About this album
Where they were
By the time 'Highlights: The Very Best of Yes' was released in 1993, Yes had experienced significant lineup changes and a shifting musical landscape. This compilation served as a retrospective of their career, showcasing tracks from their early progressive rock days to their more accessible 1980s pop-rock hits, following the commercial success of '90125' in 1983.
Why it matters
This album solidified Yes's legacy within the progressive rock genre, reaching No. 20 on the UK Albums Chart and receiving favorable reviews that highlighted the band's enduring influence. It remains a vital entry point for new listeners, encapsulating their evolution while celebrating their most beloved tracks.
Essential tracks
- "Roundabout" — Regarded as one of Yes's signature songs, 'Roundabout' showcases their signature blend of complex time signatures and melodic hooks, making it a defining example of progressive rock.
- "Owner of a Lonely Heart" — 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' marked Yes's successful crossover into mainstream music during the 1980s and remains their only single to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- "I've Seen All Good People" — This track exemplifies Yes's ability to weave lyrical storytelling with intricate instrumentation, earning its place as one of the band's most beloved anthems.
- "Starship Trooper" — 'Starship Trooper' features multi-part harmonies and dynamic shifts that illustrate the band's innovative approach to songwriting and arrangements.
Release Date
September 21, 1993
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Survival 6:19
- 2 Time and a Word 4:30
- 3 Starship Trooper 9:25
- 4 I've Seen All Good People 6:54
- 5 Roundabout 8:32
- 6 Long Distance Runaround 3:31
- 7 Soon (single edit) 4:07
- 8 Wonderous Stories 3:51
- 9 Going for the One 5:33
- 10 Owner of a Lonely Heart 4:29
- 11 Leave It 4:15
- 12 Rhythm of Love 4:45