The Yes Album

The Yes Album is the third album by British progressive rock band Yes. The first release to feature 24-year-old guitarist Steve Howe, the album was released on Atlantic Records in February 1971 in the UK, a month later in the United States. This was the album that finally set Yes' career alight, with the album reaching #4 in the UK and, eventually, #40 in the U.S., where it was a platinum seller. This was also the last Yes album for over twelve years to feature keyboardist Tony Kaye until his return in 1983's 90125. The Yes Album set the stage for the band's route to superstardom with Fragile and Close to the Edge. This was their first commercial success and, reportedly, it had to be or Atlantic was going to cut them loose. The album was recorded at an old farmhouse in Devon, England, which was then home to Langley Studios. Howe loved the place so much, that he later bought the building and surrounding land and now lives there. Jon Anderson is credited as John Anderson on the album. Shortly afterwards he dropped the "h" from his first name, and on subsequent albums is credited as "Jon". The album cover shows Tony Kaye with his foot in a cast. He had been in a car accident shortly before the picture was taken.