YES "TURN OF THE CENTURY" (reaction) 

I was 17 in 1977 and here I am 46 years later still loving it

Check out "Awaken" on this album, it evokes incredible emotion and comes at you from all angles, sound and instrument wise. Easily one of their top five songs!

I'm yet another saying this is my favorite Yes song. Both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Magical.

This is a LOVE song about a man (Rowan or Roan) and his wife who has died. He imagines/conjures her spirit via sculpture, a bit like the Pygmalion myth. The lyrics are very important to "getting" this song - perhaps more than any other Yes song. I suggest a read through first before the re-listening. The song truly is astounding when heard that way. You noticed the creation of tension and release in the music. It mirrors the actions and emotions of Roan and his wife's spirit. Listening to this song is like witnessing a Celebration of Life of a loved one, and I find it profoundly spiritual - almost a religious experience. About as far from a a rocker or a head banger as you can get. Consider it a prequel for Awaken.

1977...this album rose above the clamour of Punk and gave the world "Awaken" / "Turn of the Century" and "Wonderous Stories! on Yes's strongest album since Relayer.

Amazing how Jon's vocal melody is so fully formed right in the beginning of the song without anything other than Steve Howe's guitar melodies. Wonderful song

"Going For The One", the album, was a distinct change of gears for YES. They had just come off of "Tales From Topographic Oceans" and "Relayer", two of the most epic and musically thick works of prog-rock. "Relayer" was released in '74. "GFTO" was released in '77. For us in the seventies this was a terrible musical drought. Three years without a new YES album. After their early prolific work. When "GFTO" came out we didn't know what to expect after "Relayer". This album was a surprise, but a very pleasant one. Once we got used to it. Prepare for "Awaken". An absolute nugget of pure YES beauty and power. Blessings.

It is just too beautiful. My favorite of all time.

I once read a rock critic saying this album was absurd in light of the Punk movement going on. This critic obviously had it backwards...Punk was absurd in light of Going for The One!

This is my all time favorite song by Yes. Jon and Chris harmonized so well and the playing is superb by all.

Yes played in my city (Liverpool) Monday night and before they came on stage they played a special arrangement of this with a screen montage of their drum Alan White who past away in may it was beautifully done , although Yes aren’t the band they once was it was great to finally catch up with a band I have listened to since late 70’s and everybody correct awaken is an amazing track , nice vid and rounded off a brilliant week reminiscing my youth 👍

Yes wrote and recorded many absolutely beautiful songs and to me, this is one of their best.

This is my all time favorite song Yes ever did. Jon and Chris harmonized so well and everyone played superbly. 1977 if I remember correctly.

Remember seeing this tour and this song. The crowd became super quiet and had a delayed thunderous applause at the end. Lots of eye wiping. Great live versions out.

I love this song. You were asking about the timeline. This was released in 77'. The entire album is great with the epic 18 minute Awaken at the end.

Second only to the breakup of the Beatles, the estrangement of Jon and Steve is rock's biggest tragedy.

Haven't heard this for many, many years. Brings back so many memories of the 1970s. Oh where did those years go? Time picks your pocket of so many things.

The entire Going For The One album is amazing, it's perfect. From 77'.

“Awaken”, for sure. But don’t skip “Wondrous Stories.”

I forgot about the Spanish influence at the beginning until they came back around to it. But that’s what Yes seems to always do-get so far out and make you forget where you started but then seamlessly return to it. This was exactly what I needed to wind down tonight. 👩‍🍳 💋

Happily, just the kind of journey I'd hoped to undertake. Steve Howe remains one of the essential wizards for this particular brand of magic. uh, imo.

The story in this song brings tears to my eyes.. truly beautiful!

This album is super underrated and includes literally the best song ever written, Awaken. Oh, and 1977.

Actually 1977, this is the album where the core of Yes got back together and the melding of ideas did not disappoint. One of the best sonically arranged albums, right up there with " Close to the edge " Awaken next please👍😎

Always a pleasure to listen to this.

To me, this is one of the most beautiful songs created. Granted, I'm a die-hard Yes fan, but if you've listened to this since it was released, you'll undoubtedly agree. It gets better with more listens. And that last section when the acoustic comes in, and all the layers of sounds, just amazing. Thanks for the review!

That was an Alan White song. ❤

Great song ! GFTO has been produced with the clearest sound I've ever heard ! My only regret is that the Roger Dean's cover project had been rejected by the band... When I saw it later on the cover of a Roger Dean's art book without knowing the story, I immediately thought it would have been for sure the perfect cover for this album.

Primordial ART !!!

Read the lyrics to this. That is the whole song which is set in 1900.

I listen to this album from my 14th, now i'am 60 years young and i still listening to this album, it's the most iconic pop album of all times to me, ...3D for your ears...timeless.

Magical yet sweet sound. This and the album touch my heart most

My absolute favorite! Thank you Yes for this and an amazing album!

Jon Anderson’s voice is like a instrument!! Another epic journey!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

The album is from 1977. The original cover that Roger Dean painted was his painting The Flight of Icarus, which showed a naked man, with his arms flying crosswise. Anderson didn't like the cover because they were looking for something stronger and he decided to contact the photography studio Hypgnosis (Pink Floyd album covers). Aubrey Powell, the photographer, suggested the idea of Century Plaza Towers with a naked man in front of the buildings. The colored lines suggest the Hindu concept of Kundalini, the points on the body from which energy flows. The model is one of many that was used by photographers at that time. It must be said that the original melody was composed by drummer Alan White on the piano. One of the most beautiful songs that makes me cry from the first day. For me the best group in the history of rock and many imitated. You have to place yourself in the late 70s with the punk movement, the Bee Gees playing on the radio, etc. Listening to this group was like leaving planet Earth to another world. It sounded galactic. Rick Wakeman had to travel with engineers who installed synthesizers that incorporated new sounds never heard before. Originally they were not defined as prog rock. It was called art-rock because each album was a new concept.

This album "Going For the One" and this song "Turn Of The Century" was released in 1977. Really like many YES albums ahead of it's time. I think this album was one of the inspirations of the 80's sound like the synth and reverb or that echoing sound.

I'm a long time YES fan and this is probably my favorite album. It's hard to pick just one, but if I could only have one, I think this would be it. Enjoyed the reaction.

This album was released 7/7/77. Jon's mystical in many ways, and loves the number seven. One of his solo albums was called _Song_of_Seven_, which I like quite a bit. The sound you're talking about is probably because it was recorded in a cathedral in (IIR) Switzerland. The pipe organ sounds are a, well, huge cathedral pipe organ. A physical setting, not an electronic one ;-) You can hear the acoustics of the space, especially in the quiet part of _Awaken_. When Rick hits those quick notes, you can hear the sounds swirling around in the background. Headphones are definitely recommended. BTW: There are some BTS vids made during the recording of it. One is where Rick keeps messing up the run at the end of _GFTO_. He pours himself a drink and then nails it. He was an active alky at the time.

People MUST follow the lyrics. It's incredibly mind-boggling: Realising a form out of stone Set hands moving Roan shaped his heart Through his working hands Worked to mold his passion into clay Like the sun In his room, his lady She would dance and sing so completely "So be still," he now cries "I have time, oh let clay transform thee so." In the deep cold of night Winter calls, he cries "Don't deny me!" For his lady, deep her illness Time has caught her And will for all reasons take her In the still light of dawn, she dies Helpless hands soul revealing Like leaves we touch, we learn We once knew the story As winter calls he will starve All but to see the stone be life [instrumental] Now Roan, no more tears Set to work his strength So transformed him Realizing a form out of stone His work so absorbed him Could she hear him? Could she see him? All aglow was his room Dazed in this light He would touch her He would hold her Laughing as they danced Highest colors touching others Did her eyes at the turn of the century Tell me plainly How we'll meet, how we'll love Oh, let life so transform me Like leaves we touch, we dance We once knew the story As autumn called And we both remembered all those many years ago I'm sure we know [long instrumental] Was the sign in the day with a touch As I kiss your fingers We walk hands in the sun Memories when we're young love lingers so Was it sun through the haze That made all your looks As warm as moonlight? As a pearl deep your eyes Tears have flown away All the same light Did her eyes at the turn of the century Tell me plainly When we meet, how we'll look As we smile time will leave me clearly Like leaves we touch, we see We will know the story As autumn calls we'll both remember All those many years ago

I love how the electric guitar comes sailing in after the piano buildup, and if you listen to this on a Quad System, with some serious power, turned up as loud as you can handle, this becomes a transcendent experience. I have to feel sorrow for all the people who have yet to listen to Yes without a KILLER home stereo system, with EQ. A whole other experience.

Awaken will blow your Guy's Minds and Hearts. It's Exotic, "Ancient", and Angelic.

This album is the full maturity of the band at the top of their chops. Awaken on this album was their Opus . This was a rough telling of Pygmalion.

Amazing reaction. Today, i am Symphonic Metal fan. And Punk destroyed the Prog Rock, 😡 But now, we hear YES, not a forgotten Punk Band. That is real history.

Hiya guys...good to see you 2 again...Ty for this

Fantastic song and album. If you have not done Awaken from the same album Going For The one may be their best song every!

1997 One of my Favorite Yes album!!!, Just fantastic!!!

Also my favorite Yes song. Howe's acoustic guitar work on this elevates it to one of the coolest things he ever wrote and Wakeman's piano accompaniment is perfect. As others have said, this is from 1977. After 1974, Wakeman left the band and was replaced by Patrick Moraz. But Moraz left after one album, a tour, and a band hiatus while everyone did solo albums. For Going for the One, Wakeman returned and in my mind, helped them write and record one of their best ever albums. Wakeman would leave after the next album (Tormato). By the way, the guy on the cover? Who knows but it isn't a member of the band.

Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman, Chris Squire, Steve Howe . . . Just a few of the best musicians that have ever been. You absolutely cannot go wrong in exploring them, as Yes and as solo artists.

I saw this tour in Dallas 77.

Came out in 77 after a three year break. Nice song.

The 'Going For The One' album, including the song, 'Turn Of The Century' was released in July 1977.

Great song...and yet only my 4th fav of the 5 songs on the album...Awaken is in my top 5 tracks of all time...Going For The One,Parallels, and this are great songs, Wonderous Stories not so much.The album came out in the UK in '77, whilst punk (Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned et al) was turning the music biz upside down for a bit over here. It also heralded the return of Rick Wakeman on keys, who was on fire on this album, telephoning his incredible church organ pieces on Awaken, from Switzerland...hope you are well guys and would love your views on Awaken sometime.Peace, love and bananas :)

1977 ! Cool, eh? Iove that tune because it is at once strange and emotive and kind of sad but also exciting !

It was released in 1977. :-)

I like Going for the One better. The evolution of is YES truly amazing. I'm going to stop gushing on you guys and talk about the music. : )

Not my fav. Yes song, but I love the instrumental bits. "Awaken" is the highlight of the album, but you 'd better relax first, it's a long song.

Going for the One

I'm a very specific Yes fan: I like Relayer. But this wasn't bad at all, either ;-)

Guitar is ...magnifucent

This was the last truly great Yes Album with the classic lineup in the seventies..

This was their 1977 release after a 2 year hiatus while other members worked on other projects. Rick Wakeman rejoined the group which really gave them an exciting kick. The final track 'Awaken' is widely regarded as the 'last great epic of progressive rock'. After this, they explored shorter, tighter arrangements on Tormato, after which, both Jon and Rick left the group and the rest of the guys slugged it out in 1980 with another great album "Drama". But for many fans of the early era, "Going for the One' was the last true YES album. I don't agree, but I must admit it is one of their very best.

It was in 77!

Sleigh bells play a big part

Guitar work is...beyond..

It was released in 1977 I believe

Came out in 1977 .

Not my favorite YES song but it's OK. Like the way it builds. Really a Jon Anderson showcase 👌 The ending goes into the next song Parallels (which is awesome) This album came out in '77 or '78 I believe. This is the first YES tour I saw. In the round at MSG. This might be the first album with Alan White on drums (RIP)

aka Going For The Bum

This song always made me the same feeling. It feels deconstructed. Every instrument isn’t on the same « page » with the other. There’s a kind of delay between them.

Late 70's

The cover was created by Hipgnosis nobody knows who the naked guy is. The buildings are real and live in Los Angeles California.

Don't hear much YES here but you guys took an interesting direction with is choice of YES. It's YES on a different & higher level. It's an exquisite masterpiece , unlike anything accept YES. Still its not typical of their driving syncopated exhilarating works. This 78 YES has always been EXPANDED. LISTEN TO RELAYER! to hear pure deep YES. I can you guys still have an adverse view of YES but in time with a few more trys....

Wait did u just say this felt like 80s yes! You sicken me!

1977

obviously far from typical YES, but a most lovely departure...............

bro is channeling Ray Charles lol. it's not your grove. it's ok.

I happen to be A Gay male who grew up loving--enjoying---tremendously--Yes!!:)) (the--THE Progressive Rock group of my era (the Gay came After--hilariously --to-think, Now,..AFTER the "Going For the One" rock album (IMO--their best ALBUM since "Close to the Edge" and "Fragile" prog-rock albums ...I LOVED this Prog-Rock Album G"FTO" !!!! :))))--i Say I'm Gay t speak of this..um.."couple" of people--He was Ok--she was so very prettily, and astonishingly attractve--just the Art viewpoint--not knowing them (her) at all--May they both trive in their lives !!:)))

9

77

its from 1977

A pleasant, yet somewhat fiddly track to my ears. Almost as if the backing for an overly flowery ballet, filled with too many twiddles and whatnots. Hm. Too many notes, too many notes! Album was from '77. Prog was falling out of fashion in UK, so Yes were trying to change their sound; not sure if this really appealed to a wider audience tho. More changes forthcoming.... Nice reaction guys!

Not my favorite song or album, but, hey, it's Yes, yes?

Yes, it is a nice, meaningful song - Yes did a lot of more powerful and exceptional complex songs. Sorry to say that the whole Going for... Album didn't aged well for me. I used to love this song, I had played it to my english coaching teacher, i want to know the meaning of the lyrics that I didn't understand in these days. Nowadays I find it a bit cheesy, so sorry, i once loved it.

Meh, it's alright but it ain't no Sex Pistols. Amiright?

Reaction was so false ! This song needs listening to at least 4 times before you can understand or even feel it ! Jokers

There is NO reaction form you two. Absolutely terrible. Why bother……,ohh yeah clicks equal $$

Not one of my favorites. Too mellow.