\n<\/p>\n
Throwing a bunch of top-tier musicians in a room doesn\u2019t always result in a masterpiece. But it\u2019s pretty obvious how Yes<\/a> have managed to craft so many of them: When they lose one killer musician, they seem to find another with relative ease.<\/p>\n When jazz-loving drummer Bill Bruford<\/a> fled to join King Crimson<\/a>, they roped in Alan White \u2014 a more traditional rock guy, but an equally compelling player. Everyone in their keyboard roster has brought something unique to the table \u2014\u00a0from Rick Wakeman<\/a>\u2019s cape-worthy, classical-leaning theatrics to the more jazz-flavored tones of Patrick Moraz. The group\u2019s unsteady roster has become something of a punchline over the years, but you have to respect a band this determined to expand its lifespan.<\/p>\n Of course, when you keep plugging away for so many decades, you\u2019ll never be able to please everyone. Some fans won\u2019t listen beyond the early \u201870s pure-prog classics, while a smaller (and less vocal) minority only appreciates the brief crossover pop period defined by \u201cOwner of a Lonely Heart.\u201d (Genesis<\/a> have experienced this same phenomenon on a much bigger scale.) No doubt, Yes have recorded a handful of clunkers \u2014\u00a0it\u2019s hard to imagine anyone ranking Talk<\/a><\/em> or Heaven and Earth<\/a><\/em> above Fragile<\/a><\/em> or Close to the Edge<\/a><\/em>. But they\u2019ve still maintained a remarkably high batting average.<\/p>\n Below, we survey every Yes studio album: the hidden gems, the duds, the love-it-or-loathe-it oddballs, the obvious classics. (We even included Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, the one-off LP from four of Yes\u2019 most famous members.)<\/p>\n We’re counting down all of Yes’ studio albums.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nYes Albums Ranked Worst to Best<\/h2>\n