With one exception that is what is delivered in this absolutely correct Classic Yes compilation released in 1981. The only way this album could be better were if it had nearly all the tracks from these 3 albums but as it is, it is hard to argue with the tracks selected here. Sure some of the classics like Close to the Edge are missing but how could it be otherwise on a single disc release?

Not to take anything away from the classic line-up's performance on Tales From Topographic Oceans or the non-classic line-up from the absolutely classic yes ablum Relayer where Alan White replaced Bruford and Patrick Moraz replaced Wakemen - each of these albums having places at the top of the list for many long-time Yes fans, the framework of this compilation is about as good as a 'best of' assemebly as ever released.

On track, from 1977's Going For The One is also included. Wonderous Stories is the one track outside of this period that both includes the classic line-up and sounds as if it could have been released during the classic period. It is the weakest of these tracks in my own opinion and while certainly some other track could have been selected in its place, it does no harm to the mix with its presence. I should note too that on this track (and the entire Going For The One album), Alan White is the band's drummer.

Classic Yes is the disc I would recommend to those new to Yes and looking for a single album of their best works. For me and many Yes fans this complilation (or any compilation) is totally useless since no 40-something fan of this band would be caught without each Yes release from The Yes Album through Relayer. If for some reason a long-standing Yes fan were missing any of the classic era Yes albums - I would say "shame" and suggest investing in the 3 album (2 CD) live release Yessongs because more is better and these live versions are also excellent. Although Yessongs does not include the track Wonderous Stories it will not be missed as that set includes so many other important classic Yes tracks.