Yessongs

Yessongs is the first live album by the English progressive rock band Yes, released on 4 May 1973 in the US and 18 May 1973 in the UK by Atlantic Records. The triple vinyl set compiles live performances recorded in 1972 during the band's tours for their breakthrough studio albums, Fragile (1971) and Close to the Edge (1972). The album captures a pivotal transition period for the band's lineup. Original drummer Bill Bruford appears on three tracks recorded in early 1972 before his departure to join King Crimson. The remainder of the album features his replacement, Alan White, who learned the band's complex repertoire in just three days prior to touring Close to the Edge. The album was mixed and edited by the band and producer Eddy Offord, and features elaborate packaging designed by artist Roger Dean, featuring a multi-gatefold sleeve that tells a visual narrative across four distinct, surreal landscapes. Upon release, Yessongs was a major commercial success; though music critics heavily caveated their reviews due to its poor audio fidelity, they widely praised the band's raw energy and technical precision. The album peaked at No. 7 in the UK and No. 12 in the US, achieving platinum certification in 1998, making it one of the group's highest-selling records. The album's commercial and critical triumphs were further consolidated by a 1975 concert film of the same name, which documents the band's performances at London's Rainbow Theatre. In 2015, recordings of seven concerts from late 1972, including ones that were used on Yessongs, were released in their entirety as Progeny: Seven Shows from Seventy-Two.