The Yes Album is anchored around four long-form songs with two shorter tunes sandwiched within. It's an inconsistent record, but there are good moments to be found. 'Yours is No Disgrace' might be the best of the bunch; nevertheless, the intentionally out-of-time organ grinds my ears in the intro. I think a band like Gentle Giant could pull off such polyrhythm in a much prettier way. Nevertheless, kick-ass guitar solos, and several nice dynamic variations on the chorus make for a magical track. Following this epic intro, we hear the live solo recording 'The Clap' which must have been included to showcase new guitarist Steve Howe—while it's nice enough, it's awfully out-of-place! 'Starship Trooper' rocks really hard, and somehow features a bluegrassy break in the middle of an otherwise epic prog-song. My only complaint lies with the four-minute outro. Following its faux folksy intro, 'I've Seen All Good People' goes on way too long with the same rollicking refrain. 'A Venture' is moody and punctured with punchy rhythms. It's short and fails to offend. And while I quite like the catchy choruses and Steve Howe's versatile guitar work on 'Perpetual Change', I think the song is ultimately ruined by the weird two-band stereo experiment in time signatures that only kind-of align. Again, Gentle Giant would come up with much more compelling (and gelling) types of polyrhythm! There's a lot to be bothered by: Jon Anderson's lyrics are weird and wacky—Bill Bruford likes to hit strange syncopated snare beats that don't really fit the rhythm—Chris Squire treats his bass like a melodic instrument on top of everything else already going on—Tony Kaye evidently didn't like synthesizers, but the whole band urged the use of a few which explains the random appearance of a few really loud synth bits here-n-there. Ultimately, I have no problem with Steve Howe's ever-tasteful guitar; still, 'The Clap' really didn't need to be here! Yet, here's five guys putting together songs that sound like nothing else. The songs operate on an ambitious scale, and they are all packed with catchy, memorable little licks and melodies. There are rewards to be had within the record for those willing to patiently wait to hear them.