easy categorization. Whether you’re a hardcore prog fan or someone exploring their vast discography for the first time, these are the Yes albums that demand your attention.

1. The Yes Album (1971) – The Birth of a Sound

Yes had already released two albums before this, but The Yes Album was where they truly found their voice. With the arrival of guitarist Steve Howe, the band’s sound took a massive leap forward, blending intricate musicianship with soaring melodies. Tracks like “Yours Is No Disgrace” and “Starship Trooper” are dazzling showcases of the band’s ability to merge rock with classical influences, while “I’ve Seen All Good People” provided their first taste of mainstream success.

Why listen? This is where Yes became Yes—a must-hear for anyone wanting to understand their evolution.

2. Fragile (1971) – The Classic Lineup Comes Together

If The Yes Album was a breakthrough, Fragile was a statement. The addition of keyboardist Rick Wakeman added a new layer of virtuosity, and the album’s mix of full-band epics and solo showcases gave it a unique feel. Of course, “Roundabout” became one of the most recognizable songs in progressive rock history, but the real treasures lie in the deep cuts like “Heart of the Sunrise”, a track that perfectly captures Yes’s dynamic shifts from delicate passages to full-blown sonic assaults.

Why listen? This album set the standard for ’70s progressive rock, featuring some of Yes’s most iconic compositions.

3. Close to the Edge (1972) – Prog Rock Perfection

If there’s one Yes album that defines progressive rock at its absolute peak, it’s Close to the Edge. With just three tracks—each a sprawling, multi-part epic—the album is a masterclass in composition and ambition. The title track alone, clocking in at nearly 19 minutes, is a breathtaking journey through complex structures, shifting time signatures, and some of the most thrilling instrumental work ever put on record.

Why listen? This is Yes at their most adventurous, pushing the boundaries of what rock music could be.

4. Tales from Topographic Oceans (1973) – The Ultimate Prog Odyssey

A double album with just four songs, Tales from Topographic Oceans represents both the peak of Yes’s progressive ambition and the moment where they arguably went too far. Inspired by the footnotes of a book on Hindu scriptures, Jon Anderson and company crafted an album that is equal parts mesmerizing and impenetrable. While it alienated some fans at the time, it has since been reevaluated as a landmark achievement in conceptual rock music.

Why listen? If you want to experience Yes at their most grandiose and uncompromising, this is the album.

5. Going for the One (1977) – A Return to Earth

After the excesses of Tales from Topographic Oceans and the sprawling Relayer (1974), Yes took a step back with Going for the One. It still features the epic grandeur of their earlier work, but there’s a newfound sense of warmth and accessibility. The title track is a high-energy rocker, while “Awaken” stands as one of their most spiritually transcendent compositions.

Why listen? A perfect blend of Yes’s progressive tendencies and more song-oriented approach.

6. Drama (1980) – The Unexpected Pivot

With Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman out of the band, Yes took an unexpected turn by recruiting Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes from The Buggles (yes, the guys behind “Video Killed the Radio Star”). The result? A surprisingly heavy and innovative album that still sounds fresh today. Tracks like “Machine Messiah” and “Tempus Fugit” prove that Yescould evolve without losing their identity.

Why listen? An overlooked gem that showcases Yes reinventing themselves.

7. 90125 (1983) – The Reinvention

The early ‘80s weren’t kind to most progressive rock bands, but Yes found a way to not only survive but thrive. Reinventing themselves with a sleek, modern sound that blended pop sensibilities with their signature complexity, 90125became the band’s biggest commercial success. The hit single “Owner of a Lonely Heart” dominated MTV and radio, while deeper cuts like “Changes” and “Hearts” showed that they hadn’t abandoned their progressive roots entirely.

Why listen? The ultimate proof that Yes could adapt and still produce incredible music.

8. Talk (1994) – The Digital Age Experiment

Often overlooked, Talk was Yes’s attempt to push into the digital age, with producer Trevor Rabin using state-of-the-art (for the time) technology to create one of the cleanest-sounding Yes albums. Songs like “Endless Dream” bring back the grandeur of their ‘70s work, while “The Calling” shows they could still craft catchy, radio-friendly rock.

Why listen? A fascinating listen for those curious about how Yes embraced new production techniques in the ‘90s.

9. The Ladder (1999) – A Return to Classic Yes

After years of inconsistent releases, The Ladder was a return to the adventurous spirit of classic Yes. With producer Bruce Fairbairn at the helm, the band blended their progressive heritage with modern sounds. Tracks like “Homeworld (The Ladder)” and “Lightning Strikes” proved they still had creative fire left in them.

Why listen? A late-career highlight that bridges their past and future.

10. Fly from Here (2011) – Revisiting Old Ideas with a Fresh Perspective

Featuring a return of Drama-era members Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, Fly from Here feels like a spiritual successor to their 1980 work. Built around a long-lost suite of songs from that era, it successfully recaptures the spirit of early-‘80s Yes while updating the production for a new generation.

Why listen? A rewarding listen for fans of the Drama era looking for a modern twist.

Final Thoughts: Why Yes Still Matters

Spanning over five decades, Yes has remained one of the most resilient and innovative bands in rock history. Whether they were pushing the boundaries of progressive rock, embracing new wave and pop influences, or pioneering digital recording techniques, their music has always been an adventure.

If you’ve never dived into their catalog, now’s the time—because Yes isn’t just a band. They’re an experience.