Yes- Wonderous Stories (First Listen)
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
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Song Link: • Wonderous Stories (200...
I remember listening to this album with my Mom, this song in particular, when Going for the One was released when I was nine years old. Side two is just Wonderous Stories and Awaken. When Wonderous Stories finished my Mom would ask me to set the needle back to the beginning of the song and we would listen again and would often repeat this numerous times. It surely intensified the buildup to Awaken. It is a truly wonderous memory.
That's awesome, ty Joseph
What a blessing to share such an amazing memory with one's mom!
If you haven't seen it, there is an official video for this song. It was Yes' first video, other than the "Yessongs" concert film. Very pretty. Jon Anderson is the best singer in rock, hands down. I love him so much that I named my one and only son after him! Yes is my second favorite band (after Rush). I was fortunate enough to see Yes 9 times; the first time was in 1976. Damn! "Only" 44 years ago!! Wow! 💚💚💚💚💚
The positivity of Yes is contagious, even for a pessimist like myself.
Lol!
Yes indeed
It’s just such a life affirming sound and lyric , yes the masters of music that sets a mood
this is an underrated song. The guitar playing is so weird and beautiful. Steve Howe is a fine stylist. And I love how Jon Anderson is able to write about the past in a dreamy and sweet way.
Steve is playing a Portuguese. guitar which has 12 strings i think anyway i love the siund of it.😅
A beautiful song by Yes! Jon voice brings you to a otherworldly place where everybody is happy to see you!! Just incredible layers of luscious music in just the right amount...
When Squire and Jon sing I think it's two part harmonies, my soul is lifted into the sky. I Love Yes so so much. I bought the album when it was released and I still get watery eyed. Amazing.
Um... harmonies have to be in two parts or their not harmonies...
Their love of harmonies is what brought Jon and Chris together. They were both huge fans of Simon and Garfunkel.
This is one of my favorite shorter Yes songs. The melody is engaging, the lyrics are understandable, the lead vocal, harmonies and instrumental parts are all perfectly done to create a feeling of wonder that matches the lyrics. This song is magical!
Enjoyed your reaction, as always! Thank you!
Yes it is! Ty Cathy!
Love this album. Love this track. The length and accessibility of this had wide appeal that made it a top ten single here in the UK.
Back then, we used to think that Yes and Pink Floyd were two sides of the same coin. Great musicians, innovative multi-part epic pieces of music, clever album art. But, their lyrics came from different places. Yes had a very positive message to convey, and Pink Floyd......didn’t. We loved them both, depending on our mood at the time. Thanks Jon and Roger.
Absolutely Beautiful Masterpiece!
Yes -Wonderous Stories entered the UK Top 40 on the 17th September 1977. It reached number 7.
The top 10 of this week was:
1 - Elvis Presley - Way down
2 - Jean Michel Jarre - Oxygen Part IV
3 - Space - Magic fly
4 - David Soul - Silver lady
5 - Donna Summer - Deep down inside
6 - The Floaters - Float on
7 - Carly Simon - Nobody does it better
8 - Candi Staton - Nights on Broadway
9 - Meri Wilson - Telephone man
10 - Brotherhood Of Man - Angel
An interesting assortment of music in this week's charts with new entries and climbers such as
Eddie and the Hotrods (or Rods for short) with Do anything you wanna do.
Adverts - Gary Gilmore's eyes
Ram Jam - Black Betty and
Yes - Wonderous stories.
The year was notable for both the sad death of Elvis and the release of Star Wars.
Hope you don't mind me indulging you with this list. Thought it might be fun for you to read 😊
sspsfivefivefive Black Betty...🤣 I haven't heard that one in years!
It was fun! I love this kind of stuff, ty ssps!
Jean-Michel Jarre's Oxygène! If you have not yet heard it, I strongly recommend it. Oxygène IV was the single from it, if I'm recalling correctly, even though the album is pretty much pure electronic. And, it's one of the weaker movements, in my opinion.
But, it would be a starting place.
Jp like songs from genisis 'wind & wuthering"this is a classic winter' night time listen, just wait till you hear "awaken" also, but yes "wondrous stories" bring back great memories for me as a teenager in late 1970's,happy listening!
Awesome! Thank you so much Doug, happy to hear you're enjoying this
Are you off to see them this year?
@@xxYOURBIJOUxx Had no idea they were touring, lol. Just looked up the dates/tickets; guess I wont be seeing them this year lol
This song is simply beautiful. A pure little gem. This is one of my go-to songs when I need some lifting up. Very nice observations, JP!
Thanks Echo!
The backing vocals by Chris Squire are outstanding on this track; maybe his best with Yes. CS was a member of an Anglican boys' choir when he was a child and continued singing in choirs throughout his early life. He is a great singer with a tremendous ear. Too bad (maybe it's a good thing for Yes) that he didn’t have the right kind of timbre to be a lead vocalist.
Chris' vocals are an acquired taste for many people but I came to love them after this album. ua-cam.com/video/1_fbAfYPUWo/v-deo.html
Another nice surprise on vocals was Tony Banks of Genesis. I think he sounds like Al Stewart. ua-cam.com/video/veolszvgxOk/v-deo.html
Wow! I didn't know that about Chris. Thanks for sharing!
@@Panoptese19 and 30 years later Chris gave us Chris Squire's Swiss Choir ua-cam.com/video/knmWhvn1Fuk/v-deo.html
Just wanted to say that. Squire is often underrated for his singing. Listen to the Fish. He is a superb singer.
Positively Yes! Such a happy 😆 song! Good 1970’s Vibes...
LOVE this song, and my personal reason for loving it, between just the fact that like you noted it's just a wonderful uplifting song, is Steve's use of the Spanish Laud (not a 12 string Portuguese guitar). Between this and "I've Seen All Good People" and some other tracks, I fell in love with the sound of the instrument. I ended up buying one eventually for a special birthday but it took YEARS to track it down since Steve and many others have misidentified it on the album notes, in interviews, and even in the Steve Howe Guitar book (which I have). The main reason Steve didn't know the proper name is that it was given to him by his sister who bought it for him when she was on holiday in Spain. But if you look up a picture of a Spanish Laud and look up pictures of Steve playing this song or ISAGP you'll see that they match. So back to the song, I love everything about it. Rick's wonderful solo on the PolyMoog just fits so well - very light, airy, and happy. And Jon's vocals are especially joyous and clear on this and the round for the last verse where Chris sings the same line a measure behind Jon it brilliant. Chris' bass is as always spot on. If you listen carefully you can hear he's using an envelope follower (basically an auto wah-wah pedal, think he used a Mutron) but he's not plucking hard so the effect is subtle. Thanks for listening to this awesome song and sharing!
Peace from SF
That song is like a dream!🎸🎶🎧
Love the way Rick adds to the light airy feel to the music! I like your descriptive narration of the music!👍🏻☮️🎹🎤🎼
No one does soaring mystical wonder like Yes. Jon Anderson’s voice is inimitable.
Timeless song brings back the best times of my youth when music was worth listening to not like today
You're just not listening to the right music. There's a ton of good stuff being made today, it's just not on the radio.
@@maxneu6793 Hi Max can you give us some idea where to look Cheers
Chris Squire sang really good backup vocals for Jon Anderson. He deserves more credit than he receives. He's often singing slightly higher than Jon. I love that song it's one of my favorites it's almost religious to me; Angelic even. Anderson did some albums with Vangelis also, who's an interesting character. You may want to check into some of that stuff one day. Some of it's pretty good. Great reaction. Thanks.
I was 19 when this was done. Still amazing. They are legends. A song about going to heaven and into eternity.
You’re right that this very bright and uplifting song was inspired by the beautiful Swiss countryside. You can just imagine the verdant meadows, flowers and lakes.
After being disillusioned by the material from the last album he played on, Rick Wakeman heard the demo of this song and remarked that they were writing real songs again and decided to rejoin the band.
Love the way Jon and Chris’ voices intertwine here. They make it sound so easy.
Good luck with the next song! Many people describe having a religious experience with it. It’s like a meditation or prayer or transcendence.
Justin thanks again for this! As I mentioned to you before this is my favorite Yes album. It always gives me goosebumps when I hear this album. Can't wait until you do Awaken. Also looking forward for you to do Close to the Edge! I am so glad I turned you on to this Album. There are more great songs to listen too. Keep up the Yes journey!
Thank you Marc! This has been incredibly fun to listen to
Switzerland is beautiful .... How could you not write a beautiful tune there !! Love this album .... but please don't ignore the title track. Great reaction :)
Oh man, absolutely gorgeous.
Seeing Wakeman playing those keyboards to this song live is a feast for the eyes. Lovely words from you. It's not easy thinking of fresh things to say for each song.
It’s beautiful, hopeful, dreamy... it’s moving upward.
Justin this is one of my favorite songs on one of my favorite albums Enjoy! Next AWAKEN a masterpiece of Yes music
Thank you Pat! I'm really enjoying this a lot
The Todmobile version is the best: ua-cam.com/video/d_Va3e_52TE/v-deo.html
My favorite short song by Yes. It is just a gorgeous song. Chris Squire's background vocals towards the end is probably my favorite part of the perfect song.
This was a hit single in the UK so it has a bit of a special place in my heart because most of my friends were into club music (a lot of disco) and they got to hear some proper music ( I jest, kinda, sort of....there was some good disco like Donna Summer) . You pretty much nailed it for me with your critique, for me this album had three stand out songs , this one, Turn of the Century and Awaken, the last two being long songs makes this a great album. Awaken is a song that Jon describes as the one that most represents what Yes music is and I personally agree. It's extra interesting for me in that it uses in the second half what in musical theory is called the circle of 5ths. This is travelling through the various keys of music in their entirety, to make this into something that is not only enjoyable but also "God's face breaking through the clouds" powerful is a work of compositional genius. Sorry for the wall of text peeps.
Interesting, thanks Dire. And please, wall of texts are fin here!
JP I thoroughly enjoy your take on Yes music. You understand and articulate the true nature of Yes music! Thank you
This album has a great variety of music. There was a time when I played it like a loop over and over for weeks and even nowadays I´m not tired of it. Wonderous stories.....a beautiful little song. I love the timing of the bass in the begining of every verse and yes.....the ending with the el. guitar is so good. Love it. I´m so glad you like this album and I´m looking forward to seeing your reaction to Awaken.
I like to play this on a sunny summer morning with the French doors open and a gentle breeze. That's how it makes me feel, and a morning like that always makes me want to play this.
Switzerland is my favourite country. Ah, the Bernese Oberland in Spring ...
I first heard it live on the GFTO tour in 77. Hit me instantly as a wonderous song,
I've never heard it stated as fact but I always assumed they adopted the name Yes because they were determined to spread positivity more than anything else. This song is a clear example.
Had the pleasure of seeing yes on the going for the one tour wonderful album I've been listening to them since 1969 and I think this is their best
I haven’t heard this in years takes me back
The jazzy chords of the final guitar solo are genius
You've probably watched the official video already but if you check that out, the grin Jon has throughout the whole song really lifts me up, pretty much whatever mood I'm in.
I like the fact that you don’t interrupt even the longest and most complicated songs, unlike some of the others.
Enjoying your critique.
Something that brought Chris Squire and Jon Anderson together was their love for vocal harmonies. While I love both artists' solo works, together their works were so much better, because they complemented each other so incredibly well. The whole song is a tribute to how minimalist contributions, and the combinations of sound textures can make truly incredibly music. As you said, Steve often uses instruments not often heard in this genre of music, but the textures they add really do so much for the song, and add so much emotion. And while he's a MONSTER on guitar (Guitar Player Magazine created the "Gallery of Greats" because Steve Howe won the "Best Overall Guitarist" poll 5 years in a row in the 1970s, taking him out of the contest, to allow others to win,) his minimalist playing at the end, giving a jazz feel brought the song to a beautiful conclusion, as he also did on "Awaken."
Very true about their harmonies; always a thing of beauty. Ty mhlevy
I feel comfortably happy! ❤️👌
Happy to hear it my friend!
Great to hear Rick Wakeman back on keyboard duty for this album.
If I’m not mistaken this was the very first song that YES did that I listened to that is a little bit mellower than the rest of the Classics they had on the radio back in the day but I also seen an older video of this on a VHS tape which had Strengthened my Love In My Heart For Yes. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks JP....the journey continues
Yes it does! And it keeps on going..
Very nice as usual. Can't wait for "Awaken" - Sharing those "videos from the future" may prove problematic though...
After Awaken, the best track on this album. Even could have been on Close to the edge IMO.
Not many tracks make me want to cry but this one is certainly one.
Great song to react to. Just a beautiful listen with great Anderson/Squire harmonies. Others have mentioned I’ve Seen All Good People from a few years earlier than this one. Another good feel good song. Not quite as proggy, since they were in the early stages of their career. You should give it a try. It shows the direction in which they were heading.
Thank you Barry
JustJP My pleasure. I enjoy seeing young people learning to love the music I grew up listening to👍👏
The Album is a Masterpiece, one of my Favorites of All Time
You are my most favourite channel -- keep up the good works.
You have the knack for covering my favourite musical works and bands.
Ty Jacques, glad you're enjoying the videos!
l really like this song melody and how the keys and guitar support the vocals. Enjoyed the reaction.
Thanks Dukes! Btw, Digital Man will be on the way soon; I know you've been waiting
@@JustJP Kool, can hardly wait, thanks
The things I see a little bit as weaknesses in "Parallels" are strengths in "Wonderous Stories". In that song Anderson's voice is a little bit too soft, in this one the voice fits perfectly. In that song Wakeman is too massive, in this song his playing is the cream on the chocolate. The "lalalaalala" can be a sign of a lack of literary skills. But in this case I always liked it because I know the feeling that there is something inside of you that has to get out and you find no words because there are no words for it. So lalala it.
This soft song was their greatest success in UK charts at a time when Punk was rising in the UK. Seems that opposites attract.
At the 4:00 mark where Wakeman is descending and Squire is ascending...MAGICAL!
One of my favourite Yes songs. I like your commentary, but I want to add a couple of things. Firstly, the bass line: It soars and dives. It takes the song into harmonic territory that only Squire could. On your next listen , focus on the bass. Secondly, the lyrics: I imagine them as describing a religious experience. Either God or the spirit of the world, or however else Jon has tried to describe it. His lyrics are often indescribable, yet always positive, and his gratitude AND WONDER towards life, love, and his creator always gets to me. He was and still is a hippie, after all.
Shared this to my FB news feed. Thanks Justin!
Ty so much Toby! Your description of the song is perfect
i will always return to hear his Wondrous Stories.
JPP- so interesting to see the difference context makes in forming thoughts about this or any song. Your critique is perfect for your context of hearing this song now in 2020. For me, my context was; I was about 22 yrs. old, already a die hard Yes fan and deep into the lyrics looking for the mystical meanings, was reading books by Carlos Castaneda (a trip by itself) taking a course called the Silva Method of Mind Control, and then this album comes out... and this song! It felt to me like my life was being guided by something so much larger than my little ego identity.
So here we are in 2020 and I am still loving Yes music. Keep it going my friend!
Love it Glenn! We both have our own "wondrous stories" to tell with this :)
Wakeman truly shines on this song! !!!!
Thanks for this - I love this song, and agree with your assessment. I just have to point out that even Steve didn't know the correct name for the instrument he used in this (and I've Seen All Good People and others) because he received it as a gift from his sister. She was vacationing in Spain in the mid-sixties and bought it for her talented brother who loved anything with strings (Steve wrote a book about his guitar/stringed instrument collection). The actual name for this instrument is a Spanish Laud. Took me many years to figure it out because Steve first called it a Vachalia/Vaheula and then the Spanish Guitar. I tracked down a luthier that specialized in importing instruments from Spain and that's how I found the correct instrument, and bought one. You can see it here: www.fernandezmusic.com/Images/SanchisLaudandcase.gif And to show this is indeed the instrument here's Steve playing it: nfte.org/interviews/images/sh250/steve_7-22-01.jpg
Anyway, enough picky guitar geekishness, well done and thanks.
Peace from SF
More Yes please!
Ahh got it! Ty Bud :D
I do love this song so thanks for the review!
Of course! Ty for watching
Like a warm blanket of prog goodness
So warm
I enjoyed your video and I'm impressed with how quickly you appreciate the qualities of the music. I think this is a gorgeous light track and it highlights how Yes can make uplifting beautiful music that that is deeply engaging. Fantastic band and this song often overlooked because of their epics is yet a perfect example.
Ty Keri!
It is good to go with your heart because it is your reaction and your feelings about the music!👍🏻👍🏻☮️✌🏻
True! Ty Joel
Yes made beautiful music its that simple.
I love this song!
As a would be guitarist, Steve Howe is one of my favourite. I’ve seen yes on a few occasions and been blown away by their musicianship. Good reaction, cheers x.
Ty Fenix!
In a video I watched with the lyrics, it showed a Bible at the end, sitting on stone steps. The pages were blowing in the wind. I feel, this song is about wanting to hear, Jesus and his wonderous stories. The takes him flying high to a gate!
I know, I know. When it comes to prog, or even rock opera like The Who's Tommy, I constantly say, "Listen to the whole album, not tracks." But, for me, Going for the One is an exception. I can listen to the tracks of side 1 separately, or all at once; I enjoy it both ways.
That said, while I don't think I have ever heard anyone else suggest it, for me I *have* to listen to side 2 of Going for the One in one go. The happy, positive, uplifting vibe of Wondrous Stories, followed immediately by Wakeman's piano intro to Awaken, followed by the majesty of Awaken in full is just, as others say about Awaken alone, a spiritual experience for me. Easily my favorite album side by Yes, and Yes is easily my favorite band of all time.
I'm listening to this album alongside you for the first time as well. Very pleasant piece if a bit of derivative YESness. Jon Anderson's voice has a transporting quality into the song's bright rays. Totally agree with your take. Be interested (one of these days) in hearing your thoughts on Anderson with King Crimson on the epic second side of King Crimson's Lizard album if KC allows it. Cheers.
Whenever I go to edit my countless typos, the edit option doesn't work for some reason. Ugh.
Thank you Rob, I'm glad you're enjoying this alongside with me.
great song, great reaction; have you heard "Heart of the sunrise" or the epic "Close to the edge"?? Masterpieces !!!!
Ty JCA! I've actually done HotS on the channel, but I havent heard Close yet
JustJP
Close to the Edge is absolutely awesome, you are sure to enjoy
While you’re hitting up all the great songs from this album , don’t miss out on *’Roundabout’*
This is another time you’ve hit on an album my long lost drummer friend spoke of... you two have similar taste. Enjoyed it, very much, thank you. No need to reply, just know we want you to keep your sanity for sure. Glad you got to visit Switzerland and kinda know his impressions of what I imagine is breathtaking.
Peace and Music
Thanks so much David🙃
Nothing will ever be the same for you now that you went down the YES rabbit hole.
Haha very true🐇🕳
GR88888 ALBUM AND A GR8 SONG TOO JUSTIN, RIGHT ON! :) TITLE TRACKS GOOD TOO ( GOING FOR THE ONE )
Another Jon Anderson side project was 1981's Jon and Vangelis album The Friends Of Mr.Cairo. The title track's subject matter is old 40's films like Casablanca, and is full of sound effects and voice overs. It runs over 12 min., though they made a 4 min. video of it. It's very different.
As a Lead-in to understanding the genesis of Yes' 'Going for the One' Album, perhaps treat yourself, along with a fine glass or two of Malbec (Red Wine), to Jon Andersons first Solo Adventure, 'Olias of Sunhillow'. The Soundscapes, Storyline, and Album Cover, are of Future/Past Timelessness. 'Olias' came out in 1976. It will amaze. Here's a nice read regarding its making. www.loudersound.com/features/the-story-behind-jon-anderson-s-debut-solo-album-olias-of-sunhillow
I love when progressive artists show the pop world just how to write a 3.5 minute single that is just all class.
So so true
Jon Anderson, the voice of progressive rock.
Rick Wakeman, top two keyboardist all-time.
Chris Squire, greatest all-time progressive bassist.
Steve Howe, top 5 all-time progressive guitarist.
Arguable all-time kings of progressive rock.
Idolized by RUSH.
The band is always so positive. They should call themselves something positive, like Positive, say, or Not Negative.
I prefer Genesis and King Crimson but "Wondrous Stories" is magical.
I mention again Jon Anderson's albums with Vangelis. Jon and Vangelis "The Friends of Mr. Cairo" is a great love song to old movies. "Polonaise" praises the freedom movement during Poland's late Communist period, when to speak out or go on strike meant imprisonment, slave labour, even death. "I'll Find My Way Home" is stunning.
I grew up with this song; such a positive vibe!!!
This song was the first that made me see yes on television. I never saw them playing before. No internet, only 2 channels on TV. Other world, other times.
I had forgotten about this song. Nice surprise.
Top FIVE Songs by YES for me. Can listen to this song over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over...Also LOVE....the song "Parallels"----you need to check this one out.
Ty! Ive actually done the whole album😁
WS (like the whole album) has to be judged in context with 3 previous Yes-albums. The band returned with this album back to writing songs and Wonderous Stories is textbook example of this. Previously they would have most likely fitted this to be a part of a 20-30-minute long epic.
There is a 1989 album from Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe that is very good that almost no one ever mentions. Well worth checking out. I know its probably been 10 years since I played it so I can't remember any specific songs to recommend (actually, after just checking on UA-cam, the song "Birthright" is probably the standout track) but if you can hear some of the longer songs, you may enjoy them.
Hi i just found you by accident and i have to say that the album is one of my favourite one's of all time, now subscribed, good work.
Thanks so much Sean! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos
I can’t get enough from Chris Squire on this masterpiece. It just makes everyone else perfect and more complete.
A strong outing by Yes and an album I have not listened to in, oh, about 30 years. I also need to revisit Chris Squire’s Fish Out of Water.
Oddly enough, Steve Hackett has worked on projects with both Steve Howe (the mildly disappointing 80s pop group GTR) and Chris Squire (the underrated Squackett released in 2012).
should check out Going for the one And Awaken both are brilliant all 5 songs are excellent. At the time Wondrous Stories was their biggest hit and its their progressive hit in my opinion.
Thanks Manhatten! I'll definitely have more Yes
Realy like this positve dreamlike atmosphere ihn this song, especial Jons Singing. Sounds so simple, without beeing dull, the great playing is alway there, without overpowering or beeing showy
Exactly
Just may be my absolute favorite yes song so glad to see this can’t wait to see your reaction good job
Thx David!
you need the feeling of hope growing in your chest? listen to yes.
Excellent review JP.. it is always a lovely few minutes to hear this piece.
Thank you Grey :)
Yes used the same recording studio as Queen by Lake Geneva. That's how Steve Howe ended up on Queens last album. David Bowie used that studio too and that's how Under Pressure happened. It's supposed to be beautiful there. Freddie Mercury's Statue stands there now.
And Yes🌱
Welcome to the land of dry ice and satin capes. This song was a big deal when it was released, a Prog band having a hit single in the UK. Coming out in the era when Punk was in its ascendancy it was like a window into a magical realm, at a time when I was more drawn towards fey romanticism than I am now. Even so, I never found anything else I heard by the band quite so digestible, and it wasn't until I heard Hemispheres by Rush that I really began to have a more expansive view of rock music beyond the confines of the hit single.
A classic Yes track, very likeable. I do feel that it might be better with more centered vocals, they sound slightly back and to the left to me.
I'll have to check it out; thanks Yog!
@@JustJP I think it's the best piece they ever did.
If you like Yes, and especially Jon Anderson's vocals, try Tangerine Dream's "Loved By The Sun". It's a song from the movie "Legend", and I think one of Anderson's best efforts. It'll put you right there in the land of unicorns and "Oona" the fairy.😃
I'm ready for the journey lol!
Ps it's so refreshing to watch someone who knows what there talking about, listen to the album close to the edge especially the title track.
well Justin....it seems you have a keen sense of perception when you say this song sounds so full of joy to you....cause in interviews with the band.... particularly Jon....it is mentioned that the recording of this album was among the happiest experiences in their career...Rick Wakeman had returned....they were all on the exact same page musically..and everything just flowed...glad you gave this a spin...Yes at their best...and Jons beautiful melodies shine....enjoy Awaken!...
Ty Steve!