Yes

The Yes story begins in 1966 with a band called The Syn. Bassist Chris Squire and guitarist Peter Banks spent two years with that band, progressing along the way from R&B covers to psychedelia, establishing a residency at the Marquee Club and cutting two singles for Deram. Ultimately, success wasn't in the cards for The Syn, but Squire and Banks reunited later in Mabel Greer's Toyshop. Vocalist Jon Anderson was persuaded to join; but upon recruiting drummer Bill Bruford and organist Tony Kaye (born Anthony John Selvidge), they changed their name to Yes. Now talk about being in the right place at the right time: Yes secured one of their first engagements as the opening act for Cream's farewell concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Thus, expectations were high when the band signed to Atlantic Records. Their debut record is brimming with what would define their trademark sound: Anderson's distinctive voice, along with the band's tight harmonies, and Squire's trebly bass lines that soar right along with the melody. Not to be overlooked are some of the subtleties of Yes, in particular Kaye's organ: never overpowering, but always in the right place. Banks's fluid guitar work and Bruford's drumming have a strong jazz element: just experience the cover of "I See You." For a non-musician, the exceptionally strong melodies of "Looking Around" and "Survival" prove Anderson was already an accomplished songwriter. But overall, Yes' greatest strength was in arrangement. Whether a Beatles cover or an original tune such as "Harold Land," clever appropriation turns anything into lively, highly melodic Yes music. Yet despite the hyped-up liner notes, the album did not chart.